The Cure’s lead singer Robert Smith blasted FIFA’s World Cup Final Halftime Show, set to feature music from Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and more.
“The purpose isn’t really about who’s curating or performing, it’s concerning the #mugwank ideas of a football World Cup final half time show,” Smith, 67, vented via Instagram on Thursday, July 16.
Ahead of the heavily-anticipated Sunday, July 9, match between Argentina and Spain at Metlife Stadium in Latest Jersey, the musician mocked a FIFA press statement that described the Halftime Show as a “groundbreaking spectacle” that may “rejoice football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the ultimate whistle.”
Smith added his own unique caption, writing, “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH…”
Robert Smith of The Cure SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images
The singer hashtagged his post with references to “bread and circuses” — a political metaphor for superficially appealing to the masses — together with “#MUGWANK” “#pleasejustf***off” to make his contempt undeniable.
In a second post, Smith clarified he was not upset with the performers who signed on to perform through the show — he simply opposed the concept of a ceremony involving FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump handing the World Cup trophy to the winning team.
“Sadly, there aren’t enough A’s left for the ‘ARGH’ that ought to follow,” he quipped.
FIFA announced in May that Coldplay’s Chris Martin was curating a World Cup Final Halftime Show featuring Madonna, 67, BTS and Shakira to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which goals to boost $100 million to supply education opportunities and access to football training for youngsters internationally.
“Acting at the World Cup final in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is deeply meaningful to me,” Madonna said on the time. “Without education, children are denied opportunity before they actually have a likelihood. Every child deserves access to a top quality learning — because education expands possibilities and creates lasting change.”
Earlier this month, FIFA expanded its all-star lineup by adding Bieber, 32, Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy, L.A. Philharmonic director Gustavo Dudamel and viral sensation PS 22 Chorus.
Since releasing her debut album in 1983, Madonna has rarely been out of the general public eye — and she or he’s never stopped delivering floor-filling pop hits. Born in Bay City, Michigan, in 1958, Madonna — whose full name is Madonna Louise Ciccone — began dancing as a child after convincing her dad to let her study […]
“The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can,” Bieber, 32, said on July 8. “I’m grateful to be a part of this Halftime Show, and much more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for youngsters all over the world.”
Burna Boy added, “The FIFA World Cup is one in all the few moments that really brings your complete world together. To represent Africa on the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show is a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take flippantly. I’m honored to be a part of a performance that not only celebrates football and culture but additionally helps create greater opportunities for youngsters through education all over the world.”
FIFA has also confirmed that its Halftime Show will feature appearances from The Muppets and characters from Sesame Street.