On 24th November 2024, Sports Team delivered a performance that tore through the old Trinity Hall in Bristol with the same ferocity as Storm Bert ripping across the UK. Despite the drenched city centre and less-than-ideal travel conditions, the anticipation for this gig was palpable—it was my first ‘proper’ Sports Team gig after catching them at various festivals over the years.
Trinity Hall, a community-run venue with a rich history of hosting acts like Portishead, Gorillaz, The Prodigy, and Young Fathers, was packed with eager indie kids of all ages. Positioned close to the stage, I braced myself for the chaos to come. When the band entered to the tune of "It's Raining Men", it was clear we were in for a fun evening. From the opening beat of "Camel Crew", a whirlwind of excitement erupted, sweeping everyone into a sea of limbs.
Frontman Alex Rice was on top form, his exuberance evident as he requested the crowd to contribute clothes to replace his makeshift outfit. The stage was soon littered with random hats, underwear, and stray clothing, adding to the night's wild vibe.
Their set was relentless, a 100mph ride through indie-fueled delights. "The Game" kicked off the first crowd participation event of the night, with human pyramids reaching the ceiling before crumbling into mosh pits—all encouraged by the band. Alex, with his rubber limbs and elastic legs, bounced erratically around the stage, and we were only four songs in… Each song seemed to be someone's favourite, but "M5" was universally and raucously appreciated—a delicious slice of indie pop.
The highlight was "Fishing", an absolute banger that saw groups of friends invading the stage. Hangers-on played guitars, and I even had a microphone thrust into my face by Alex himself, who entered the crowd and entrusted me with it. Sports Team blurred the lines between artists and fans, creating a massive ball of welcoming fun—unless you were a security guard at the front!
Throughout the gig, Sports Team provided breaks, allowing us to detangle and reset before diving back into the madness. The encore felt like just another break in the festivities. When they finally played "Here’s the Thing", I was ecstatic. It's a song I've been obsessed with since I first heard it—lyrically sharp, it calls out society's foundations with a hook that punches you in the face and blows a sarcastic kiss.
I walked in with high hopes and left sweaty, with a sore throat—a sign of a proper gig. Sports Team has now firmly cemented themselves in my must-see indie touring orbit. If you haven't experienced their live show, make it a priority. You won't be disappointed.
Words and Pictures by Matt Barnes
