The Cure singer Robert Smith has further explained why he disapproves of the forthcoming FIFA World Cup final halftime show.
The first official halftime performance in World Cup final history will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey this Sunday, July 19. Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS are scheduled to appear.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is overseeing the 11 minute production, which will benefit the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The organisation is working to collect $100 million to improve children’s access to education and football around the world.
Yesterday, Thursday July 16, Smith shared a characteristically direct reaction through The Cure’s official Instagram account, placing much of his criticism on FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The musician objected to Infantino describing the performance as a “groundbreaking spectacle” that would “celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle”.
Expressing his anger over the statement, Smith concluded: “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH… #Breadandcircuses #MUGWANK #pleasejustfuckoff.”
The vocalist later clarified his position in a separate message. “Sigh,” Smith opened, before continuing in his familiar capitalised writing style.
“For those of us not quite getting it: the point is not really about who is curating or performing, it is about the #mugwank ideas of a football World Cup final half time show,” he wrote.
“If you now understand my ‘aaaaaaagh!’ a bit better, but still don’t agree, please adjust your red cap, your ‘I ? janny + donny + $$$’ Tshirt and… knock yourself out? Onwards… RSX.
Smith then addressed his mention of Donald Trump, adding: “PS. Infantosser has said he and US President Trumpton will small hand over [the] trophy on Sunday. Sadly, there are not enough a’s left for the ‘argh’ that should follow… #breadandcircuses #pleasejustfuckoff #fuckfifa #justlookup.”
His remarks followed confirmation that Trump would attend Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina. Infantino has stated that the US president will join him in presenting the World Cup trophy to the champions in New Jersey, according to The Guardian.
The Cure. CREDIT: Press
“Yes, hopefully we’ll present the trophy together in the final,” Infantino explained. “That’s always been the plan, and that’s how it’s always been done in the past – the President of the country where the final is held presents the trophy together with the FIFA President.”
Last autumn, an ICE promotional social media post that used The Cure’s ‘Friday I’m In Love’ was deleted after an official removal request was submitted.
Smith also commented on the controversy surrounding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, joking: “Despite the rumours [The Cure] will not be headlining the World Cup opening ceremony.” He included the hashtag #breadandcircuses on that occasion as well.
Elsewhere, Liam Gallagher reacted to England’s defeat in the World Cup semifinals, while Mick Jagger became the subject of a viral meme following his response to the team conceding against Argentina.
Meanwhile, Robbie Williams has unveiled a fresh version of the Official FIFA Anthem ‘Desire’ before the World Cup final. He is also due to perform during the competition’s closing ceremony.
The Cure are presently touring throughout the UK and Europe. Last week, the group revealed that Eden, the son of Simon Gallup, would temporarily replace the longtime bassist after he became unwell shortly before the first of three Berlin concerts.
The group recently appeared at Open’er in Poland, the Isle Of Wight Festival and several other events across Europe. Major outdoor concerts in Manchester and Edinburgh are planned for next month. Remaining tickets can be found here.
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