British Band Sports Team Robbed at Gunpoint During First US Tour Coffee Stop

British Band Sports Team Robbed at Gunpoint During First US Tour Coffee Stop

By Marcus Stevenson

December 4, 2024 at 08:35 AM

British indie band Sports Team was robbed at gunpoint during their first US tour stop while getting coffee at a Starbucks in Vallejo, California. The incident resulted in the theft of their passports, stage equipment, and personal belongings from their tour van.

Man wearing black hoodie, looking distressed

Man wearing black hoodie, looking distressed

The robbery occurred around 8:45 AM when the band, known for their two UK Top 10 albums, was alerted by a passerby about someone breaking into their white Sprinter van. When band members attempted to intervene, the thief brandished a gun, forcing them to retreat.

"Obviously, if someone pulls a gun, you run for cover," lead singer Alex Rice told the BBC, noting the eerily calm reaction from local bystanders who seemed to treat it as a routine occurrence.

The thief smashed the van's passenger window and stole:

  • Cameras and laptops used for performances
  • Passports and important documents
  • Personal clothing and belongings

Fortunately, the band's instruments remained secure in a locked compartment. When contacted, police advised the band to file an online report rather than sending officers to investigate.

Despite the setback, Sports Team remains committed to continuing their tour, which began in Sacramento and continues in San Francisco. "We're definitely not going to let this put us off," said drummer Al Greenwood. The band's third album, "Boys These Days," is set for release in late February.

The group maintained a positive outlook while acknowledging the concerning state of gun violence in the area. "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," Rice concluded.

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