British Megastar Musicians and Their Beloved Soccer Teams
Source: Unsplash
If two things are more intertwined into British culture than anything else, it’s soccer and music. The former of that duo is the one thing that Brits are renowned for the world over, and it’s the first port of call when it comes to striking up conversation. The latter is something that the island nation has never been short of, with bands such as The Beatles going on to dominate the scene over the years.
Of course, these bands have their teams that they support with unyielding loyalty. Let’s take a look at three of the UK’s biggest rock musicians today and the teams that they support.
Sam Fender
Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Sam Fender is a proud supporter of his hometown club Newcastle United. The Northeast — and Tyneside in particular — has all one could want for a sports fan. Whether you’re placing a placepot at the Newcastle racecourse or watching the mighty Toon Army at St. James’ Park, there’s something for everyone.
For Fender, it’s the Magpies that is his true love. There was a time when both he and fellow Toon supporters were looking seriously at their team being listed with some of the shortest Premier relegation odds in the entire league. However, since the club’s Saudi takeover two years ago, they have been catapulted up the English top flight and are genuine contenders once again.
For the 30-year-old singer-songwriter, his connection to his hometown and its football team runs deep. His support for Newcastle United is not just a casual interest—it is a reflection of his working-class roots and the community that shaped him. In interviews, Fender often discusses how St. James’ Park holds a special place in his heart, stating that it was his lifelong ambition to sell out the famous old stadium with a gig of his own.
Last summer, that came to fruition as 50,000 supporters sold out the ground two nights in a row, and they will be returning in 2025.
ÂCompletely blown away and massively grateful to everyone for sticking by us after being away for so long!! Looks like we’re going to need a bigger boat for next year đź‘€ x pic.twitter.com/WI1lKwNrw9
— Sam Fender (@samfendermusic) October 25, 2024
Arctic Monkeys
Similarly, the Arctic Monkeys, a band synonymous with Sheffield’s vibrant music scene, are ardent fans of Sheffield Wednesday. The band, fronted by Alex Turner, has consistently expressed their allegiance to the Owls, often attending matches and supporting the team through thick and thin. They refer to their beloved club in early songs such as “Red Lights Indicates Doors Are Secured” and “Fake Tales of San Francisco.”
The S6 outfit’s rollercoaster journey through the football leagues reflects the resilience and grit that the Arctic Monkeys channel into their music. Songs like “A Certain Romance” capture the essence of their Steel City upbringing—a city where football culture is a significant part of daily life.
The ongoing 2024/25 campaign represents the first time in over five years in which both Sheffield clubs — namely Wednesday and United — have competed in the same division and thus contested the Steel City Derby. The first of those was recently contested at Bramall Lane and the Owls slumped to a 1-0 defeat courtesy of Tyrese Campbell’s second-half winner. Wednesday will be aiming to put things right when the two teams face off at Hillsborough in March.
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