Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
🎵 The soundtrack to Santa Cruz summer starts May 29. Event Santa Cruz Midtown Fridays returns with FREE live music every Friday through Aug 28. Full lineup + info: eventsantacruz.com/event/event-santa-cruz-midtown-fridays-summer-block-party-2026
An intimate, in-depth conversation with Lol Tolhurst (The Cure) and David J (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets), recorded live in Santa Cruz, California.
Over 45 minutes, they share stories from the early days of post-punk, the evolution of their music, and the moments that shaped their careers — along with reflections on songs that continue to resonate decades later.
Interviewed and hosted by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike and Matthew Swinnerton.
This interview was part of a special Event Santa Cruz show connecting iconic musicians with local artists Trestles and Swan Porter for a night of conversation and live collaboration.
🎥 Watch the full performances from this night on our channel
🎥 Filmed at Hwy17 Studios
hwy17studios.com
Edited by Bennett Swinnerton
The entire evening was beautifully documented by Natalie Sweeting of Through the Bird’s Eye Photography, capturing the emotion, energy, and intimacy of the event. throughthebirdseyephotography.com/promotional
Huge thank you to our partners for supporting this series:
City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Department, Studio Holladay, Lookout Santa Cruz, Capitola Mall, Bay Federal Credit Union, and Hotel Paradox.
Presented by Event Santa Cruz
Connect with us:
Subscribe at: YouTube.com/EventSantaCruz
Newsletter Sign up: eepurl.com/ctfOLD
Facebook Facebook.com/EventSantaCruz
Instagram Instagram.com/EventSantaCruz
Website eventsantacruz.com
#santacruz
💬 Standout Moments from the Interview:
• “We were authentic… we were real to ourselves, and that communicated to the audience.”
• “In times of crisis, music always surges… that’s a natural human response.”
• “We did 10,000 hours before we even played a gig.”
• “It’s much harder for bands now… most gigs barely pay for gas.”
• “You have to be true to yourself… it has to come from your inner core.”
This conversation dives into:
• The early days of The Cure, Bauhaus, and Love and Rockets
• How post-punk bands developed their sound
• The difference between the 1980s music scene and today
• Songwriting and creative process
• Advice for new musicians
One of the most powerful moments comes when David J shares the story behind writing a song about David Bowie — written the same night he heard the news, with the lyrics pouring out in real time.
If you're a fan of Depeche Mode, The Cure, Love & Rockets, Bauhaus, post-punk, alternative music, or just want real insight into what it takes to build something lasting in music — this conversation is for you.
🎵 The soundtrack to Santa Cruz summer starts May 29. Event Santa Cruz Midtown Fridays returns with FREE live music every Friday through Aug 28. Full lineup + info: eventsantacruz.com/event/event-santa-cruz-midtown-fridays-summer-block-party-2026
An intimate, in-depth conversation with Lol Tolhurst (The Cure) and David J (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets), recorded live in Santa Cruz, California.
Over 45 minutes, they share stories from the early days of post-punk, the evolution of their music, and the moments that shaped their careers — along with reflections on songs that continue to resonate decades later.
Interviewed and hosted by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike and Matthew Swinnerton.
This interview was part of a special Event Santa Cruz show connecting iconic musicians with local artists Trestles and Swan Porter for a night of conversation and live collaboration.
🎥 Watch the full performances from this night on our channel
🎥 Filmed at Hwy17 Studios
hwy17studios.com
Edited by Bennett Swinnerton
The entire evening was beautifully documented by Natalie Sweeting of Through the Bird’s Eye Photography, capturing the emotion, energy, and intimacy of the event. throughthebirdseyephotography.com/promotional
Huge thank you to our partners for supporting this series:
City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Department, Studio Holladay, Lookout Santa Cruz, Capitola Mall, Bay Federal Credit Union, and Hotel Paradox.
Presented by Event Santa Cruz
Connect with us:
Subscribe at: YouTube.com/EventSantaCruz
Newsletter Sign up: eepurl.com/ctfOLD
Facebook Facebook.com/EventSantaCruz
Instagram Instagram.com/EventSantaCruz
Website eventsantacruz.com
#santacruz
💬 Standout Moments from the Interview:
• “We were authentic… we were real to ourselves, and that communicated to the audience.”
• “In times of crisis, music always surges… that’s a natural human response.”
• “We did 10,000 hours before we even played a gig.”
• “It’s much harder for bands now… most gigs barely pay for gas.”
• “You have to be true to yourself… it has to come from your inner core.”
This conversation dives into:
• The early days of The Cure, Bauhaus, and Love and Rockets
• How post-punk bands developed their sound
• The difference between the 1980s music scene and today
• Songwriting and creative process
• Advice for new musicians
One of the most powerful moments comes when David J shares the story behind writing a song about David Bowie — written the same night he heard the news, with the lyrics pouring out in real time.
If you're a fan of Depeche Mode, The Cure, Love & Rockets, Bauhaus, post-punk, alternative music, or just want real insight into what it takes to build something lasting in music — this conversation is for you.
