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Liam Gallagher calls World Cup Halftime Show a ‘Bad Trip’

When the FIFA World Cup final delivered its pulsating halftime show, it wasn’t just a musical interlude; it was a global spectacle. And even rock royalty couldn’t keep the reaction to themselves. Liam Gallagher, the iconic frontman of Oasis, offered a rather candid assessment of the massive performance, reminding everyone that sometimes, the soundtrack to life is far more chaotic than planned.

During the momentous final, which featured a lineup of global superstars including Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Burna Boy, Gallagher shared his take on the event. His reaction was anything but serious: “This is like a bad trip,” he commented, capturing the sheer, overwhelming energy of the performance.

Yet, there was a touch of wry admiration in his words. Following up his initial remark, Gallagher admitted that the entertainment had nearly tipped him over the edge: “It’s a good job I’ve got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could have tipped me over the edge.” It seems even veterans of stadium rock can be swept away by the sheer scale of modern pop.

The 11-and-a-half-minute performance, curated by Chris Martin, was a masterful blend of global music. It featured epic performances from BTS and Justin Bieber, alongside Shakira and Burna Boy delivering hits like “Dai Dai,” while Coldplay’s presence anchored the spectacle with their powerful rendition of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army.”

The moment transcended mere entertainment; it became one of the most music-heavy segments in World Cup final history. This inclusion subtly shifted FIFA’s approach, pushing them toward an entertainment model that closely mirrors the grand spectacle of the Super Bowl broadcast.

This convergence of football drama and pop performance speaks to a broader cultural shift where live sports spectacles are increasingly interwoven with high-production musical events. It’s a reminder that whether you are a rock legend or a global superstar, the power of a great performance—and a little bit of chaos—can captivate any audience.