Tom Walker opens up about his early days in music
He used to busk in London
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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Craig David
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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.
She's also announced she'll headline American Express Presents BST Hyde Park, in London, on Saturday 5th July.
Sean Paul and Ashanti
Sean Paul and Ashanti are teaming up for a collaborative tour in April 2025, playing dates across the UK and Ireland. The tour will kick off in Belfast on 9th April with both Ashanti and Sean Paul, before Sean plays solo in Aberdeen and Newcastle. Ashanti will then re-join the tour for dates in Leeds, Glasgow, Nottingham, London, Birmingham and Manchester, with Sean finishing the tour on his own in Cardiff, Brighton and Bournemouth.
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.
Gary Barlow
Gary Barlow has announced a huge UK and Ireland tour, with dates in April, May and June 2025. The 'Let Me Go' singer will be visiting 27 locations, performing songs from his back catalogue, including some of his iconic Take That hits. Tickets for the 'Songbook Tour' go on sale on Friday 29th November 2024.
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.
Nelly
Noughties legend Nelly is bringing his 'Where The Party At' tour to the UK in celebration of the 25th anniversary of his debut album 'Country Grammar'. He'll be joined by special guests Eve, Fabolous, Jermaine Dupri and St. Lunatics when he heads to London, Birmingham and Manchester in June 2025.
Nelly is best known for his iconic R&B tracks 'Ride Wit Me', 'Hot In Herre' and collab with Kelly Clarkson 'Dilemma'.
Sam Fender
Sam Fender has announced two dates in his home town of Newcastle in June 2025, which will follow his tour of the UK and Ireland in the run up to Christmas 2024. He'll head to St James' Park on Thursday 12th and Saturday 14th June.
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.
Olivia Rodrigo
Despite only recently finishing her 'Guts World Tour', 'Vampire' singer Olivia Rodrigo has announced more UK tour dates for 2025. She'll be heading to London's Hyde Park for American Express presents BST Hyde Park on Friday 27th June. She'll also be heading to Manchester's Co-Op Live Arena for her rescheduled set on Monday 30th June and Tuesday 1st July, after problems with the venue forced cancellation at the eleventh hour in May 2024.
The Script
The Script sold out the first UK leg of their 'Satellites World Tour', which took place in 2024 — but they have now announced several more dates for June and July 2025 taking place at several festivals and outdoor venues.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish's 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' tour will be coming to the UK in July 2025 after visiting the US, Australia and wider Europe. The 'Bad Guy' singer will be performing 12 dates in the UK, including in Manchester and London. It follows the release of her third album of the same name in May 2024.
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.
One Republic
One Republic will be heading out on tour in September 2025. The band behind huge hit 'Counting Stars' will be joined by special guest, Ella Henderson as they head to London, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff and Birmingham for the 'Escape to Europe 2025 Tour'.
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.
Katy Perry
Katy Perry is never afraid to put on a show, and she'll be doing just that in London, Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham and Glasgow in October 2025. She revealed in November 2024 that she'll be bringing 'The Lifetimes Tour' to the UK.
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