Sam Fender's band: Meet the musicians that play alongside the singer
Including the band's latest addition
Last updated 21st Oct 2024
We all know Sam Fender as the voice behind hit tracks such as 'Seventeen Going Under', 'Will We Talk?' and 'Spit Of You' - but alongside the eponymous leader there are also seven talented musicians behind him, providing backing vocals, guitar, bass, keyboard, trumpet, synth and - of course - the saxophone.
As they prepare to head on tour, join us as we get to know the members of Sam Fender's band - his best pals and fellow Geordies Joe Atkinson, Dean Thompson, Drew Michael, Tom Ungerer, Mark Webb, Johnny 'Blue Hat' Davis and the latest new addition, Brooke Bentham. Get to know the gang a little better, including how the saxophone player earned himself such a memorable nickname...
Who are the members of Sam Fender's band?
Sam Fender - Lead vocals and guitar
Starting with Sam himself, the musician leads the band with his recognisable vocals, as well as talents on the guitar. Sam is also a gifted songwriter, with his credits on multiple songs, including 'Seventeen Going Under', expanding to composer, glockenspiel and piano.
Read up on everything there is to know about Sam, as well as his impressive career so far and the meanings behind some of his biggest songs.
Joe Atkinson - Keyboards, synth and guitar
On keyboard, synth and guitar is 28-year-old Joe Atkinson - a close friend of Sam's, with the pair's friendship dating back to High School. When the boys first became friends, Joe was a member of another band called Lisbon. After Sam convinced Joe to part ways with the group and join him instead, the rest was history.
Dean Thompson - Lead guitar
Dean Thompson, 29, takes on the lead guitar role in the band, with his and Sam's friendship dating much further back to just 12-years-old. Dean and Sam would play guitar with each other, and began performing in front of audiences just one year after becoming friends - with their first gig being Dean's uncle's birthday. The pair would cover many classic rock songs, as well as artists such as Jimmy Hendrix and Kings of Leon.
Drew Michael - Drums
It was then at Newcastle College that Dean Thompson met Drew Michael - who now plays the drums in Sam Fender's band. Drew is originally from Blyth, Northumberland, and played in many different bands before Sam snapped him up. Upon meeting Sam, it only took a couple of rehearsals with Drew for him to be cemented in a permanent role in the band.
Tom Ungerer - Bass
On bass duties is Tom Ungerer - who is originally from the South of France. Prior to playing in Sam's band, Tom was a member of a group called Them Things, who he toured with and helped gain a relatively large following. Them Things performed around the UK, in locations such as London and Brighton, however Tom left the band to join Sam's line-up.
Johnny 'Blue Hat' Davis - Saxophone
Last but not least is Sam's legendary saxophone player - Johnny Davis, or as he is more fondly known, Johnny Blue Hat. A solo saxophonist, Johnny began working with Sam in January 2019 and completed the band's final line-up. Prior to joining the band, and providing sax solos in songs such as 'The Borders', Johnny had also previously achieved high success as he worked with huge names such as The Who's Roger Daltrey, and the Blues Brothers' Lou Marini.
Often sporting a blue bucket hat over the years, Johnny gained himself the nickname Johnny Blue Hat - and, similar to fellow members of the band, can often be seen donning the Newcastle United football strip.
Mark Webb - Trumpet
On trumpet duties is Mark Webb, who is also a North East native. Mark has played the trumpet in Sam Fender's band since 2021, having played in bands such as the Northumberland County Youth Jazz Orchestra, and the Sage Gateshead's regional Big Band 'Jambone' from an early age - similar to Johnny 'Blue Hat'.
Brooke Bentham
In August 2024, Sam and Brooke announced that she was the latest addition to the band, with the pair both sharing sweet posts on Instagram where they gushed about their long friendship. Sam wrote: 'First time I met Brooke I learnt how to sing. Our mutual friend @paulstephenwalton ran just about every buskers night in and around Newcastle at the time, but it was in gosforth where I met Brooke Benthsteen. I walked in to the bar to the sound of the best cover of 'dancing in the dark' I'd ever heard, and from that moment we were best mates'. (sic)
Sam then revealed that Brooke is providing vocals on his next album, adding: 'Her voice is all over the next album, it's been an absolute pleasure singing with her again and I can't wait for you to hear what we've made.'
The pair met in Sam's hometown of North Shields when Brooke was just 16, with the pair were 'on the busking circuits in Newcastle', with Sam adding that: '13-14 years later, she's joined the band!' On joining the group, Brooke also gushed: 'After leaving Shields ten years ago, to now being surrounded by geordies again. It's a very lovely, lovely thing. Feels like home. Whenever Sam plays me new songs, I'm always just in awe of him. Every single one of the boys (men) in the band is a diamond. Singing together feels like magic. I'm so incredibly excited for what is to come.' (sic)
You can her songs by Sam Fender on Absolute Radio.
Now read:
Sam Fender: Get to know the 'Will We Talk?' hitmaker
Sam Fender announces December 2024 UK & Ireland arena tour
Sam Fender's impressive career timeline so far
15 of Sam Fender's biggest songs and the meanings behind them