Tom Walker opens up about his early days in music

He used to busk in London

Tom Walker
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 6th Feb 2024
Last updated 6th Feb 2024

Already this year, Tom Walker has released a new song called 'Head Underwater', and performed an impromptu gig outside Spudman's trailer, and if that wasn't enough, he's set to go on his 'I Am' tour in April, where you can expect him to perform his huge hits.

Now, the singer who is known for hits such as 'Leave The Light On', 'Serotonin', and 'Freaking Out' has opened up about how it was starting out in music. We all know him for his hits, but it was very different back in at the beginning, when he started out.

Speaking to us, Tom told how he used to busk in London, but it didn't always go to plan. "I mean, it's crazy," he said talking about how things have changed.

"I went from busking to like three people on the streets of London... chased away by the council every five minutes, because you need a permit, but there's a two-year wait! I mean, you tell me that when when you're a student or you don't have a job!

"To like playing Glastonbury, so it's absolutely crazy, I'm absolutely buzzing, because obviously it's a hard industry to get into, and the chances of it happening, you know aren't like huge."

He went on to say: "I failed most of my GCSEs, and somehow pulled an absolute blinder getting into the music industry, so I'm buzzing!"

Since those early days, Tom has had quite the career, he's released a Number 1 album, with another on its way, and had two Top 10 hits in the UK. He's also received a BRIT Award for Best Breakthrough Act, and a nomination for his song 'Leave a Light On' in the Best British Single category.

When is Tom Walker on tour?

If you weren't lucky enough to see Tom performing by Spudman's trailer, you can catch him on tour, when he starts in April. Tickets are on sale now for his tour on Aloud.com

Take a look through other tours coming up:

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Scooter

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Jax Jones

Jax Jones has announced several UK tour dates in October and November 2024. The DJ shared the exciting news with a defiant message saying how he wanted to prove show promoters wrong, because they wouldn't book him.

The Script

The Script have now sold out the first UK leg of their 'Satellites World Tour', which takes place in November 2024, they have now announced several more dates for June and July 2025 taking place at several festivals and outdoor venues.

Charli XCX

Charli XCX has announced four extra dates for her 'BRAT' UK tour, with special guest Shygirl. The singer, known for hits such as 'Boom Clap', and 'Speed Drive' from the Barbie movie, will be performing in Manchester, London, Birmingham and Glasgow throughout November - December.

Myles Smith

Myles Smith has announced his biggest solo tour due to take place in February 2025. His tour, called the 'We Were Never Strangers' tour, will start on 15th February in Leeds, before finishing in London on 26th February.

Craig David

Craig David will be going on tour in February 2025, with special guest Lemar. The singer has announced a series of dates across the UK, including Leeds, Glasgow, Newcastle and many more.

Sabrina Carpenter

'Espresso' icon Sabrina Carpenter will be gracing the UK & Ireland with dates on her 'Short N' Sweet Tour' in March 2025. The tour is in support of her sixth studio album of the same name, and will also see her perform across North America and Europe.

Usher

Usher has announced several tour dates in the UK in March, April and May 2025. Tickets are now on sale for all dates.

Olly Murs

Olly Murs has announced a huge 16 date UK and Ireland tour for April and May 2025. The tour is to celebrate 15 years in music, and he will be joined by special guests Blue.

Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minogue has announced her latest tour will be called 'The Tension Tour' and will take place in the UK throughout May 2025. Speaking about her tour, Kylie said: "I am beyond excited to announce the TENSION TOUR 2025. I can't wait to share beautiful and wild moments with fans all over the world, celebrating the Tension era and more! It's been an exhilarating ride so far and now, get ready for your close up because I will be calling Lights, Camera, Action … and there will be a whole lot of Padaming!"

Scissor Sisters

The Scissors Sisters are returning for a UK tour, performing in Nottingham, Glasgow, Manchester, London, Leeds, Birmingham and more in May 2025. The last time the band were on tour was back in 2012 with their 'Let's Have A Kiki Tour', named after a song on their fourth album 'Magic Hour'. This new tour will feature Jake Shears, Babydaddy and Del Marquis and celebrate the release of their debut album.

Dua Lipa

Not only did Dua Lipa delight fans when she announced a new UK date for her 'Radical Optimism' tour - performing at Wembley Stadium in London - but she upped the excitement as she added another date, due to popular demand. She will be performing at the world-famous venue on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st June 2025.


She later announced a date in Liverpool on 24th June 2025.

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish has announced her 'Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour' will be coming to the UK in July 2025. Billie will be performing 12 dates across Glasgow, London and Manchester.

Coldplay

Coldplay announced eight-date UK stadium tour in September 2024. The tour will take place in London and Hull, with two dates at Hull's Craven Park Stadium, and six at London's Wembley Stadium, in August 2025.

Busted Vs McFly

Busted and McFly are teaming up for an ultimate battle of the bands tour in 2025, playing dates across the UK in September and October 2025. The tour is called Busted Vs McFly.

Now read:

Tom Walker: Get to know the 'Freaking Out' singer 🎶

The meanings behind Tom Walker's most popular songs

Tom Walker surprises fans with impromptu gig outside Spudman's trailer

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