It seems unlikely that someone would offer the gothic veterans of The Cure a performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Singer Robert Smith has nevertheless canceled as a precaution. “I hate to disappoint everyone, but despite the rumours, we won’t be headlining the World Cup opening ceremony,” Smith quipped on Twitter.
“And I’ve also informed Gareth Southgate that I’m not available for selection,” Smith added. Gareth Southgate has been the head coach of the England national team since 2016. “And in case you’re interested, Psychic Bob predicts no one will win but Qatar.” Smith also expressed his opinion on the World Cup with the hashtag #breadandcircuses.
HATE TO DISAPPOINT EVERYONE, BUT DESPITE THE RUMOURS WE WILL NOT BE HEADLINING THE WORLD CUP OPENING CEREMONY #breadandcircuses
— ROBERT SMITH (@RobertSmith) November 14, 2022
Smith was reacting to the cancellations of other prominent artists. Most recently, Rod Stewart said in an interview that he had been offered over a million dollars to play in Qatar. But he refused. Dua Lipa also denied rumors about a possible appearance: there had been no negotiations.
AND I HAVE ALSO INFORMED GARETH SOUTHGATE I AM UNAVAILABLE FOR SELECTION #breadandcircuses
— ROBERT SMITH (@RobertSmith) November 14, 2022
As the only officially confirmed artist, BTS member Jung Kook has been announced for the opening ceremony of the World Cup. Robbie Williams and the Black Eyed Peas, among others, are to appear in the accompanying music program “Qatar Live”. The 2022 World Cup will take place from November 20th to December 18th, 2022. Because of the human rights situation in Qatar, there has been strong criticism of the World Cup being awarded to the Gulf Emirates.
AND IF YOU’RE INTERESTED, PSYCHIC BOB PREDICTS NO-ONE WILL WIN BUT QATAR #breadandcircuses
— ROBERT SMITH (@RobertSmith) November 14, 2022