British Band Sports Team Faces Armed Robbery during US Tour

An Unexpected Turn of Events in Vallejo, California

The British indie band, Sports Team, renowned for their energetic riffs and dry humor, encountered a harrowing experience at the start of their US tour. The group, who have celebrated success with two top 10 albums in the UK, were robbed at gunpoint on the opening day of their tour.

As the band prepared for their performance in Sacramento, they stopped at a Starbucks in Vallejo, part of California’s Bay Area, where they fell victim to a theft incident. Their tour van was looted, resulting in the loss of passports, crucial stage equipment, and personal belongings.

Details of the Armed Robbery

Captured footage, shared with the BBC, shows a thief threatening the group’s tour manager with a gun as she approached the van. Alex Rice, the band’s singer, recounted the incident saying, “Obviously, if someone pulls a gun, you run for cover, but the thing that struck me was the resignation. The people around us weren’t very panicked at all. It seemed like a very everyday occurrence.”

The robbery occurred around 4:45 pm UK time (8:45 am in California), as the band set off for Sacramento. While the members were inside Starbucks having breakfast, a passerby alerted them: “Somebody opened the door and was like, does anybody have a white Sprinter van? Because you’re being robbed right now,” mentioned drummer Al Greenwood.

The tour manager, Lauren, initially unaware of the ongoing threat, narrowly escaped harm. Greenwood shared her fear, “I really thought I was about to watch someone get shot, because it took a while for our tour manager to realize.” In the video, Greenwood is heard frantically urging her, “to get down.”

Calm Amidst Chaos

The incident was recorded by another band member inside the Starbucks. Staff were seen continuing their duties, advising the group to stay off the streets. “Guys, get inside. Please stay inside,” instructs a staff member in the footage.

Reflecting on the situation, Greenwood noted, “It was very discombobulating because they just carried on with their shift,” while Rice added, “They started serving drinks straight away.”

Law Enforcement’s Response

After contacting the police, Sports Team was told to complete an online form regarding the robbery. No officers were dispatched to investigate. The BBC has reached out to the local police department for further comments on their actions post-incident.

The Show Must Go On

Despite the loss of electronics, passports, documents, and clothing, the band remains determined to continue their tour. Fortunately, their instruments, stored in a locked compartment, were spared. “We’re definitely not going to let this put us off,” affirmed Greenwood.

Greenwood expressed a personal loss, “I know it sounds ridiculous, but losing my journal is almost the worst part.” Yet, the band’s resolve remains strong. They intend to perform their opening show as scheduled and will return to the Bay Area later in the tour. Rice notes, “We’ve got nothing against the Bay Area. We think it’s great here – but it’s sad that it’s kind of got to this sort of place with gun violence.”

Reflections on Safety and Appreciation

Reflecting on the incident, the band acknowledges the pervasive gun violence in the United States, which many locals have come to accept as part of daily life. But this experience has also reminded them of what truly matters and the importance of being thankful for their safety and opportunities both in the US and back home.

With their third album, Boys These Days, on the horizon, Sports Team is committed to sharing their music, overcoming this unfortunate incident with resilience and an unwavering spirit.

Conclusion: Moving Forward

This encounter, though alarming, serves as a reminder of the unpredictable challenges musicians face while on the road. Sports Team’s experience is a testament to the hardships endured and the strength required to persevere amidst trying circumstances. Their tour will press on, driven by passion and the unwavering support of fans around the world. As they continue their journey, they carry forward a message of resilience and positivity, proving that the music truly never stops.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy09gkr08lpo