Watch American Football Combine “Never Meant” and the Cure’s “Boys Don’t Cry”

American Football delivered an acoustic version of The Cure's timeless hit "Boys Don't Cry" for SiriusXM. The emotive band's subdued performance was featured as part of SiriusXMU's first session, airing on October 7th at 9:00 p.m. This marked the duo's inaugural acoustic show as a complete band, and their second cover, following a 2021 rendition of Mazzy Star's "Fade Into You."

The stripped-down arrangement was considerably more somber and understated, featuring a tribute to their 1999 track "Never Meant." American Football frontman Mike Kinsella explained, "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."

To align with the melancholic theme, Kinsella replaced the original jangle with spindly guitars, slowed down the tempo, and incorporated a mournful trumpet solo. The band's emotional vulnerability and adolescent yearning remained undiminished. Watch the band's cover below. American Football still have a few tour dates scheduled for 2026, including a December show with she’s green in the US. Secure your tickets to catch them in concert.