American Football Release Acoustic Cover

American Football officially released their stripped-back take on 'Boys Don't Cry' after Robert Smith praised it as 'one of the most heartfelt and beautiful Cure covers I have ever heard'.

“one of the most heartfelt and beautiful Cure covers I have ever heard”

First Performed on SiriusXM

American Football first performed the cover during their SiriusXMU appearance earlier this summer while on their global 'No Feeling Tour'.

Second Cover in 30-Year Discography

This marks only the second cover American Football have released in their 30-year discography, following their 2021 cover of Mazzy Star's 'Fade Into You'.

Acoustic Version of 'Wake Her Up'

American Football also released an acoustic version of their track 'Wake Her Up' from their album 'LP4' featuring Wisp.

Mike Kinsella's Reasoning

Mike Kinsella said The Cure's song has been fundamental to his growth as a songwriter and his development as a man.

“The Cure, and specifically 'Boys Don't Cry', has not only been fundamental to my growth as a songwriter but as much or more so on my development as a man”

Mike Kinsella's Production Details

They replaced the jangle with spindly guitars, slowed the song down, and added a mournful trumpet solo while keeping the adolescent longing resonant.

“We replaced the jangle with some spindly guitars, slowed it down quite a bit, and added a mournful trumpet solo, but the plain-spoken adolescent longing remains as resonant as ever”

Tour Dates and Impact

American Football's 2026 tour dates include shows in Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and the US, with $1 from every ticket supporting immigrant rights.