I doubt this latest single is going to do much for their reputation with pubs and venues around the country. With a chorus that is sure to test the patience of even the most seasoned doormen and security, Sports Team are back with a lovely bit of ammunition for their live repertoire. Speaking with Dork, the band explain a bit of the meaning behind the song: “It’s a mantra for a ‘nation of landlords’. Something to mutter to yourself behind the electric gates as the world burns around you. It’s that bunkered, “island mentality”, where someone has allowed themselves to believe that the news is what happens to other people.”

Often leaning into colloquial lyrical territory that romanticises middle England and indulges in our intimate fascination with Wetherspoons and chip shops, Sports Team aren’t afraid of ploughing depth with their music and making a statement. “The Game” seems to continue in this vain with lyrics that challenge small town complacency and lack of socio-political awareness, with lyrics like “Don’t you grow to that damp mentality, To that look but never see, To that old monotony”. It’s no wonder that their debut album Deep Down Happy was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2020, describing themselves as a band that “calls to mind a loving but fractious family, bickering one minute, weeping with laughter the next”, Sports Team provide brave and cutting insight, with “The Game” and their previous single “R Entertainment” being no exception.

With their new album Gulp! arriving on July 22nd, and a string of UK and European tour dates recently being announced, it looks like Sports Team are in for a big year. Don’t be shy and miss a chance to see them live, just maybe take this article as a warning and prepare accordingly. You can pre-order their new album and buy tickets for their upcoming shows here. UK dates below:

06/04/2022 – O2 Institute – Birmingham
07/29 – Edinburgh Academicals Sports Ground – Edinburgh
08/05 – Cardiff University Students’ Union – Cardiff
08/27 – Victorious Festival – Portsmouth

Last Saturday he announced on Twitter what he had planned, handpicking “60 pubs across the UK and Ireland and [putting] a given amount of money behind the bar of each one. Then, both regulars and yourselves can enjoy a birthday drink on me (until the money runs out or the bar runs dry!).”

Apparently, the original plan was for him to tour the UK and Ireland’s pubs on a bike, performing for his fans. Luckily for the more ‘alcohol-friendly’ out there however, covid meant the free-drink idea went forward instead.

Yesterday Heaton posted on Twitter the list of 60 pubs included in his free-drinks campaign, which you can see down below. Heaton attributes this act of generosity to wanting to “bring people together on the day, whilst recognising that many folk who bought my records or showed me support over the years could do with a wee party as we come out of COVID and hit potential financial struggles.”

Here’s a list of all 60 pubs taking part in Paul’s birthday tomorrow (Monday). Thanks to all the pubs and to everyone who visits them. It would be great to see photos of you all enjoying your free drinks and celebrations at each pub throughout the day! https://t.co/QNONRGr8Tp pic.twitter.com/xPzE5W4xiN

— Paul Heaton (@PaulHeatonSolo) May 8, 2022

To be fair, it’s hardly a surprise how pub-focused the celebrations are. Heaton’s had a history in the drinks industry, having owned his own pub in Salford (The King’s Arms) and even using his barring privileges on former Prime Minister David Cameron. He also played football for Hull’s Mainbrace pub for 14 years, so it seems quite a fitting tribute to something so important in his life.

As for his music, Heaton’s got a few tour dates coming up with old Beautiful South bandmate Jacqui Abbott, coming about in June and July and which can be seen down below.

The duo’s 2020 album Manchester Calling was their first to top the UK Albums Chart in over twenty years, with The Guardian saying that it had “richly observed, gently acerbic vignettes about the vagaries of British life, delivered over a mix of steadily uptempo pop, folk, ska and soul.” They also did a free gig for NHS workers back in 2020 in Nottingham Arena, showing their generosity doesn’t just extend to alcohol. Tickets for the duo’s upcoming shows can be gotten here.

Paul Heaton UK  and Ireland Tour Dates

04/06/2022 – St Annes Park – Dublin
16/06 – Isle of Wight Festival – Newport
18/06 – Isle of Wight Festival – Newport
22/07 – St Helens R.F.C Stadium – St Helens
23/07 – Eco-Power Stadium – Doncaster