Sam Fender has finally taken to the road again, ahead of his new album People Watching, which he is due to bless us with in late February. The Mic's Rebecca Hinchliffe headed to Leeds for an insight into the next era of our beloved Geordie, and reminisce on some of his earlier work while she was at it!
Coming in from the cold and rainy Wednesday night the first direct arena served as the venue for Sam Fender’s second night of his People Watching tour. The night was both a preview of what was to come from his new album as well as a look at his past hits. Opener Wunderhorse warmed the crowd with the strong bass and loud drums. Admittedly, their full set was not all to my taste, with the more punk metal songs being a bit much for me. Their heavy music created an atmosphere of anticipation with their most popular songs teal and purple being met with the biggest reception getting people out of their seats and singing. I do think that their lack of interaction with the crowd limited the connection with those who weren’t as familiar with them. Never addressing the crowd and simply walking off the stage, although part of the vibe and act, makes me wonder whether (in the position as an opening act), involving the crowd more would have served them better.
When the lights went out and an opening track of suspenseful music started, the screen flashed with images of Fender. The band entered the stage to Roy Orbison before starting into The Kitchen and a quick discussion about his beloved Newcastle United’s lead at the time, as the now expected white and black shirts amongst the crowd roared with approval; the whole arena was pumped and ready to go. With the excitement growing as The Kitchen continued on into Getting Started and The Borders, the first three tracks not only highlighted the crowd’s excitement and the electric atmosphere but also Fender’s diversity in songs. His opener being a more classic rock song, then into the ear worm chorus of Getting Started and the heartfelt lyrics of The Borders which also showcase Fender’s voice and range.
Then, Fender introduced three of the new songs from his upcoming Album. One of them being the newly released Wild Long Lie, which is definitely a different sound to his previous music, giving more of a country twang than has been heard from him before. The crowd had clearly been practicing the song as, even though only being released for two days, they were still singing and swaying along. The next two tracks being unreleased meant the audience had a slight lull, as we were all trying to absorb the new material. The two songs Nostaliga’s Lie and Arm’s Length both having a similar sound to Wild Long Lie, perhaps marking what is to come on Fender’s upcoming album – a little more introspective and thoughtful. Fender showed the crowd his true love and concern for his fans when one of them was struggling in the crowd and stopped playing in order for the stewards to get to them and give them the help they needed. It also was a moment to see the true love of the crowd as people got out the way and were helping the person in need.
"These moments of vulnerability highlight a constant message Fender presents of men’s mental health and strength in that vulnerability."
Fender then started to play some of his classics, with the crowd being taken over by the melody of Will We Talk? and the title track of the upcoming album People Watching, which both had the crowd out of their seats, yelling the words. Supporting this, the screens were being used to show some of the words from the song in strong yellow lettering and yellow lighting which was used throughout the show. With the change in tempo into a more punk, aggressive tone, Fender reminded the crowd to be kind to each other as they were dancing and moshing. Spice and Howdon Aldi Death Queue both creating a moment of euphoria in the atmosphere as the blaring music (and Fender’s almost shouting in parts) ignited the crowd. This carried through into the end of the gig with Seventeen Going Under, which Fender introduced as ‘The song you’ve heard on Tik Tok’ and Hypersonic Missiles, which he used for his encore. Closing with his most popular songs meant the crowd left with increased buoyancy and joy.
Throughout the show, Fender showed a humbleness and, in parts, a shyness, often making self-critical remarks. Despite this, it seemed he was recognising his popularity and was performing with a quiet confidence in himself and his band, even in the moments of self-doubt. His love for his fans was clear in the way he checked on the crowd throughout the show. All in all, the show was well put together, with the use of lights and screens often telling the story alongside the song. With Spit of You having pictures of his childhood all coming together to create the picture of him and his dad. These moments of vulnerability highlight a constant message Fender presents of men’s mental health and strength in that vulnerability.
There is no doubt that the upcoming album will be an exciting release and the songs that he played have made me all the more excited.
Rebecca Hinchliffe
Edited by Bethany Coldwell
Images Courtesy of Sam Fender on Facebook
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