Muse was all set to play the World Cup. Then…

September 23, 2022 Alan Cross 0 Comments 0 min read

Excited about the World Cup coming this November in Qatar? Muse was, but not so much anymore. Here’s a nice bit of gossip via the always fun Popbitch newsletter:

Muse were offered a gig by the Qatari government for a half time show at the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Everything was being set up, the commercials were agreed; the band’s people put forward the names of everyone who’d need visas, accommodation and the like.

The Qataris came back to say it all sounded brilliant, they would charter a plane for everyone and they’d sort out the logistics.

A nice hotel was secured for the band, their families and entourage in Doha. Rooms were arranged for the crew too – but because of a shortage of space in the same hotel they were told they would have to be accommodated separately from the band. In Tehran.

At which point the deal fell through.

No wonder.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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