In "Music meets Football", we speak to some of our artists about their love of the beautiful game and the teams they support. Our latest feature is with Joe Williams of HIMALAYAS.
Williams, the lead vocalist/guitarist of the Cardiff-based rockers, is a passionate supporter of Premier League side Arsenal. Completed by Mike Griffiths (guitar/vocals), Louis Heaps (bass) and James Goulbourn (drums), HIMALAYAS are on a dizzying upward trajectory since the release of their debut album From Hell To Here (2023), which quickly proved them to be a vital new band in the UK rock scene.They’ve since gone on to work with AC/DC’s Brian Johnson as co-writer on the single ‘V.O.V’ and supported Foo Fighters at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium last summer.
The quartet recently announced details of their sophomore album, BAD STAR. Set for release on April 25, the record sees them expanding far beyond the indie-rock of their first works, taking in influence from the likes of Queens Of The Stone Age, Radiohead, Royal Blood and more. You can listen to the latest single shared from the alum, ‘Afterlife’ on North London Forever – our unofficial Arsenal Football Club playlist.
Sport Playlists: Tell us about how you became a fan of Arsenal.
Joe Williams My family are originally from North London and support Arsenal, so it was something that was always around me whilst I was growing up!
One of the things that’s always stood out since I can remember first watching Arsenal is the stye of football that we play. Seeing that in person, whether home or away, is always something else.
SP: Who were your footballing heroes growing up – whether that be Arsenal players or otherwise?
JW: Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Cesc Fabregas, Andrea Pirlo, Kaka – there are too many to name them all!
SP: Did you ever have any aspirations about becoming a professional footballer when you were a child? If so, how far did they go towards becoming a reality?
JW: I think most kids have that aspiration but I don’t think I was ever quite cut out for a career in football unfortunately, so I’ve stuck to music.
We recently had a game with the Foo Fighters crew before a show in Cardiff and it was good to spend time with them all whilst playing.
SP: What’s the best moment been in your time supporting Arsenal?
JW: The Invincibles’ season in 2003/04 obviously springs to mind, but also the 2004 Community shield against Manchester United as well.
SP: What are your thoughts on how the 2024/25 season has gone so far?
JW: It’s been a challenging season for us with injuries and I think our squad hasn’t really pushed on from last season but there have been moments to show that the future is bright. Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are starting to break through and I’m excited to see Max Dowman at some point in the near future too.
SP: What are your hopes for the rest of the season? Arsenal are best placed to challenge Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title, but how hard is it going to be to keep pace with them over the next three months?
JW: I would be hopeful for us to keep the pressure up on Liverpool and take it right down to the wire. At some point in the rest of the season you’d hope that Liverpool have a rocky patch and we’re able to catch them. Also, to see us continue to push on in the Champions League would be great!
SP: Who are your favourite players in the current Gunners squad?
JW: Bukayo Saka, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, Gabriel, Martin Ødegaard, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice…basically the whole squad!
SP: How important has the crossover between music and football been in your life?
JW: They’re two of my biggest passions. I’ve found a lot of music that I like by it being played both at games I’ve been at, or on coverage of games.
SP: What song do you associate with a cherished footballing memory?
JW: The chant to the tune of ‘Rockin’ All Over The World’ for Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe that was sung when they both played for us is one that brings back some good memories.
SP: If you had to pick one HIMALAYAS song for Arsenal to walk out to before kick-off at Emirates Stadium, which one would it be, and why?
JW: I think it would either be ‘Hung Up’ or ‘Afterlife’. I just think they both build up the intensity ahead of kick-off!
SP: You recently released latest single, ‘Afterlife’, alongside the announcement of your second album, BAD STAR. What have you learnt as a band in the time between the release of your debut record two years ago and recording this new album?
JW: We know more about the band that we want to be. We’re a little less naive and we want to put our own stamp on the music that we make and I think that shows on this record.
SP: What plans are in store for the band following the release of BAD STAR in April?
JW: We’re heading on tour around the UK and also playing festivals as well as more shows throughout the rest of the year.
