Song and Sports

Going on the subway Thursday night one was bound to here Sabres fans either going to the game or coming back celebrating with a chorus of sorts, "Lets go Sabres" being chanted. When one goes to a Jets game, no doubt one will here Fireman Ed & Co singing "J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets", a little more sophisticated than most chants but still rudimentary. When one goes to a Mets/Yankees/Bisons game, one generally doesn't here much song, except of course "Take Me Out to the Ballgame". When one goes to a Knicks game there isn't a specific song I can think of, it used to be a "fire Isiah" chant. One thing in common is that all these sporting events have music blaring from the high tech sound systems every intermission or lull in play.

If one, however, finds oneself at a soccer game in Europe. One will be confused. A soccer pitch void of loud popular music instead is filled with grown men singing a variety of songs, covers if you will. While many American sports have their chants and borderline songs, it is nothing compared to soccer. Predicatably, wikipedia has an article on it. Although a quick look at this youtube video may do this phenomenon of middle ages professionals singing pop songs, like "Forever Blowing Bubbles" justice.

Although comical, I always wondered why there is such a difference. Many people say its because in soccer stadiums there are no elaborate sound systems or video screens to distract the fans from creatively speaking/singing out. That seems to be the case, or at least used to be. American stadiums were more expensive when being built, affording big screen televisions and the likes in the 70s-80's while many soccer clubs simply couldn't afford those measure (in some cases they couldn't afford seats, preferring the cheaper standing option).

Although to be fair, American sports have a rich musical history too, and it reflects our music history. The American big band still exists outside of Vegas in every college football stadium, just as English 70s-80s pop lives on in their "football" stadium.