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From Fibbers in York to the first direct arena, Sam Fender had Leeds singing all the way down to the station

What a comeback.

Emily Johnson Emily Johnson - 5th December 2024

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.

     
     
     
     
     
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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.

    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.

    Read more: Leeds First Direct Arena crowned second best indoor arena in the UK

    Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

    Audio

    Inside the Leeds factory that makes and supplies classic jukeboxes

    Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

    This Leeds-based family-owned business is famed for supplying pubs, clubs and even ordinary people's homes with classic jukeboxes.

    Started up in 1978, Sound Leisure really is a local business like no other, creating and distributing classic jukeboxes to over 40 countries.

    This music-machine-making company notes that 75% of the jukeboxes they manufacture and sell throughout the year are bought for everyday homes.

    The remaining 25% of orders are for the all-expected hospitality venues like bars, clubs and hotels, with the jukeboxes sometimes bought for company headquarters and retail outlets too.

    Although there are other jukebox manufacturers, especially across the pond in the US, Sound Leisure is the only factory in the world that creates jukeboxes to play out across all formats: CD, vinyl and digital.

    This jukebox business even runs the world's only 'Custom Shop', which is a design service that offers any music lovers the chance to personalise their pristine player.

    So whether you're after a themed jukebox, customisable nameplate or even a bespoke design, this jukebox company's website states: "If you can dream it, we can build it".

    One of Sound Leisure's prized products is the music machine inspired Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-themed jukebox which any fan of The Beatles would dream of being its lucky owner.

    And there really isn't anything they can't do, as alongside creating classic jukeboxes, the same team even make pinball machines, football tables, LED signs and more.

    With CD and vinyl jukeboxes from £5,000 and digital jukeboxes quoted from upwards of £12,000, we're going to need a fair few rainy days to save up our money.

    However, you can still marvel at these magnificent music machines without having to dip into your savings, with guided tours starting from just £15.

    If you're up for learning a little bit more about music technology or simply after admiring these classic jukeboxes in all their glory, you can find out more about the factory and book your guided tour ticket HERE.

    Read more: Two giant balloon dog sculptures by acclaimed international artist have landed in Leeds

    Featured Images - The Hoot Leeds

    Audio

    An independent one-day festival run by local businesses is returning to Leeds this summer

    Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

    Bramley’s independent festival is back after a sell-out first year.

    Three local businesses, no corporate sponsor, one big day.

    That's the motto of Mill Fest - an indie festival returning to Swinnow Grange Mills in Bramley after a sell-out debut that brought more than 600 people through the gates.

    Mill Fest began as a shared idea between three Bramley businesses who fancied putting on a proper day out for the area, and we're so glad they did.

    Last August it turned Swinnow Grange Mills into a full day of live music, street food, flash tattoos, market stalls and cold pints in the sun. We can't think of a better way to spend the day to be honest.

    Images: Supplied

    This year Mill Fest is back and taking place on Sunday 2 August, and the plan is simple - keep what made it work and build on it.

    There will be a full day of live music, the return of the flash tattoo day, more independent traders, street food and local beer. This time the team is keen to bring in more businesses and faces from around the area, and the full lineup and programme will be announced over the coming weeks.

    Images: Supplied

    Owen Wilson from Against the Grain Bar said: “We started this because we wanted to put something on for Bramley, run by the people who actually work here. Last year went better than any of us expected. The place was full, the sun came out, and it felt like the whole area showed up. We can’t wait to do it again.”

    Danae Miller from Grays Salon said: "The aim for this year is the same day people loved, just a bit bigger. We’d love to get more local businesses and artists involved, and to see even more familiar faces down at the mill. If we get the weather, it’ll be another one to remember.”

    Read more: American rapper cancels rescheduled Leeds gig AGAIN due to ‘ongoing illness’

    Featured image - Supplied

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