Music News Today — July 19, 2026
‘Mexodus’ Review: The Underground Railroad Runs South to Mexico in a Pasadena Playhouse Musical That Feels as Spirited as a Two-Man ‘Hamilton’ and more — today's music signal.
The world of music and performance is always full of surprises, and today's news is no exception. Take Robert Smith of The Cure, for instance, who isn't afraid to speak his mind - he's just slammed FIFA's World Cup Final halftime show, calling it out in no uncertain terms. Meanwhile, Shania Twain has finally got to experience her dream gig, taking to the stage at a tiny dive bar in Toronto, a far cry from the huge arenas she's used to playing. It's clear that for some artists, it's about more than just big crowds and fame.
From sold-out stadium shows to underground musicals, there's a lot going on in the world of music and performance right now. A new musical at the Pasadena Playhouse, 'Mexodus', is drawing comparisons to the hit show 'Hamilton', with its high-energy take on the Underground Railroad. And for fans of UK rock, Yard Act are making a fresh start, looking to put their past behind them and move on to new beginnings. Even the World Cup is getting in on the action, with music playing a big role in making this year's tournament a memorable one - but what is it about the World Cup that makes its soundtrack so special?
Today's signal:
• ‘Mexodus’ Review: The Underground Railroad Runs South to Mexico in a Pasadena Playhouse Musical That Feels as Spirited as a Two-Man ‘Hamilton’ (variety.com)
• The Cure’s Robert Smith Slams FIFA’s World Cup Final Halftime Show: ‘Just F— Off’ (variety.com)
• Shania Twain Finally Plays Her Dream Gig: A Tiny Dive Bar in Toronto (rollingstone.com)
• ‘The Odyssey’: What Academics Are Saying About Christopher Nolan’s Epic (variety.com)
• Yard Act: New Beginnings for the U.K. Rock Band (rollingstone.com)
• What Makes the World Cup Hit Different? Ask the Music Industry (rollingstone.com)