Cure Frontman Robert Smith Flays World Cup Final Halftime Show
TL;DR
Robert Smith of The Cure blasted FIFA’s World Cup Final halftime show on social media, posting a profanity-laden jab before clarifying he wasn’t aiming at the performers; the controversy centers on the show’s length—with reports of an 11-minute cut versus longer estimates—and the event’s Chris Martin-curated lineup including Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS, plus orchestral tributes conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, as The Cure continue touring Europe.
- The Cure’s Robert Smith Slams FIFA’s World Cup Final Halftime Show: ‘Just F— Off’ Variety
- Why the World Cup half-time show may be a taste of things to come BBC
- World Cup 2026 final: Closing ceremony and half-time show – what to know Al Jazeera
- It’s a Crowded and Contested World Cup Halftime Show The New York Times
- The FIFA World Cup Halftime Show Breaks A Longstanding Tradition Forbes
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