On the morning of December 3, 2024, British indie rock band Sports Team found themselves at the center of a terrifying incident not long after launching their U.S. tour. Just ten minutes after kicking off their adventure, the group stopped for coffee outside a Starbucks in Vallejo, California, only to be robbed at gunpoint.
Known for their high-energy performances and clever lyricism, Sports Team was gearing up to promote their forthcoming third album, Boys These Days, when they became victims of crime. The peaceful atmosphere quickly turned chaotic when, according to the band, someone burst through the shop door shouting about their tour van being robbed.
“Natural reaction, you sprint toward it and try to stop it, and immediately one of the robbers pulls out a gun,” lead vocalist Alex Rice recounted. “He points it at our tour manager Lauren, and there’s another guy loading stuff out, plus someone else ready to drive away.” The robbers targeted their van, which was parked outside the Starbucks, seizing laptops, film cameras, and even the band members’ passports.
The robbery happened around 8:45 AM (California time) as the band prepared to leave for their opening show scheduled for later on the same day. The moment was recorded on the band’s social media and broadcast to their followers, depicting the chaos as they scrambled back inside the café, clearly shaken.
Drummer Al Greenwood recalled the moment vividly, stating, “Somebody ran in saying some guys are smashing the van. We all ran out shouting. I seriously thought I was about to watch someone get shot.” Video footage shared on social media highlights the moment chaos unfolded, with Greenwood recalling how they warned their tour manager, who was slightly ahead of them, about the danger.
The thieves managed to smash the passenger side window of the van and quickly began removing valuables, all under the threat of gun violence. Despite the shocking theft, the band emphasized one bright spot: their musical instruments were stashed away securely within the van’s fortified back compartment and were left untouched.
“They can take our Nintendo Switches but they can never take our ability to play rock songs about motorways,” joked the band via Twitter, showcasing their resilience through humor. Yet, beneath the laughter, there was also disbelief at the incident and the troubling resignation they observed among onlookers. Rice noted the sadness of how such violence becomes normalized, saying, “It’s almost like ‘oh, this happens here.’”
Although the police were alerted immediately, the band's experience with law enforcement following the robbery was frustrating. Rice pointed out the lack of urgency, as they were advised to file the incident report online instead of officers responding to the scene. “It’s shocking,” Rice commented, highlighting the absurdity of the situation and the dismissive approach toward such serious matters.
Once the chaos subsided, the group reflected on their ordeal, which has become almost typical for touring bands. It brings to light the larger issue of gun violence and safety for artists on the road. “We’ve got nothing against the Bay Area. We think it’s great here — but it’s sad it’s kind of got to this sort of place with gun violence,” Rice added, underscoring the concern many have faced but often left unspoken on such platforms.
Despite this harrowing experience, the band pressed on, determined to continue with their planned performances. They successfully played their first show at Goldfield Trading Post later the same evening, fueled by support from friends and fans who rallied around them during this challenging time. Greenwood noted, “We’re definitely not going to let this put us off. And it really makes you reflect on things to be grateful for, both here and at home.”
Sports Team's misfortune only previews what many artists navigate as they tour live shows across the globe. While their story ended with them unharmed, it serves as a reminder of the dangerous realities present even as they strive to provide the soundtrack to countless listeners' lives.
The band, with their indomitable spirit, is set to return to the Bay Area for another performance at The Chapel in San Francisco, reinforcing their commitment to their music and their fans. “It’s terrible, but we’re lucky we didn’t lose everything,” Rice concluded, emphasizing the importance of community and perseverance as they continue their musical legacy.
For their fans and followers, this incident remains a stark reminder of the challenges artists face on the road. Following the incident, the band will undoubtedly take time to reflect on what was lost — personal belongings, but more so, the feeling of safety — as they continue their few remaining shows on this much-anticipated U.S. tour.
Sports Team's resilience exemplifies the spirit of artists everywhere vying to create joy through their music, even amid disheartening circumstances.
