The Story Behind Robert Smith's Involvement in The Rolling Stones' New Album

Robert Smith (Instagram @robertsmith)

JAKARTA - The Cure vocalist, Robert Smith, made a surprising confession regarding his latest collaboration project with the legendary British band, The Rolling Stones.

As is known, Robert Smith contributed his guitar playing in Mick Jagger's latest song, "Divine Intervention", which was included in the album "Foreign Tongues".

Not only that, Smith also provided his voice as a background vocalist as well as synthesizer play on another track titled "Never Wanna Lose You".

Smith recounted that he was able to be stranded in the studio with the Stones' personnel because of his relationship with Andrew Watt, the producer of the album "Foreign Tongues".

Watt contacted Smith last year. The producer invited him to Metropolis Studios in Chiswick to enjoy a beer together. At that time, the process of recording basic instruments was reportedly complete and left Mick Jagger to finish the vocals.

However, Smith was hesitant to come to the studio because he understood very well how the recording situation required full concentration.

"I know what it's like to be in a studio, especially when you're singing. The last thing you want is a guest presence. It sounds a bit sad, but the dynamics and atmosphere are a very crucial part of what you want to accomplish," said Robert Smith, quoted by NME, Thursday, June 2.

"And the worst thing in the world is people who barge in, party while you're trying to do something. So, I said I'll wait at the bar until they're done," he continued.

After getting the green light from Mick Jagger through an assistant, Smith finally entered the control room. Behind the glass, he saw the legendary singer singing.

The meeting quickly thawed after Jagger greeted him very warmly and started playing their new songs to ask for input.

Under the influence of the drinks served in the studio, their conversation became more and more loose. In that moment, Jagger spontaneously invited him to take part in the album.

"I was enjoying the treats and my tongue was getting stiff, and my memory, my suggestions were getting more ridiculous, as they often do. And then out of nowhere (Jagger) said, 'Are you interested in doing something on this album?' And I was like, 'Whoa, wait a minute!' And he said, 'Oh, play a little guitar...' And I was like, 'Fine...' I wasn't really prepared for that," Smith recalled.

"And to everyone's amazement, I said, 'No, thank you, I can't do that.' I went there actually just hoping to get drunk. And I didn't expect to play on The Rolling Stones album," he added.

But the rejection softened after Mick Jagger went home and left Smith alone with Andrew Watt in the studio. After some time passed, Smith's curiosity arose until he finally decided to plug in his guitar and try to play some songs. The organic collaboration was finally created.

On the other hand, Mick Jagger in his interview with NME praised Robert Smith's contribution to the song "Divine Intervention". Jagger described Smith's guitar playing as a typical indie music excerpt.

For information, the album "Foreign Tongues" itself is confirmed to be one of the most anticipated releases this year because it also includes old material from their late drummer, Charlie Watts, as well as contributions from other great musicians such as Paul McCartney and Steve Winwood.