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 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,” 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 New Jersey, the musician mocked a FIFA press statement that described the Halftime Show as a “groundbreaking spectacle” that will “celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.”
Smith added his own unique caption, writing, “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH…”
The singer hashtagged his post with references to “bread and circuses” — a political metaphor for superficially appealing to the masses — along 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 during the show — he simply opposed the idea 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 are not enough A’s left for the ‘ARGH’ that should 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 aims to raise $100 million to provide education opportunities and access to football training for children across the world.
“Performing at the World Cup final in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is deeply meaningful to me,” Madonna said at the time. “Without education, children are denied opportunity before they even have a chance. Every child deserves access to a 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.
“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 part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world.”
Burna Boy added, “The FIFA World Cup is one of the few moments that truly brings the entire 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 lightly. I’m honored to be part of a performance that not only celebrates football and culture but also helps create greater opportunities for children through education around the world.”
FIFA has also confirmed that its Halftime Show will feature appearances from The Muppets and characters from Sesame Street.
