The Sports Reunite For Three Shows And Then Disband

The Sports played their first shows in 34 years in Melbourne on the weekend and then split up again.

Stephen Cummings, Martin Armiger and Andrew Pendlebury made the surprise reunion announcement only a few months ago when they declared that for the first time since 1981 they would perform their own shows as The Sports.

There has been the occasional reunion over the years, once for the Mushroom 25th anniversary and again for the induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame. However, this was the first time since The Sports split in ’81 that they were doing it for themselves.

One show quickly became three with Melbourne’s newest music venue Memo Music Hall in St Kilda the venue of choice for the reunion.

While a dose of flu had Stephen Cummings struggling through the performance, the opportunity to see Cummings, Armiger and Pendlebury playing together again was a special moment.

The Sports have a unique legacy in Australian rock history. Unlike the teen pop acts of the day, Stephen, Martin and Andrew were well into their 20s when The Sports first hit with ‘Boys (What Did The Detective Say)’. Australians were experiencing new wave out of Australia as it was happening in places like New York and London. The Sports made Australian music relevant on a global level

The Sports had a truncated history. Four albums in four years and it was all over. Now three shows after 34 years and it is all over again.

Stephen Cumming announced today on Facebook that, “The Sports have left the building for good”.

In his own words he said, “I don’t know. Ten years ago, I’d have said there’s no way I can see that happening. Strategic planning is not my strong point. Thanks to everyone that came along to the ‘Sports’ shows at MEMO in Melbourne. We had a remarkable five days of rehearsing & making music. But look, all the musicians have kept at it for thirty years. Martin and Andrew are charamamatic guitarists and it was a pleasure for myself to see them playing so great. The gigs were packed & all seemed to have some fun. All this is very self congratulatory, and I feel I’ve showed off enough. So thank you and especially big hugs to Martin Armiger, Andrew Pendlebury , Peter Luscombe, Mark Ferry and James Black. It was three nights of liberation rather than domination. The sports have left the building for good”.

Seeing The Sports one final time was a unforgettable music highlight.

The Sports, Melbourne, Memo Music Hall St Kilda, May 10, 2015 setlist

Live Work and Play (from Don’t Throw Stones, 1979)
Suspicious Minds (from Don’t Throw Stones, 1979)
When You Walk In The Room (from Reckless, 1978)
Radio Show (from OK UK ep, 1979)
Perhaps (from Suddenly, 1980)
No Mama No (from Suddenly, 1980)
Cruisin’ In A Citroën (from Reckless expanded edition, 2014)
Terror Hits (from Don’t Throw Stones, 1979)
Can’t Ever Decide (b-side to Strangers on a Train, 1979)
Blue Hearts (from Suddenly, 1980)
Wedding Ring (from Don’t Throw Stones, 1979)
Hit Single (from Don’t Throw Stones, 1979)
Reckless (from Reckless, 1978)
Strangers On A Train (from Suddenly, 1980)
Boys (What Did The Detective Say?)
Don’t Throw Stones (from Don’t Throw Stones, 1979)
Who Listen To The Radio? (from Don’t Throw Stones, 1979)

How Come? (from Sondra, 1981)