Lol Tolhurst Launches 2026 Legends Live & Local in Santa Cruz

Founding member of The Cure joins local bands for the launch of new music mentorship series

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Lol Tolhurst, founding drummer of the iconic British goth rock band The Cure, is coming to Santa Cruz to help launch a new music series called "Legends Live & Local." Tolhurst will be joined by David J, formerly of the bands Bauhaus and Love & Rockets, to perform with local bands Swan Porter and Trestles at the event on February 27th. The goal of the series is to provide exposure and mentorship opportunities for up-and-coming local musicians.

Why it matters

The Cure and Bauhaus were hugely influential bands that helped define the goth rock genre, and their members coming to Santa Cruz to collaborate with local artists is a unique opportunity for the community. The Legends Live & Local series aims to support the local music scene and give young bands a chance to learn from experienced musicians.

The details

Tolhurst was a founding member of The Cure, serving as the band's drummer in the early years before transitioning to keyboards and synthesizers. He has visited Santa Cruz before, including a 2025 performance at the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur. Tolhurst and David J will be performing hits from their respective bands, as well as sharing stories and insights with the audience. The local bands Swan Porter and Trestles were personally selected by Tolhurst and David J to participate in the event.

  • The Legends Live & Local event is taking place on Friday, February 27, 2026.
  • Tolhurst previously performed in Santa Cruz in 2025 at the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur.

The players

Lol Tolhurst

Founding member and former drummer of the British goth rock band The Cure.

David J

Former member of the bands Bauhaus and Love & Rockets, known for their dark, gloomy sound and influence on the goth genre.

Swan Porter

A local Santa Cruz band that was personally selected by Tolhurst and David J to perform at the Legends Live & Local event.

Trestles

A local Santa Cruz band that was personally selected by Tolhurst and David J to perform at the Legends Live & Local event.

Matthew Swinnerton

A local promoter who is launching the Legends Live & Local series in Santa Cruz.

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What they’re saying

“It's important not because of me, but because I see how it is for young bands starting now. In the 70s or 80s, we could exist by touring colleges, four to five shows a week. We didn't have to do anything else, and we could survive. I think that's pretty impossible for young bands now. That's a cause that's close to my heart.”

— Lol Tolhurst, Founding member of The Cure (goodtimes.sc)

“In times of crisis, music and art rises to define that [community].”

— Lol Tolhurst, Founding member of The Cure (goodtimes.sc)

What’s next

The Legends Live & Local series is planned to continue with 8 events in 2026, with specific dates to be announced.

The takeaway

The Legends Live & Local event in Santa Cruz provides a unique opportunity for the local music community to learn from and perform alongside influential artists like Lol Tolhurst and David J. By mentoring young bands and showcasing their talents, the series aims to support the growth and development of the Santa Cruz music scene.