American Football Released Acoustic Cure Cover
The band dropped a reimagined version of The Cure's Boys Don't Cry alongside an acoustic track.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Alternative
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American Football released an acoustic cover of The Cure's 1979 song 'Boys Don't Cry' following a studio performance. The track was released on October 14, 2026, alongside an acoustic version of their own song 'Wake Her Up'.
Why it matters
Lead singer Mike Kinsella cited The Cure as a fundamental influence on his development as both a songwriter and a person. Robert Smith, lead singer of The Cure, publicly praised the rendition as one of the most heartfelt covers he has heard.
This release marks only the second cover song in American Football's 30-year discography, following their 2021 take on 'Fade Into You'. The songs were recorded during an appearance on SiriusXMU.
The players
American Football
This is an American rock band that has maintained a career spanning 30 years.
Mike Kinsella
He is the lead singer of American Football who credited The Cure as a primary influence on his songwriting.
Robert Smith
He is the frontman of The Cure who praised the band's acoustic cover of his song.
PLUS1
This is an organization the band is partnering with to manage charitable donations from concert ticket sales.
The details
The band reinterpreted 'Boys Don't Cry' by replacing the original guitar jangle with spindly guitars, slowing the tempo, and incorporating a trumpet solo. These tracks were officially released as the 'Wake Her Up / Boys Don't Cry (SiriusXM Session)' EP.
Timeline
1979: The Cure released the original version of Boys Don't Cry.
2021: American Football released a cover of Fade Into You.
Summer 2026: The band performed the cover during a SiriusXMU appearance.
October 14, 2026: The band officially released the two acoustic tracks.
November 28 - December 20, 2026: Remaining tour dates for the No Feeling World Tour.
Industry Dynamics
The release marks a rare expansion of the band's cover catalog, following the precedent set by their 2021 release of Fade Into You. It reflects a growing trend of established artists utilizing intimate, stripped-back sessions to engage fans during active tour cycles.
Listeners can stream the new acoustic tracks immediately on major digital platforms. Fans attending the band's upcoming shows will contribute $1 per ticket to organizations supporting refugees and immigrant rights through the band's partnership with PLUS1.
The takeaway
The band's shift toward acoustic reinterpretation demonstrates how classic songs can be revitalized through specific stylistic changes like trumpet solos and tempo adjustments. Listeners can support humanitarian causes by purchasing tickets to the remaining tour dates.
What happens next
The band is scheduled to perform live shows across North and South America through the end of the year, with remaining tour dates occurring between November 28 and December 20, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more music news in the Alternative section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NME Music News, Reviews, Videos, Galleries, Tickets and Blogs | NME.COM.
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