The rise of this North Shields lad has been nothing short of extraordinary.
From supporting Vant in 2017 at the now-closed Fibbers in York to playing Leeds’ first direct arena in front of a crowd of 13,000, Sam Fender’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
What once felt like witnessing the birth of local talent has transformed into celebrating a fully-fledged icon of British music.
Kicking off the evening was Wunderhorse, a band currently riding high on a wave of critical and fan acclaim. With their latest album Midas making serious noise and a year packed with high-profile gigs – including supporting Fontaines D.C. around Europe and their own headline shows – it’s no surprise that their live performance was nothing short of captivating.
Wunderhorse brought raw energy and undeniable charisma, proving why they’re hailed as one of the most exciting bands of the moment. Their mix of intricate melodies and thundering riffs warmed up the crowd perfectly, leaving the audience buzzing for what was to follow.
As the lights dimmed and the roar of the crowd filled the arena, Fender took to the stage with The Kitchen, igniting an immediate connection with the audience. His ability to balance stadium-worthy anthems with moments of intimate storytelling is what makes him such a standout artist. The set was a masterclass in emotional highs and lows, blending his sharp social commentary with heartfelt personal reflections.
The setlist consisted of some all time classics, alongside his latest releases, both Wild Long Lie, and People Watching, teasing fans to the sounds of the newest Fender album which is set to be released in February.
Tracks like ‘Seventeen Going Under’ brought a collective catharsis to the crowd, with fans screaming every word back at him, while ‘Spit Of You’ delivered a poignant moment of reflection on mental health – a topic that Fender continues to address with unflinching honesty.
One of the standout moments of the night was The Dying Light, which fans were elated to see back on the setlist. Fender’s raw vocals and stripped-back arrangement filled the first direct arena with tear-jerking intimacy, a reminder that despite his rise, he’s never lost the heart and vulnerability that first drew fans to his music.
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Drawing the night to a close, Sam told the crowd for these next two songs they might want to have a bit of a mosh pit, urging fans to take care of one another. The riff for Spice then kicked in, which saw the entire arena on its feet, bouncing in unison as Fender’s band delivered a flawless performance. The crowd didn’t even have a chance to catch a breath before ‘Howdon Aldi Death Queue’ turned the crowd into an ecstatic frenzy of people belting the lyrics and emulating the sirens heard in the song.
For the encore the unmistakable opening chant of Hypersonic Missiles echoed throughout the room, leaving the crowd roaring the lyrics long after the show had finished, all the way down to Leeds train station.
It was a fitting finale to a show that felt both triumphant and deeply personal. Fender’s gratitude was evident throughout, and his heartfelt thanks to the fans who have supported him from tiny venues to arenas like this only cemented his status as one of the most relatable artists of his generation.
It’s almost impossible to reconcile the young artist who played for a handful of people in Fibbers with the confident performer who commanded every inch of the first direct arena’s stage. Yet, the essence of Sam Fender remains the same: a working-class storyteller with a knack for writing songs that resonate across generations.
Leeds was treated to an unforgettable night, showcasing Fender’s ability to make even the largest spaces feel intimate. If this show is anything to go by, the next chapter in his career will only take him to greater heights.
Read more: Leeds First Direct Arena crowned second best indoor arena in the UK
Featured image – The Hoot Leeds
