Photos by Olly Bromidge
The United Kingdom’s favourite music X football tournament festival blend Soccer Six reunited for their 30th year anniversary at the Mile End Stadium on May 10th with regular attendees and music scene legends ‘The Darkness’ headlining a star studded 6-a-side tournament that also Included ‘Deadletter’ and ‘The Clause’. A unique combination event, the live music lineup of the day promised to entertain the masses as Musos award winning talent Ben Walker was set to lineup alongside future stars ‘Moses’ and Laurie Wright in what promised to be an eventful afternoon.
An occasion of immense magnitude, Soccer Six has delighted fans with up-and-coming talent as well as established superstars for 3 decades. First held in 1995, its star-studded roster of past participants includes Britpop sensations, Oasis, Blur and Pulp, social media stars including KSI and Zoella and former footballing icons such as Teddy Sheringham, George Best and Sir Geoff Hurst.
Though music and football are commonly associated through chants, charity matches and music’s new biggest trend – Artists wearing vintage football shirts at concerts – the combination of the two so bluntly into this format is an ambitious one to pull off well. So how did it go?
6-a-side is an incredibly popular pastime for adults of the working world to let off some steam on a pitch that is forgiving of the faltering athletic stamina that is characteristic of the natural aging process. With the music world culture heavily involving drinking and smoking it seemed that many would have been happy to admit that they may have been grateful they weren’t playing the full 90 minutes. In fact, upon entry I wandered into the main bar entry to be faced with a goalkeeper casually puffing away at a cigarette with one hand, a can of Guinness clutched in the other. This is part of the charm this event holds though, it perfectly encapsulates still the ruggedness that an indie festival should hold and emphasises that the football was to be enjoyed alongside raising spirits, profiles of emerging artists and money for good causes as was always intended by Soccer Six. In this aspect the festival smashed their goals as the tournament held the perfect vibe throughout.
Despite this overall friendly footballing feeling, headliners ‘The Darkness’ seemed determined to add some angst to the day. Crunching tackles and striking determinism led them to the title in a nail biting final that saw at least 10 minutes of added time to the already drawn out contest. With slightly surprising amounts of technical ability to go alongside their dogged play style, the side led by Justin Hawkins left deserved winners of the main tournament of the day to gleeful cheers of the audience.
Beyond the football pitch however, lay a stage showcasing some of the best upcoming talents in music right now. Highlights throughout the day included ‘Natsuma’, whose fearless presence reflected immensely in their performance and ‘Moses’, a new Britpop sensation reminiscent of the Blur and Oasis glory days of the late nineties, early noughties era. Melina Blanco should also be noted as having blessed the stage with angelic story-telling and sweet melodies to serenade the crowd early on.
The stadium setting also allowed for some seriously creative displays. Perhaps most curious was the full lap of the pitch taken by ‘Emergency Break’ lead singer, Leo Gerchen mid-song in an incredible feat of athleticism within an already pumped up set. However, despite its slightly wacky ways the talent throughout the day was unmistakable. Laurie Wright and ‘Tres Kings’ in particular were each sensational. Wright is a natural performer with an indubitable talent. Still rocking the shin pads and football boots combination, Wright’s playful yet wonderfully raw performance drew ears from all across the stadium. ‘Tres Kings’ also deserve serious plaudits. Proper Indie lads, the trio are back after a brief hiatus to take 2025 by storm with a resoundingly impactful sound that is seriously underrated.
A tremendously successful afternoon and evening, the marriage of football and music on the 30th anniversary of Soccer Six under the beating sun provided an incredible day in East London.
