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.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
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.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
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.
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.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
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.
A major international girl band appear to be gearing up for a big reunion tour following a number of teasers popping up at some of the largest arenas around the country.
Including right here in Leeds.
In case you haven’t already guessed it from the thumbnail, we’ll give you another hint: there used to be six of them, though it remains to be seen how many will be returning…
Yes, the once-huge all-female pop group, The Pussycat Dolls, looks set to reunite once again, though the full lineup and exact nature of the shows are yet to be fully verified.
They were a big chart-topping act throughout the noughties, and some of the famous faces are still doing bits in around showbiz today; they’ve been away for a long time, but the First Direct Bank Arena and more have just fans getting ready to “loosen up their buttons”.
Image: Co-op Live
Sharing the big digital advert splashed at the top of the venue on Wednesday, 11 March, the First Direct Bank Arena couldn’t have made it any easier for fans to guess.
Choosing one of the most obvious lyrics turned puns and asking us, “Don’t Cha Wish you knew who we’re announcing tomorrow (Thurs, 12 Mar)”, it didn’t take any time at all for people to figure it out.
With the comments across social media platforms now filled with people sharing gifs of their old performances and dance routines, or simply sharing their general excitement, the hype train is already well and truly on the way.
And then, as if things weren’t already blatant enough, the Pussycat Dolls’ official page has also shared a short clip ahead of the inevitable reveal featuring the words, “PCD Forever”, along with pointing them towards a website listed under the same name.
Now, the last time they performed was not long before the pandemic, with most of the original lineup performing on The X Factor, releasing their first new song in over a decade, ‘React’, which was supposed to signal the start of a reunion.
However, the planned comeback tour was ultimately cancelled in January 2022, and we hadn’t heard much else since – until now. Fans are crossing fingers that they get at least a trio of Nicole Sherzinger, Ashley Roberts, Carmit Bachar, Kimberly Wyatt, and Jessica Sutta, but we’ll find out very soon.
Northern rock and blues veterans Proud Mary announce run of reunion shows in 2026
Danny Jones
Veteran Manchester rock and blues band Proud Mary recently announced a limited run of UK reunion shows, including one right here in Leeds.
The seasoned Northern outfit may have seen plenty of lineup changes and a long hiatus of sorts, but now they’re returning for just a small handful of comeback gigs across the country.
Ahead of their seminal debut album turning 25 years old this year, 2026 also seems them steadily creeping up on the best part of three decades as a group in some form or another.
For anyone uninitiated, the native 90s and early noughties name was the first band signed to Noel Gallagher’s Sour Mash Records in 2001.
Their first-ever LP, The Same Old Blues, still remains their most revered work to this day.
Dubbed by the older Burnage brother and legendary Manc musician as “a lesson in songwriting” in an interview with the NME way back when, they started out as long-time friends and turned into fellow studio peers.
As well as supporting the likes of Oasis, Neil Young, The Stereophonics, Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, Ryan Adams, Noel’s High Flying Birds and more on various tours over the years, they also famously headlined Isle of Wight Festival in 2004.
Having collaborated with the likes of another Britpop legend, Gem Archer, as well as The Smiths’ Andy Rourke, not to mention gaining plaudits from so many other contemporaries, they’re likely one of your favourite bands’ old faithful bands.
Moreover, in regional terms, rising local indie rock quintet Rosellas are also joining them on the road for their shows.
Proud Mary will be playing at The Warehouse in Leeds on Friday 8 May and you can grab your tickets HERE.
Emily Johnson -
5th December 2024 
