In a terrifying turn of events, British indie rock band Sports Team was robbed at gunpoint in Vallejo, California, on the first day of their U.S. tour. The band had just arrived in the Bay Area and made a stop at a Starbucks to grab coffee, unaware that their tour van was about to be targeted by armed robbers. The band had traveled to Vallejo ahead of their first performance of the tour, which was scheduled to take place at the Goldfield Trading Post in Sacramento on Tuesday. What was meant to be an exciting start to their U.S. adventure quickly turned into a frightening and traumatic experience.
Details of the Robbery: A Heart-Stopping Moment
While enjoying a quick coffee break inside Starbucks, the band was caught off guard when a stranger ran into the café, frantically warning them that their van was being ransacked. “Just been robbed at gun point 10 minutes into the US tour. Stopped for coffee. Man runs in saying some guys are smashing into a van,” the band posted on their Instagram.
A video shared by the band captured the terrifying moments as they watched from inside the Starbucks. In the footage, a man with a gun exits a car and appears to aim the weapon towards the band’s tour manager, Lauren, who immediately runs into the Starbucks for safety. Meanwhile, the thieves, who were masked, began looting the van, grabbing various items as quickly as they could. The situation escalated quickly as the band members rushed to comprehend what was happening, caught between a sense of urgency and disbelief.
Band Members’ Recollections of the Harrowing Experience
Drummer Al Greenwood spoke to the BBC about the confusion and panic during the robbery. He recalled that as soon as the band realized they were being targeted, they sprang into action. “Somebody opened the door and was like, ‘Does anybody have a white Sprinter van? Because you’re being robbed right now,’” he explained. Without thinking twice, the band members dashed outside. “So we all ran out, shouting. Lauren, our tour manager, was slightly ahead of me, and somebody else ran past us in the opposite direction, and said, ‘Careful, he’s holding something.’”
Greenwood, who had been in the middle of the confusion, admitted that he genuinely feared for their lives in that moment. “I really thought I was about to watch someone get shot,” he said. The terrifying sight of an armed individual aiming a weapon at their tour manager and then seeing the robbers stealing their equipment left the band in shock.
Inside the Starbucks, the situation was equally tense. As the band members scrambled to find safety, someone inside the café could be heard instructing everyone to stay inside. Despite the urgency of the situation, a few customers seemed less affected, possibly due to the increasing frequency of such crimes in certain areas.
What Was Stolen During the Robbery?
The thieves quickly made off with several important items, leaving the band devastated. Among the stolen goods were cameras, laptops, personal suitcases, clothes, and even critical documents such as passports. This loss was not only a major inconvenience but also a security concern for the band, whose travel documents and personal belongings were now in the hands of criminals. The robbery affected the band’s ability to continue their tour smoothly, as they now faced the task of replacing the stolen gear while navigating the logistical nightmare of securing new passports and important documents.
Despite the severity of the situation, the Vallejo Police Department instructed the band to complete an online police report rather than immediately responding to the crime. The band later expressed their frustration on social media, pointing out how nonchalant bystanders appeared to be. In one of their posts, they remarked, “In all seriousness, pretty shocking how resigned everyone seemed to be to it.” The contrast between the urgency felt by the band and the apparent indifference of the public left the group feeling even more unsettled. The police department, as of the publication of this article, had not responded to requests for comment.
The Band’s Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Despite the overwhelming nature of the robbery, Sports Team has decided to continue with their U.S. tour, demonstrating their resilience in the face of adversity. The band’s determination to carry on reflects their commitment to their music and their fans. “We’re not going to let this stop us,” they wrote on social media, assuring their followers that the robbery would not deter them from finishing the tour. The incident, though harrowing, has only reinforced their determination to keep performing.
The British band, known for their energetic and infectious indie rock sound, has already released two top-10 albums in the U.K. and earned a prestigious nomination for the Mercury Prize in 2020. Their fanbase has grown significantly over the past few years, and they are widely recognized for their lively and captivating performances. This unfortunate incident is unlikely to dampen the enthusiasm of their supporters, who are eagerly awaiting the band’s next shows.
Future Shows and the U.S. Tour Ahead
After the robbery, the band reaffirmed their plans to continue the U.S. tour, which includes multiple performances across the country. On the upcoming schedule is a show at The Chapel in San Francisco on Saturday night, just days after the terrifying robbery. The band has made it clear that they are focused on providing a memorable experience for their fans, despite the setback.
The robbery is a stark reminder of the dangers that touring musicians sometimes face, especially when traveling through unfamiliar areas. While the theft of expensive equipment and vital documents is a major blow, the band’s ability to recover and continue their tour speaks to their professionalism and dedication.
The Bigger Picture: Crime and Safety Concerns for Touring Musicians
The incident in Vallejo is not an isolated case. Musicians and touring bands often face various risks while on the road, from theft to vehicle break-ins, equipment damage, and even physical altercations. However, a robbery at gunpoint is particularly alarming, and it raises concerns about the safety of artists who travel to unfamiliar locations, sometimes late at night or in less secure areas.
While musicians often face logistical challenges, such as equipment issues and long hours of travel, the safety risks they encounter on tour are often overlooked. In this case, the band’s experience underscores the vulnerability of artists, particularly when they are in transit and their focus is on preparing for their next performance rather than on their personal safety.
The Vallejo incident has sparked conversations among music communities about how to better protect touring musicians and their gear. Security measures, both at venues and on the road, may need to be reconsidered in light of such high-risk events.
A Test of Character and Commitment
Despite the trauma and frustration of being robbed at gunpoint, Sports Team’s response to the incident has shown remarkable resilience. They’ve chosen not to let the crime define their tour, and they remain focused on delivering high-energy shows to their fans. While the robbery may have been a terrifying experience for the band, their ability to push forward with their U.S. tour demonstrates the strength of their character and commitment to their music. The incident serves as a harsh reminder of the unpredictable dangers that come with being a touring musician, but it also highlights the tenacity of artists who refuse to let such setbacks stop them from doing what they love.
As the band continues on their tour, fans across the U.S. will undoubtedly rally behind them, showing support for a group that has faced adversity and come out the other side even more determined to perform.
