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 Jack Wilson of Kid Kapichi.
The vocalist/guitarist of the Hastings punk duo is a passionate Arsenal fan – having recently had a custom Kapichi x Arsenal shirt made for himself. Jack’s support of the Gunners is something he shares with the other half of the band, bassist Eddie Lewis (both pictured above at the Emirates Stadium). Since coming together a decade ago, Kid Kapichi have always been more brotherhood than band; like-minded musicians bound together by the belief that music and message can happily co-exist, and that being proud of where you’re from should in no way limit your ambition or narrow your view of the world.
After a line-up change in the summer, the band mark the start of a new era with the release of fourth album Fearless Nature, due out on January 16, 2026 via Spinefarm. The record has been previewed so far by the singles ‘Stainless Steel’ and ‘Shoe Size’, the latter of which you can listen to on North London Forever – our unofficial Arsenal playlist.
Sport Playlists: Tell us about how you became a fan of Arsenal.
Jack Wilson: My older cousins have always been fierce Gooners since before I can remember. Days spent round their houses flicking through Arsenal cards and magazines did something to me. Growing up in the noughties it was hard not to have a love for a team literally called “The Invincibles”.
SP: What are your earliest memories of attending an Arsenal game?
JW: My cousins surprised me with Boxing Day tickets to my first ever Arsenal game. A thrilling 0-0 at Fratton Park against Portsmouth, but I saw [Cesc] Fàbregas play. It was one of the best nights of my life and if I wasn’t hooked before, I was now.
SP: Who were your footballing heroes growing up – whether that be Gunners or otherwise?
JW: Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp were and still to this day are my absolute heroes.
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: No, I was quite happy playing football on my lunch breaks. I always felt the lifestyle of a musician suited me more, but the talent was always there – Ballon d’or worthy striker but the cigs and Oasis got me first.
SP: What’s the best moment been in your time supporting Arsenal?
JW: I honestly think it’s now. I know it’s been a long time since we’ve won anything big, but being an Arsenal fan right now with this team of amazing young players and a manager who I’d literally jump in front of a bullet for is the best feeling. I know the good times are just around the corner.
Oh, and snapping [Eberechi] Eze from HotSpuds last minute. That felt pretty good!
SP: What are your thoughts on how the 2025/26 season has gone so far, and what are your hopes for the rest of the season?
JW: We had an extremely impressive summer window – couldn’t have asked for more. I think we’ve looked strong. Deep squad depth. Unfazed.
I’m not of the opinion of “Arteta out if we don’t win anything this season.” What he’s done for the club and the way we play and carry ourselves is worth even more to me.
As I say, we’ve started strong and I’m confident we’ll continue to push hard in all competitions. I hope this ages well.
SP: Who are your favourite players in the current Gunners squad?
JW: Bukayo Saka is my hero. Lewis Skelly is unreal. Max Dowman is a superstar. But I do love Eze’s attitude
SP: How important has the crossover between music and football been in your life?
JW: It’s been huge. The two things go together perfectly and always have done. We support bands like we support our teams – with pride and with a sense of home and belonging. Football and music will always be my two biggest drivers in life. My biggest source of joy and my biggest source of pain.
SP: What song do you associate with a cherished footballing memory?
JW: ‘London Calling’ by The Clash, as they play it before every match and it’s perfection.
SP: If you had to pick one Kid Kapichi song for Arsenal to walk out to before kick-off at the Emirates, which one would it be?
JW: I think it’d have to be ‘Let’s Get To Work’. Especially for the lyric “slide tackling, down the wing, stick in the goal”.
SP: You’ve just released new single ‘Shoe Size’ from your forthcoming album ’Fearless Nature’. What can fans expect from the record as the first release in the new era of Kapichi, following your line-up change in the summer?
JW: Expect the unexpected. We’ve released two singles so far. Both quite different and the rest will follow that curve.
The album is my proudest and truest moment to date. We have two new members and the live show definitely feels fresher and I believe that is replicated in the sound of the new album also.
SP: What plans do you have in store for 2026 following the album’s release in January?
JW: We’ll be doing instore signings and gigs upon release in January. Followed by another big festival season in UK and Europe. And then our biggest tour ever after that to celebrate the new album properly. More details to come soon, but it’s going to be BIG!
