Paul Weller and Robert Smith have long had little mutual admiration, despite both emerging from Britain’s punk and post-punk scene. However, the leaders of The Jam and The Cure reportedly shared one strong opinion: a dislike of Queen, whom they viewed as overly theatrical and emblematic of the rock excess punk opposed.

Weller criticised Freddie Mercury’s desire to bring ballet to working-class audiences, while Smith said he disliked Queen and everything they had done. The article also recalls their wider tensions, including Weller’s harsh comments about Smith in 2022, although Smith previously acknowledged that The Cure had borrowed The Jam’s equipment while recording in 1979.