Sam Fender: Get to know the 'Seventeen Going Under' hitmaker
From facts about the singer to upcoming shows, and more
Sam Fender has made serious waves in the music industry since his debut single 'Play God' in back 2017 - with his second album also taking the world by storm, giving us huge tracks such as 'Seventeen Going Under' and 'Spit of You'. Now with multiple BRIT Awards under his belt - putting his 2022 gong to a very interesting use - and a third album on the way, it's clear there's no stopping the singer/songwriter!
The Geordie singer was thrown into the spotlight after the release of his debut track, which featured on his first album 'Hypersonic Missiles', and featured in the video game FIFA 19. From there, he's released hits like 'Will We Talk?', 'Seventeen Going Under' and his most recent 'People Watching'. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the award-winning artist Sam Fender, from where he's from to when you can next see him live!
Who is Sam Fender?
Sam is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from North Shields, in the North East of England, making him a born and bred Geordie! Not only that, but he has also dabbled in acting - believe it or not, he appeared in the 2011 pilot of Vera and CBBC's Wolfblood.
Although Sam Fender might seem like an excellent choice for a stage name, it genuinely is his real name, born Samuel Thomas Fender to parents Alan and Shirley.
Sam Fender's UK tour 2024
On 18th October 2024, following a few cryptic teases her and there, Sam announced that he and his band were hitting the road in December 2024. Taking their 'People Watching Tour 2024' to locations around the UK, it was also revealed that Sam would be continuing dates in Europe in March 2025 - and heading home to Newcastle's St James' Park for two shows in June.
Pre-sale access was granted to those who pre-ordered the singer's highly-anticipated third album - excluding his homecoming show in Newcastle, for which they ran a ballot.
Under a week after the initial tour announcement, Sam revealed that he had added three extra dates to the 2024 tour, playing an extra show in Manchester, London and Glasgow. Check out all 10 dates below.
After playing eight dates, Sam announced just hours before his penultimate show in Glasgow on Tuesday 17th December that he'd have to postpone the final two dates in Glasgow and Newcastle.
Sharing the news on Instagram, he told fans: 'Glasgow and Newcastle, as most of you know I've had the flu for a few days now. Regardless of how compromised my voice was I did everything l could to get it in working order last night to put on the best show possible. Today I've had an ENT scope/camera down my throat and sadly I've haemorrhaged my right vocal cord, I'm absolutely heartbroken. This has been the best tour so far and all I want to do is get up and sing again for you all tonight. I've had two separate ENT doctors say if I perform tonight l'm risking lasting damage to my voice and I have been advised to be on vocal rest and not use my voice for a prolonged length of time until it heals. I've done everything by the book this tour living like a monk, it's so unlucky.
'I'm so, so sorry to all of you who are on your way tonight. We're trying to figure out a way to reschedule for you all, more news soon. X' (sic)
Ticket holders will be contacted directly via point of purchase shortly with more information. Ticket holders are being advised to hold onto their tickets and await further news.
'People Watching Tour 2024' UK dates
DECEMBER 2024
Dublin 3Arena – Mon 2nd
Leeds First Direct Arena – Wed 4th
Manchester Co Op Live – Fri 6th
Manchester Co Op Live – Sat 7th
London O2 Arena – Tue 10th
London O2 Arena – Thur 12th
Birmingham Utilita Arena – Fri 13th
Glasgow OVO Hydro – Mon 16th
Glasgow OVO Hydro – Tue 17th (POSTPONED)
Newcastle Upon Tyne Utilita Arena – Fri 20th (POSTPONED)
Did he take a break from music?
On 12th September 2022, in a shock announcement, the singer announced he would be cancelling some upcoming shows and record shop dates, as he needed to take time out to concentrate on his mental health.
In a statement shared on the Sam's social media he said: 'It seems completely hypocritical of me to advocate discussion on mental health and write songs about it if I don't take the time to look after my own mental health.'
He went on to say how he hasn't dealt with things that have deeply affected him over the past year, and: 'It's impossible to do this work on myself while on the road, and it's exhausting feigning happiness and wellness for the sake of business.'
Sam was flooded with messages of support from friends and fans, with Love Island star and mental health ambassador Dr Alex George commenting: 'Sending love mate ❤️' and James Arthur adding: 'Rest up mate ❤️'.
Despite cancelling some shows and appearances in 2022, Sam returned for a gig in Australia in November and also announced a HUGE homecoming gig at St James' Park in 2023, which took place on the same day as the city's iconic Blaydon Races on 9th June!
Sam's St James' Park gigs
Due to high demand, Sam released another date for the big Newcastle show, with him also performing on Saturday 10th June 2023. Fans who went to the Saturday show were in for a huge surprise, when the singer brought AC/DC's Brian Johnson out on stage, performing two of the band's legendary tracks to the sold-out stadium.
Sam also brought his first guitar teacher out on stage with him, accompanying him and Brian as they performed 'Back In Black' and 'You Shook Me All Night Long'.
How old is Sam Fender?
His birthday is 25th April 1994, making him currently 30-years-old.
For his 29th birthday, Sam celebrated in style, with his pals and a Collin the Caterpillar cake! We can only hope the singer if a fan of the famous chocolate cake, as his best pal Dean appeared to 'slam' his face into it. Taking to Instagram to thank his fans for the love, he laughed: 'Dean slammed a full Collin the Caterpillar in ma face. Thanks for all the birthday love ❤️ @deanedwardthompson'. (sic)
Where is he from?
He's a Geordie lad! Wor Sammy is from North Shields near Newcastle upon Tyne, and of course supports the Newcastle United Football Club.
In 2019, the singer got to meet his Newcastle hero Alan Shearer, taking to Instagram with a photo of the moment: 'Yesterday, @alanshearer gave me my number 1 album trophy in the king street club in my hometown 😆
'I’m so proud of this album, because it’s exactly what a debut album should be; raw, naive, heartfelt and a little over the top at times! But the thing I’m most proud of is the people who recorded it and the place it was recorded.
'This album was made in North Shields, in a studio we built in a derelict car garage by me and my best friends, all normal kids, from North Shields, Whitley Bay, Blyth, Newcastle, The Wirral and even France! They will forever be my family, and I’m eternally grateful to be in their company ❤️
'Thank you so much to everyone who believed and supported us along the way! I can’t wait to see you all on the road!' (sic).
Sam and his band aren't shy when it comes to showing the love for their home-town. While accepting his award for Best Alternative/Rock Act at The BRIT Awards 2022 with Mastercard, Sam took to the stage with the boys - one of which was proudly sporting his NUFC shirt.
How did Sam become famous?
Coming from a musical family, Sam can not only play guitar and sing, but is also skilled with a bass, piano and synth, as well as producing some of the songs from his albums himself.
Sam often played small gigs in Tynemouth's Surf Café. In 2010, Sam was playing in a pub names the Low Lights Tavern, in North Shields, when he was spotted by Ben Howard's manager, who took him on as a client.
Despite pursuing music, Sam also tried out his acting skills in 2011, having a named role in Brenda Blethyn-fronted crime drama show Vera, and a role in teen drama Wolfblood the following year. After this, he concentrated on his music career.
Debut album: 'Hypersonic Missiles'
After the release of his intensely personal EP 'Dead Boys' in 2018, Sam released his debut album 'Hypersonic Missiles' on 13th September 2019, entering the charts at Number 1 and scoring Gold certification in the UK.
Second album: 'Seventeen Going Under'
Sam's highly anticipated second album has 11 tracks and was released on 8th October 2021. For a while, details were some-what scarce, however the singer delighted fans when he revealed to us all in June 2021 that he had finally finished making it, taking to his Instagram to share a series of images showing him in the studio, writing: ' aye, it’s finished. get ready x' (sic).
Sam later released the lead track of the same name, whilst teasing the album's release date at the same time. The single was released on 7th July 2021.
Third album: 'People Watching'
After building up anticipation for a number of months, Sam Fender upped the ante on his third album when he announced 2024 tour dates - including a huge homecoming show in Newcastle Upon Tyne just before Christmas. Pre-sale access was granted to those who pre-ordered the singer's highly-anticipated third album.
It was then announced in November 2024 that as well as the album's lead single, titled 'People Watching', being released on 15th, the full album of the same name will be released on 21st February 2025.
Sam's 'People Watching' album will be the singer's third studio release, and you can check out the tracklist below.
Sam Fender’s ‘People Watching’ track-list:
People Watching
Nostalgia's Lie
Chin Up
Wild Long Lie
Arm's Length
Crumbling Empire
Little Bit Closer
Rein Me In
Tv Dinner
Something Heavy
Remember My Name
'Spit Of You'
On 19th October 2021, Sam released another track from 'Seventeen Going Under', a hugely personal song called 'Spit Of You', that is about his relationship with his dad.
He also dropped an incredible video starring British actor and Line of Duty star Stephen Graham, who plays his dad. In the video, the pair play father and son, who we follow as they watch TV, play pool and go on a camping trip together.
Speaking about the poignant video and the song, Sam said: "Spit Of You is a song about boys and their dads.
"It’s based around my own relationship with my old man, and how we both struggle as blokes to communicate the way we feel to each other without it becoming a stand off."
He added: "Stephen Graham is genuinely one of the best actors this country has ever seen, and such a lovely bloke.
"I was out of my comfort zone but it was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had. Thanks so much to Phil Barantini for making this beauty come to life".
Sam Fender 2022 tour
Sam Fender had a headline UK & Ireland arena tour in March and April 2022, following the release of his second album 'Seventeen Going Under'. Not only that, but following the arena dates, Sam played an outdoor show at Manchester Castlefield Bowl on Wednesday 6th July 2022.
The singer's headline UK & Ireland tour opened at Nottingham Motorpoint Arena on Sunday 20th March 2022, then headed to Liverpool M&S Bank Arena, Dublin 3Arena, Glasgow The SSE Hydro Arena, Birmingham Utilita Arena, Brighton Centre and London The SSE Wembley Arena before ending on a high with a homecoming gig at Newcastle Utilita Arena on Tuesday 5th April 2022.
Sam also went on tour around Europe from May 2022 onwards, with dates in Zurich, Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin.
Who is Sam Fender's musical inspiration?
Sam revealed an admiration for Bruce Springsteen in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, but called comparisons between the two of them "stupid", implying that, as he'd only had one album out at the time, he wasn't worthy of such a comparison.
On the red carpet at the BFI London Film Festival, he said: "The comparisons are just stupid; he is one of the greatest songwriters ever, he's had 19 albums out and I've had one album out. I'm like a North Eastern Geordie version," before joking: "I'm actually waiting for the court case for when he comes to get us for all of the songs I've ripped off."
Sam Fender's award wins and nominations
He was nominated for the BBC Sound of 2018, and won the BRITs Critics Choice Award in 2019 beating competition from Lewis Capaldi and Mahalia.
Sam was also nominated for the Best New Artist award at The BRIT Awards 2020. Two years later, in 2022, Sam was nominated for, and won, the BRIT Award for Best Alternative/Rock Act, which was voted for by fans. The singer was joined by his band on stage as he accepted the award.
At The BRIT Awards 2022, Sam also gave us an incredible performance of his hit song 'Seventeen Going Under'. During the ceremony, viewers also enjoyed performances from other huge names such as Ed Sheeran (who set the stage on fire, quite literally, with his opening performance), Adele, Anne-Marie, KSI, Liam Gallagher, Little Simz and Dave.
Did he turn a BRIT Award into a beer pump?
Sam Fender had a pretty creative idea for his first BRIT Award that he won back in 2019, having the award itself turned into a beer pump handle at his local pub where he used to work in North Shields - the Low Lights Tavern.
Sam was pretty vocal about his plans to turn his new award into another beer pump, should he win at the 2022 ceremony. Of course, Sam went on to bag the award for Best Alternative/Rock Act and the rest is history!
Elton John and Sam Fender
Elton John joined Sam Fender on stage for a rousing rendition of ‘Will We Talk?’ at the Rocketman’s annual Oscars party on Sunday 8th February 2020. Elton personally invited Sam to perform at the 28th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party in West Hollywood, California.
Sam even revealed to Absolute Radio that him and Elton have written a song together, saying: "I mean we wrote a song together so… we haven’t… nobody’s heard it but… but yeah. Probably not on my album, we may just release it as like a thing together."
The 30-year-old also took to his Instagram in November 2020 to write: 'I’ll be joining @eltonjohn for an exclusive performance in support of #WorldAIDSDay @ejaf. Watch on @tiktok_uk live from 7pm GMT tomorrow ❤️' (sic).
The pair have since enjoyed a strong friendship, with Sam even popping round to Elton's house for dinner from time to time!
Sam Fender's socially distanced gig
Sam performed a socially distanced gig at Gosforth Park in his native North East on Tuesday 11th August 2021 as part of The Virgin Money Unity Arena concert series, which saw 2,500 people attend all stood in 500 mini enclosures, 2 metres apart, with each one holding up to five people.
His NUFC hero Alan Shearer even attended the iconic gig, ahead of celebrating his 50th birthday! Appropriately, three members of Sam's band were rocking their NUFC striped shirts while on stage.
Scroll through to see how Sam Fender's socially distanced gig worked:
Sam Fender's socially distanced gig
Sam Fender's socially distanced gig
Sam Fender's socially distanced gig
Sam Fender's socially distanced gig
Sam Fender's socially distanced gig
Sam Fender's socially distanced gig
Sam Fender's socially distanced gig
Sam Fender's socially distanced gig
Sam Fender's socially distanced gig
Sam Fender 'Winter Song'
In November 2020, Sam really showed us his generous and caring side when he joined forces with The Big Issue in order to help combat homelessness and focus peoples' minds on the matter.
In order to raise awareness, the Geordie singer released 'Winter Song' - a powerful cover of the classic track by Lindisfarne, calling on listeners to "spare a thought" for those who don't have a home.
The Big Issue, with Sam's exclusive cover, is available online alongside with the rest of the Sam Fender merch.
Sam Fender covers Metallica's 'Sad But True'
In June 2021, Sam Fender premiered his cover of Metallica's 'Sad But True' from the band's 1991 heavy metal masterpiece 'The Black Album.'
Sam's unique cover of 'Sad But True' is one of 53 songs that appear on the charity album 'The Metallica Blacklist', which was released on 10th September 2021 and features covers of songs from 'The Black Album' by any eclectic array of artists.
100% of sales proceeds from ‘The Metallica Blacklist’ went directly to charity – 50% to Metallica’s own All Within My Hands Foundation and 50% to a charity of each artist’s choice. Sam Fender picked Teenage Cancer Trust as his charity.
Take a look through Sam's incredible career timeline:
Early beginnings
Receiving his first guitar when he was eight-years-old, Sam began to learn how to play, becoming proficient by the age of 10. At just 12-years-old, Sam met his friend Dean Thompson, who he began to play guitar alongside. The pair performed in front of an audience for the first time over the following year, appearing at his brother's street performer nights and family events. Sam and Dean would play Jimmy Hendrix covers, and at later gigs began to cover bands such as Kings of Leon.
Sam had his sights set on becoming a professional musician, with the singer saying: "When I hit 13 it was the only thing I wanted from life."
2008 - Sam began writing songs
Sam began writing songs at just 14-years-old. Over the following year, he took inspiration from the likes of Jeff Buckley and Bruce Springsteen, and played with his band in local pubs. The singer has since said that in his early song-writing, his desire to "do well" led to him writing songs that he thought would be popular.
More recently, Sam has described his musical influences as artists such as Jimmy Page, Tom Petty and Slash, as well as music that his mum and dad would 'play around the house'. He said that was: "Everything from Donny Hathaway to the Beatles and Aretha Franklin, and Steely Dan and all the old great stuff."
2011 - 2012 - Television debut
Despite Sam now being known for his monumental success in the music industry, some of his earliest jobs were actually on the box! When he was 15-years-old, Sam appeared on the pilot episode of ITV drama Vera, which aired in 2011, where he played a murdered teen named Luke Armstrong. Sam also appeared on CBBC fantasy series Wolfblood in 2012, where he played a character named Dean.
You can watch a clip of Sam Fender on ITV's Vera here on Twitter.
Sam's skills on the screen seem to have impressed, as years later Sam was in fact asked to be in pop star Ariana Grande's music video for her song 'Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored', however turned the job down due to shooting his 'Play God' video on the same day.
2013 - Career beginnings
Sam's music career began to take off at just 18-years-old, performing in his hometown of North Shields. Performing in the Low Lights Tavern, a pub where he worked, and the Surf Café, he was soon spotted by Owain Davies - who managed 'Only Love' singer Ben Howard. Owain took Sam on as a client, with 2013 seeing him playing a series of gigs throughout the country. Sam also supported a number of artists, including Ben Howard and Willy Mason.
Speaking about Owain, Sam said: "I was lucky. I was working in a pub and Ben Howard's manager had come home to celebrate winning a Brit Award. I was behind the bar pulling pints. My boss told me to get my guitar out and play something," revealing that Owain soon: "Put his money where his mouth was and invested in me."
Speaking about his humble beginning, Sam said: "Without the Low Lights, I wouldn't be here. It's the scene where it all started. I don't believe in fate, I really really don't, but the night that Owain walked into that pub really really makes me question its existence." He then described his discovery as a 'Disney film'.
In 2015, at the age of 20, Sam took some time out due to a major health scare. Through his recovery, Sam refocused his songwriting efforts and he began to write songs for himself.
2017 - Debut single and breakthrough
On 30th March 2017, Sam released his debut single 'Play God' independently. The track marked the beginning of a successful career for Sam, and serves as one of his most popular releases to date. Along with his band, consisting of Dean Thompson, Joe Atkinson, Tom Ungerer and Drew Michael, Sam began to play various shows and tour with support slots for different artists.
2017 also saw Sam release further singles such as 'Friday Fighting', 'Millennial', 'Start Again' and 'Greasy Spoon', with his popularity beginning to largely grow.
2018 - First signing and ‘Dead Boys’
June 2018 saw Sam sign his first record deal, signing with Polydor Records. He soon released his track 'Dead Boys', from his EP of the same name, which was released on 20th November 2018 and featured other songs such as 'That Sound', 'Poundshop Kardashian', 'Spice' and 'Leave Fast'.
The track 'Dead Boys' is now widely considered his breakthrough hit, with Sam performing the song on Later… with Jools Holland. Gaining further mainstream attention, 'Play God' was later featured on the soundtrack for the FIFA 19 video game.
Dealing with the topic of male suicide, Sam wrote the song following the tragic loss of a close friend, who sadly took is own life. To this day, the emotive and poignant song is still widely praised, with a fan even reaching out to describe how 'Dead Boys' saved his life. After discussing his apprehension to release the song as he "didn't want to be seen as capitalising on a tragedy or using suicide as a way to be controversial", Sam revealed: "It's definitely done more good than it did bad."
He continued: "There was a guy who was on his way to kill himself and he was driving his car. He was going to drive his car off the road and I was on the radio and doing a chat about Dead Boys and singing a song and the presenter got an email six months later and I got tied into the email as well, and it was basically saying that he heard what was on the radio and because of that chat on the show he pulled over, cried his eyes out, went home to his wife and said he needed help."
The 'Dead Boys' EP was certified Gold by the BPI in April 2024 - meaning that its seen over 100,000 sales in the UK. Pretty impressive stuff!
2018 - Headline tour
After the release of his EP 'Dead Boys', Sam and his band embarked on a headline tour. The tour included three sold-out shows in London, as well as one in Newcastle, as well as him heading on a 13-date European and Australian tour. In December, he also joined Blossoms on tour, and was soon selected by Vevo as an artist to watch.
Alongside the EP's release, he embarked on a headline tour including three sold-out shows at the London's Omeara club and one at Newcastle University and toured with Blossoms in December.
2019 - 'Hypersonic Missiles'
With his band line-up completed by saxophonist Johnny 'Blue Hat' Davis, Sam Fender's debut album 'Hypersonic Missiles' was released on 13th September 2019. After debuting at the Number 1 spot on the UK Albums Chart, it sold over 41,000 copies in the first week. Including huge tracks such as 'The Borders', 'Will We Talk?', 'Dead Boys', 'Play God' and the lead single 'Hypersonic Missiles', the album is now certified Platinum.
Prior to the album's release, Sam appeared on The Graham Norton Show in May 2019. He continued to tour and play sell-out shows, however in mid-2019 had to cancel a number of shows, including Glastonbury Festival, due to vocal injury. After a month of rest, however, Sam was back in action - soon playing support for Bob Dylan and Neil Young in Hyde Park, and even setting a record for the fastest-selling show at the Mouth of the Tyne Festival. As headliner, Sam sold out the festival within 40 minutes. 2019 also saw Sam perform on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, gracing the show with his popular track 'Will We Talk?'
2019 - 2020 - BRIT Award win
Following the monumental success of his debut album, Sam was awarded the 2019 BRITs Rising Star Award (formerly known as the Critics' Choice Award). Immortalising his win, Sam kept to his word and displayed his BRIT Award at the Low Lights Tavern - the pub in which he used to work, and was discovered by manager Owain Davies.
The award currently sits on the bar, serving as a pump for one of the pub's beer taps.
The following year, in 2020, Sam bagged another BRIT Award nomination, this time for Best New Artist, however lost out to 'Someone You Loved' singer Lewis Capaldi.
2020 - Elton John performance and headline tour
Elton John has described Sam as a 'very close friend' in the past, and their friendship in fact dates back years. In 2020, Elton personally invited Sam to perform at his annual AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Party, which took place after the Oscars. Elton joined Sam on stage as the pair performed his track 'Will We Talk?'
Since then, Sam has often written and recorded songs in Elton John's home. He even popped along to an A-list dinner party at the 'Hold Me Closer' legends house, with the likes of pop star Dua Lipa and Scissor Sisters icon star Jake Shears.
2020 - Socially distanced gig
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, shows across the globe were cancelled as social distancing was introduced and we entered various lockdowns. On 11th August, however, Sam provided us all with the UK's first socially distanced outdoor gig! Serving as the first large-scale socially distanced outdoor concert in the UK, Sam took to the stage at Gosforth Park, in his native North East.
Taking place in Newcastle Racecourse, a total of 2,500 people attended the historic gig, all standing in 500 mini enclosures, each 2 metres apart and holding up to five people.
You can see photos of Sam Fender's socially distanced gig here.
2020 - Winter Song
On 24th November 2020, Sam released his track 'Winter Song' - a cover of a Lindisfarne track from 1970. The release was used to raise money for street newspaper The Big Issue. On its release, Sam told NME: "I wanted to do a Christmas song, and wanted it to be close to my home and my heart. For me, the words are more relevant this year than ever. Christmas won't be the same for a lot of people this year, and that's why I picked Winter Song. Alan Hull truly was one of the most fantastic and underrated writers of his time. Geordie legend. I hope I've done it justice, I'm really proud of it."
Speaking of the music video released to accompany the track, Sam said: "So we got together with People Of The Streets, and I think it's sort of the first time you get to see the perspective of homeless people. You hear stats and statistics and you see the figures and it's horrible, but you don't actually see the human side of it. When you watch the video it's stunning and I was choking up the first time that I watched it. It's human and it makes it a lot more personal and a lot more close to home."
2021 - ‘Seventeen Going Under’
The following year saw the release of Sam's first single from his second studio album, 'Seventeen Going Under'. The single was released on 7th July, with the full album of the same name later released on 8th October.
The track 'Seventeen Going Under' was an instant hit, hitting the Number 3 spot in the UK Singles Chart. Now certified 2x Platinum in the UK alone, it serves as one of Sam's most successful releases of all time.
When it comes to the meaning behind the passionate track, it relates back to Sam's youth, talking about struggles, thoughts and experiences he had whilst growing up.
2021 - ‘Spit Of You’
Another single from his second album, 'Spit Of You', was released on 27th September 2021, ahead of the full album release. With the song already hugely popular, the music video quickly caught the eyes of many fans, with Line Of Duty actor Stephen Graham starring as Sam's dad. The music video was released on 6th October 2021, and has accumulated well over 6 million views on YouTube - and counting.
The video echoes the themes of the song, with the Liverpool actor - who previously starred in hits such as Help, This Is England, Time and Boiling Point - playing Sam's father, showing the somewhat strained relationship they have.
Speaking about the video, Sam said: 'This video is so beast! It was the most amazing experience to film with Stephen Graham, genuinely one of the best actors this country has ever seen and such a lovely bloke. So proud of this one!!'
2021 - 2022 - Awards
In the following years, Sam picked up numerous awards and nominations, mostly following the roaring success of his second album. The album saw Sam nominated for three awards in 2022 - those being British Artist of the Year, British Album of the Year and Best British Alternative/Rock Act, with Sam winning the latter.
As well as numerous other award nominations, including NME, Ivor Novello and Mercury Prize, he bagged a UK Music Video Award for Best Rock Video thanks to 'Spit Of You'.
2022 - Glastonbury
Due to previous cancellations due to the pandemic, June 2022 saw Glastonbury return with an incredible line-up that did not leave fans disappointed. In what was the festival's first full day of music after a two-year absence, Sam Fender took to the stage to perform some of his biggest tracks.
Sam's set-list included: 'Will We Talk?', 'Getting Started', 'The Borders', 'Spice', 'Howdon Aldi Death Queue','Get You Down', 'Spit of You', 'Seventeen Going Under' and 'Hypersonic Missiles'.
Other huge acts included former Led Zeppelin front-man Robert Plant and Rufus Wainwright, with Billie Eilish serving as main headliner.
2022 - Break for mental health
In September 2022, Sam shared a post to his Instagram page explaining that in order to work on his mental health, he was taking some time away. Although he had to cancel some live performances and appearances, Sam assured fans he would return for his show in Australia in late November of that year.
In an open and honest post, Sam wrote: 'It seems completely hypocritical of me to advocate discussion on mental health and write songs about it if I don't take the time to look after my own mental health.
'I've neglected myself for over a year now and haven't dealt with things that have deeply affected me. It's impossible to do this work on myself while on the road, and it's exhausting feigning happiness and wellness for the sake of business. My friends and colleagues have been worried about me for a while and it's not going to get better unless I take the time to do so.'
He went on to thank fans for their support, and express his excitement for his return in the following months - including a show in Australia and his 2023 homecoming gig in Newcastle.
Upon his return to performing, Sam shared a short video from his Melbourne show on Instagram, saying: 'Soo nice to be back in Australia!! Melbourne that was absolutely insane!' (sic)
2022 - ‘Seventeen Going Under Live Deluxe’ album
On 9th December 2022, Sam released a deluxe version of his second album, titled 'Seventeen Going Under Live Deluxe'. The album featured new tracks titled 'Little Bull Of Blithe' and 'Wild Grey Ocean', as well as 'Live From Finsbury Park' on a bonus disc.
Sam took to Instagram to reveal that 'Little Bull Of Blithe' was in fact about his Grandma, who sadly passed away while he was making his second album. He wrote: 'she used to call me 'a little bull of blithe' as I was always crashing in through the door like a bull in a china shop.' (sic)
2023 - Newcastle's St James’ Park gigs
The exciting news was announced in September 2022 that Sam would be heading to his hometown of Newcastle in 2023, for huge gigs at St James' Park. Playing two shows, Sam described the concerts as a "childhood dream come true".
Sam was initially set to play just one date, on 9th June 2023 - the same day as the city's famous Blaydon Race. Due to a frenzied reaction from fans to the first show, the singer added an extra date the following night - Saturday 10th June.
The shows took place in Newcastle's famous football stadium, and made him the first Geordie musician to headline the 55,000+ capacity stadium. The historic show even saw Sam bring out none other than ACDC legend Brian Johnson, on Saturday 10th June, with the pair duetting tracks such as 'Back In Black' and Bruce Springsteen's 'I'm on Fire'.
2023 - Headline Reading & Leeds Festival
Reading & Leeds Festival organisers announced six huge headline acts for their 2023 events - including none other than Sam Fender. Taking place over the Bank Holiday weekend of Friday 25th to Sunday 27th August 2023, Sam joins the impressive list of headliners which includes the likes of The Killers, Billie Eilish, Foals, Imagine Dragons and Lewis Capaldi.
On bagging his headline spot, Sam wrote: 'I first went to Leeds festival 10 years ago as a teenager, me and Deano spent the entire week launching hot dogs out of a gazebo pole at random crowds of lads chanting 'Yorkshire Yorkshire'. One night I was out cold in my tent from necking a bottle of vodka at Eagles of Death Metal my tent got set alight - some fine young hero from Sheffield pissed out the fire to save me. Thankfully because of that lad whose name I can't remember, I didn't perish in the flames, little did he know he'd just saved Reading and Leeds's 2023 headliner. See you down the front x'. (sic)
2023 - Sam honours 4 years of 'Hypersonic Missiles'
On 13th September 2023, Sam honoured the 4th anniversary of his 13-track debut album 'Hypersonic Missiles'. Taking to Instagram, he shared some behind-the-scenes footage and images from the last four years of his career, captioning the clip: '4 years since we released Hypersonic Missiles 🚀🤯 What a journey - thanks for all the love ❤️'.
2024 - Mark Knopfler's Guitar Heroes
In February 2024, it was announced that Mark Knopfler had drafted in over 60 iconic musicians under the moniker 'Mark Knopfler's Guitar Heroes', in order to create a charity remake of his legendary 1983 instrumental track 'Going Home (Theme From Local Hero)'.
Sam joined the incredible line-up, with the track released on 15th March 2024. Featuring Mark Knopfler himself, and the track opening with Jeff Beck's final recording before his untimely death in 2023, proceeds from the newly-expanded nine-minute instrumental epic will be donated to Teenage Cancer Trust and its American equivalent Teen Cancer America.
You can listen to the track right here, and find out how to download it.
2024 - Sam introduces new band member Brooke
In August 2024, Sam announced that the latest addition to his band was Brooke Bentham. The pair met when they were teenagers, both busking in Newcastle and North Shields. Sam wrote: 'First time I met Brooke I learnt how to sing', claiming that her cover on 'Dancing In The Dark' was the best cover he'd ever heard, and: 'I ripped off the way she sings and played that cover to death in almost every gig I've ever done'. With Sam adding that her vocals are all over his next album, Brooke also added: 'He's been a best friend and one of my biggest supporters (as you probs know) ever since. I can't really describe how special it feels to be joining the band. Everyone has been so welcoming and encouraging, I've felt nothing but love. 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'. (sic)
2024 - 'People Watching Tour' UK & Ireland dates announced
On 18th October 2024, after teasing an announcement in the days preceding, Sam announced his 'People Watching Tour 2024'. The tour, which will also see him travel to locations such as Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam and Brussels in March 2025, will see Sam perform in arenas around the UK & Ireland from 2nd December 2024 through to 20th December. Starting in Dublin, the tour visits Leeds, Manchester, London, Birmingham and Glasgow, before an almighty homecoming gig in Newcastle.
Upon announcing the tour dates, pre-sale access was granted to those who pre-ordered Sam's third studio album.
In November 2024, Sam also revealed he'd be heading home to Newcastle's St James' Park in June 2025 for two live shows!
2024 - Third album announcement and lead single
On 15th November 2024, Sam released his anthemic track 'People Watching', serving as the lead single from his third studio album of the same name. The song was written for his late friend and mentor, Annie Orwin, and is based on his thoughts as he travelled to and from her palliative care home. Released alongside a lyric video, the new song also came with the announcement that his third album was set for release on 21st February 2025. The tracklist includes: 'People Watching', 'Nostalgia's Lie', 'Chin Up', 'Wild Long Lie', 'Arm's Length', 'Crumbling Empire', 'Little Bit Closer', 'Rein Me In', 'Tv Dinner', 'Something Heavy' and 'Remember My Name'.
You can hear Sam Fender on Clyde 1.