NEWS
Sports Team are offering fans a chance to fire five shots of a web-controlled paintball gun at them – read on to find out how.
The Cambridge band are preparing to release their third studio album ‘Boys These Days’ on May 23 via Distiller Records/Bright Antenna, which you can pre-order/pre-save here. They have previewed the album with the singles ‘I’m In Love (Subaru)’, ‘Condensation’, ‘Bang Bang Bang’ and ‘Maybe When We’re 30’.
Ahead of the release, they will be offering people who pre-order the album the opportunity to hurl paintballs at them.
In an Instagram post on Friday (May 9), they wrote: “On Tuesday we’ll be spending the day in a room doing live sales of the new album with what remains of our dignity and a 3000psi, web-controlled paintball gun. Buy the record. Get five shots.”
The post comes alongside a video of the band in the studio, showing the paintball gun in question aiming at a range of melons. “It’s ok to hate Sports Team,” reads a caption. “Six band members, four hours, one web-enabled fully remote paintball turret gun. Buy the album, get 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 shots. 13th May.”
The band have also announced a series of in-store gigs to take place around the release of the album – tickets are on sale now and can be bought in participating stores or on the band’s site here.
MAY
21 – Banquet, Kingston
22 – Assai at Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh
23 – Assai, Glasgow
24 – Live at Leeds signing
25 – Jacaranda Baltic, Liverpool
26 – Rough Trade, Nottingham
27 – Rough Trade, East London
28 – Resident, Brighton
29 – Rough Trade, Bristol
‘Boys These Days’ will be the follow-up to 2022’s ‘Gulp!’, which NME awarded four stars and noted was “a cocky, self-assured record that blends Sports Team’s chaotic energy with a smart, heartfelt understanding of the power of guitar music.”
“Through it all, Sports Team are just trying to have a good time. It’s a relatable sentiment given these times, and whether it’s the escapism of the live show or their communal spirit, ‘Gulp!’ sees the band continue to build something to believe in.”
NEWS
In a major setback for the UK summer festival season, global drinks brand Pepsi has confirmed it is ending its relationship with Wireless Festival. The move comes after strong political criticism and public reaction to the festival’s decision to book American rapper Kanye West, who is now legally known as Ye, as a headliner.
The situation intensified this week after Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke out against the booking, according to reporting from The Guardian. Starmer described the decision as "deeply concerning," pointing to the artist’s past antisemitic comments and his open praise of Nazi related figures as being at odds with the values of the United Kingdom. His remarks reflect a wider position within the government that antisemitism must always be challenged firmly to protect the Jewish community and maintain public safety.
Recent releases from the rapper have added further controversy. In the previous year, he drew global criticism after putting out a song called Heil Hitler and attempting to sell products displaying swastika imagery. Although West later apologized in the Wall Street Journal and said his actions were connected to a manic episode, many critics believe his influence still presents serious concerns.
The event, which is planned for July at Finsbury Park in London, is now dealing with growing uncertainty. Aside from losing a key sponsor, there are also questions about whether West will even be able to enter the country. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has the power to refuse entry if someone is considered not beneficial to the public good. These rules allow the Home Office to refuse visas to individuals whose behavior or connections could increase social tensions or encourage hate.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has already urged officials to impose a ban on his entry, while organizations such as the Board of Deputies of British Jews have described the booking as "deeply irresponsible." With a major sponsor stepping away and increasing calls for government action, organizers of Wireless Festival now face significant challenges in keeping the event moving forward.
