Some songs refuse to age. The Cure’s “Boys Don’t Cry” is one of them, a three minute shrug at emotional repression that somehow turned into a lifelong anthem. Now, with the track officially clocking over one billion streams on Spotify, the band have cracked open the vault and given the 1986 version its long overdue moment.
Originally released as a standalone single in 1979 and later repurposed as the title track for the US edition of “Three Imaginary Boys”, “Boys Don’t Cry” has always existed in multiple realities. In 1986, Robert Smith re recorded the vocal and remixed the track to promote “Standing On A Beach , The Singles”. That sharper, slightly glossier take became a cult favourite, but until now it lived mostly on old CDs and fading memories.
For the first time ever, “Boys Don’t Cry (86 Mix)” is available on streaming services. Not just dumped online either, this is a brand new 2026 remaster by Matt Colton, complete with an exclusive Atmos mix. The digital and CD reissue also includes the original B sides “Plastic Passion”, “Pillbox Tales” and “Do The Hansa”, all freshly remastered.
The CD edition is available now via the band’s official channels, while vinyl lovers can grab 7 inch and 12 inch versions from April 21. It’s a small release on paper, but culturally it matters. This is The Cure quietly correcting history, making sure one of their most important alternate takes finally lives where modern listeners actually are.
Same song. Different voice. Still hits like a confession whispered at the back of a club, lights too bright, feelings very much intact.
Boy's Don't Cry (86 Mix)
CD & Digital - 30/01
Boys Don’t Cry (86 Mix) [2026 Remaster]
Plastic Passion (79 Mix) [2026 Remaster]
Pillbox Tales (86 Mix) [2026 Remaster]
Do The Hansa (86 Mix) [2026 Remaster]
Boys Don’t Cry (86 12″ Mix) [2026 Remaster]
12” Single - 21/04
A-Side
Boys Don’t Cry (86 Mix) [2026 Remaster]
Boys Don’t Cry (86 12″ Mix) [2026 Remaster]
B-Side
Plastic Passion (79 Mix) [2026 Remaster]
Pillbox Tales (86 Mix) [2026 Remaster]
Do The Hansa (86 Mix) [2026 Remaster]
7” Single - 21/04
A-Side
Boys Don’t Cry (86 Mix) [2026 Remaster]
B-Side
Plastic Passion (79 Mix) [2026 Remaster]
