Armed Robbery Hits British Band Sports Team at California Starbucks Stop During US Tour
British indie rock band Sports Team was robbed at gunpoint during their first US tour stop in Vallejo, California, while getting coffee at Starbucks. The incident occurred around 8:45 AM when thieves broke into their tour van, stealing passports, stage equipment, and personal belongings.
Man wearing black hoodie, looking distressed
When alerted by a passerby about the ongoing robbery, band members attempted to intervene but were met with an armed suspect. Lead singer Alex Rice noted the eerily calm reaction from bystanders, suggesting such incidents were commonplace in the area.
The thieves managed to steal:
- Cameras and laptops used for performances
- Passports and important documents
- Personal belongings and clothing
Fortunately, the band's instruments remained secure in a locked compartment of the van. When contacted, local police instructed the band to file an online report rather than dispatching officers to the scene.
Despite the incident, Sports Team remains committed to continuing their tour. "We're definitely not going to let this put us off," said drummer Al Greenwood. The band's tour continues with upcoming shows in Sacramento and San Francisco, leading up to the release of their third album "Boys These Days" in late February.
Rice emphasized their resilience: "We're going to keep playing. 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."