I never imagined that there was a scenario where I might care even less about football. Who knew?
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I think itâs going to be the least watched World Cup ever, only Americans will be tuning in.
I wouldnât be surprised if by the time we get to it there will be several countries that decide to boycott the competition.
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Likewise.
The most formulaic, inoffensive and instantly forgettable music Iâve ever heard.
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Thereâs one Coldplay tune that is catchy (Viva La Vida) but otherwise mostly meh.
As for having a half-time thing, that must be because US television needs to sell more advertising.
I suppose it would make a change from Ron Manager talking about jumpers for goalposts. 
I disagree with you about Coldplay. I think theyâre great at writing memorable and/or anthemic songs.
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The only song of theirs I like is âFix Youâ but not by them. In fact I had never heard of them when I heard it and to me it is by miles the best version. There was a group of very elderly singers formed in New England many years ago and we saw them on a Channel 4 documentary before travelling to Angers to see them in person.
But âFix Meâ by Fred Knittle was outstanding and emotional in his very distinctive deep voice. He is, of course, like almost all of the others then, long gone now.
Oh dear, just listened again and it all came back, when we used to listen to it together. 
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The thing about anthems is that they tend to be very dull outside of mass gatherings.
Get Mick and the Stones to play instead. Everyone would remember that - Coldplay, heard once and then forgotten.
Certainly the Stones would be a better fit for football, though still not enough to make me (or @JohnH I suspect) want to watch the sports part of the afternoon.
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Whatâs the betting that they (the totally corrupt FIFA) will increase the half time period to fit all this "entertainment " in.
Many years ago I saw the Stones at Wembley stadium, England were playing Germany (I think) in the euros (I think) and it got to a penalty shoot-out and Mick stopped the gig so he could watch it on TV
The Italians do Coldplay better than Coldplay⌠(a video made during Covid lockdown)
(featuring the ultra-gorgeous Mara Botisio at 1:10 secs ) 
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Sod Coldplay, get these lads in for the Mexican matches!
Another lockdown classic - Hawkwindâs âSilver Machineâ performed by the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain:
And note this in the comments:
I saw them performing the other day on telly but they kept fading the music out to allow the presenter to keep talking 
Gosh a blast from my teens, used to go and see them in concert regularly. Got all their vinyls and even now get a yearning to sit down, shut my eyes and play Space Ritual all the way through. Same with Uriah Heep - a dose of Salisbury to relax to. Wonder if Lemmy looked down on that video.
Sorry Chris, I so disagree. Yes, itâs lovely but the Italians have turned it into something sweet and luscious whereas the original is a ferocious indictment of the appalling corruption of power. Thereâs a harshness and sadness to Coldplayâs singing which is necessary. I hope they play it at the World Cup. It has never been more appropriate.
It was a wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldnât believe what Iâd become.
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringinâ
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason, I canât explain
I know Saint Peter wonât call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
I think it is one of the best pop anthems ever written.
Ah so beards are your thing?!
