Roger O’Donnell, keyboardist for The Cure, has shared details about his recent battle with aggressive lymphoma and how it influenced his new solo album, ‘Projections’. The album, released on his 70th birthday, marks a return to his electronic roots and reflects on his journey back to health and music.
Key Takeaways
- Roger O’Donnell battled and overcame an aggressive form of lymphoma in 2023-2024.
- His new solo album, ‘Projections’, is his eighth and leans into minimal electronica.
- The album reflects on his health journey without focusing solely on his illness.
- O’Donnell encourages early medical consultation for symptoms and trusts modern medicine.
- The Cure plans extensive festival touring in 2026, with a new album potentially following.
Returning to Music After Illness
O’Donnell spoke to NME about ‘Projections’, his eighth solo album. He explained that the record was created following his recovery from lymphoma. The musician expressed a sense of gratitude for being alive and able to make music again after a challenging period.
During his treatment in 2023-2024, O’Donnell found it difficult to engage with musical instruments due to intense emotional responses. He described being unable to touch an instrument without becoming overwhelmed. His return to the studio marked a significant step in his recovery process.
"It was just nice to be alive, for one thing! And nice to make music again. During the treatment I was so emotional the whole time that I couldn’t touch an instrument – I would just burst into tears."
The Sound of ‘Projections’
‘Projections’ was released on October 29, O’Donnell’s 70th birthday. The album explores his interest in minimal electronica, a genre he previously touched upon in the early 2000s. He noted that he felt there was an unfinished aspect to those earlier electronic works, leading him to create a third album in this style.
While his first two electronic records relied heavily on a Moog Voyager synthesizer, ‘Projections’ incorporates a wider range of instruments. This broader palette allowed him more creative freedom while still maintaining the electronic core he aimed to complete. The album's sound is described as stripped-back but warm, evoking a "wintry embrace."
Album Details
- Title: Projections
- Artist: Roger O’Donnell
- Release Date: October 29 (O’Donnell’s 70th birthday)
- Album Number: Eighth solo album
- Genre: Minimal electronica
Overcoming Lymphoma and Public Disclosure
Last year, O’Donnell publicly shared his diagnosis of an aggressive form of lymphoma. He has since announced that he has successfully beaten the cancer. This recovery allowed him to return to his creative work with renewed energy.
He was determined not to make an album solely about his illness. Instead, ‘Projections’ serves as a period of reflection, looking at his past, present, and future as a musician. O’Donnell believes the album successfully captures his current musical identity and influences.
His decision to go public with his diagnosis was partly inspired by other public figures like Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 and Jeff Bridges, who also faced similar health challenges. O’Donnell hoped that sharing his experience would offer hope and reassurance to others facing cancer.
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in infection-fighting cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes. These cells are in the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and other parts of the body. When a person has lymphoma, lymphocytes grow out of control, forming tumors.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Others
O’Donnell stressed the importance of seeking medical attention for any concerning symptoms. He admitted to delaying his own check-up in early 2023, even while touring the US. He urged others not to be embarrassed or scared to see a doctor.
"First of all, if you’ve got any kind of symptoms then go see a doctor. Don’t put it off. I put it off... For god’s sake: don’t be embarrassed and don’t be scared. They can fix most things these days. The thing they can’t do is wind back time."
He also highlighted his faith in modern medicine, describing advanced treatments that target cancer cells at a cellular level. O’Donnell has been actively involved in fundraising for Lymphoma Org, an organization he praises for its cutting-edge research and proximity to finding a cure.
The Cure's Future and New Music
After his recovery, O’Donnell quickly rejoined The Cure for several performances, including shows at The Troxy and the BBC. He described these return performances as surreal, feeling as though nothing had changed despite his recent health challenges.
The band is preparing for an extensive schedule of festival appearances in 2026. Confirmed dates include the Isle of Wight, Primavera Sound in Spain, Norway’s Øya, Rock En Seine in France, Austria’s Nova Rock, and Open’er in Poland. There will also be major outdoor shows across the UK and Ireland.
O’Donnell expressed his enthusiasm for festival tours, noting their less intense schedule compared to traditional tours. He enjoys the opportunity to interact with other bands and the generally upbeat atmosphere of festivals. He views it as a "part-time job" that allows him to return home during the week.
The Next Cure Album
There has been speculation about the follow-up to The Cure’s 2022 album, ‘Songs Of A Lost World’. Robert Smith, the band’s frontman, reportedly aimed to complete the new album before the 2026 tour. However, O’Donnell stated he has limited information.
He mentioned that drummer Jason Cooper recorded many drum tracks in April. While there was talk of the band reuniting to play, O’Donnell has not heard much recently. He believes Smith might be in a deep creative mode, as he has been quiet about progress.
O’Donnell hopes the new album will not take another 18 years to release, a reference to the long gap before ‘Songs Of A Lost World’. He was pleasantly surprised by the success of their last album and remains confident in the band's quality. "There’s a bar that The Cure never drops below, so it’s always going to be fantastic – it’s just about whether it’s going to be mega or not."
The Cure will be touring throughout 2026. Fans can find more information and tickets on official channels. Roger O’Donnell’s solo album, ‘Projections’, is available now.