One hundred thousand people wanted a ticket to The Cure’s 30th anniversary of their seminal album Disintegration and only ten thousand lotto winners able to witness this potentially last ever show. It was with privilege and reverence that this selected group bore witness to the biggest draw card of Vivid Festival on this auspicious opening night.

As the audience took to their seats, a crackling of thunder reverberated around the concert hall. Its world class acoustics building anticipation for the start of the album that was to be performed in full. The dramatic lead in sound of thunder gave way to Plainsong as the explosive opener catapulted not just the band but that of the entire experience into reality.

The unmistakable chimes of Pictures of You was a moment of pure nostalgia with one's mind recalling the video clip of the boys in the snow and how this track cemented itself firmly into The Cure's best of. A feat that comes with stiff competition when considering the singles coming from this definitive record.

The haunting keys of Closedown by Roger O'Donnell filled the room and as they echoed in time with the raindrop drumming of Jason Cooper, it was a moment to collect one’s thoughts and move from initial excitement of seeing the band and delve into hearing the band.

There was an affection in the crowd that was beyond a single, an album and that of decades. A deeply personal and intimate connection transduced by The Cure that was perfectly summarised by Lovesong.

Watching Robert Smith waiting for the synth and drum intro of Last Dance was a case of witnessing those subtle mannerisms that are his signature moves. A brief wavy arm and shimmy leg jostle, coupled with coy and timid glances into the stalls of fans who when realising Bob was staring in their direction, leaped up with awe and joy, waving back in appreciation to which Smith did the same but in the cutest way imaginable by this gothic icon.

The white spider web that was draped over the stage, risers and amps all become apparent when Lullaby began. As Smith detailed the experience of being consumed by a spider, the web visuals were strewn across the large screen backdrop to great effect.

It was the tumbling baselines with their thick and sludgy loops that heralded the start of Fascination Street and brought a seated audience collectively to their feet. A sideways glance in any direction saw the audience not just "move to the beat" but mouth every word of the song in something of a symbonic release. With the band remaining relatively static on stage in their respective positions it was Simon (Gallup) who was highly active with his low slung bass and frequent visits to the monitors for a little extra height and audience engagement. Hints of their earlier punk roots still evident albeit several albums down the musical road from whence they started.

The back masking intro of the epic Prayers for Rain ebbed and flowed with its cacophony sounds. Illuminating only his wiry hair, smeared red lip stick and dark guitar, Smith cut a pose reminiscent of the iconic 'Boy's Don't Cry' imagery that was made so famous by the Three Imaginary Boys album. Holding and sustaining the word “rain” until every oxygen molecule was expelled, all whilst being perfectly cast under a solitary spot light.

Running at almost ten minutes in duration, the marathon track The Same Deep Water as You was one that showed The Cure as a whole, greater than the sums of its parts. Each member’s contribution remarkably equal with little need to check in with one other, having performed together for such a long period of time and with such synchronization.

The swirling shoegaze of Homesick was a sombre reminder that for those who knew the track listing of Disintegration, meant that the set was drawing to a close. As the organs began and the cascading drums of Untitled started, it signalled the end. The timeless piece that Disintegration is was winding down but to hear the album in full and in such a phenomenal venue was truly special and to share it one last time was a moment that was worth the wait. An indefinable band whose influence has reverberated around the world for over four decades and still all these years on, simply leave one wanting for more.

Fortunately there was an encore which consisted of previously unreleased demos. It was not only a treat hear but an even greater treat to see Bob smile as he introduced the tunes and thanked the audience.