Five-star Fender! Newcastle’s finest musical export, Sam Fender, took his People Watching tour to the O2 Arena for a second night, cementing his status as one of the most thrilling guitar talents of his generation.
Fans paraded into the arena, proudly sporting their Newcastle United jerseys or freshly bought ‘People Watching’ tour merchandise. The buzz of anticipation was electric, the kind of energy only the best performers can create; and Fender delivered. It’s a testament to his gravitational success that his ability to command venues like the O2 with apparent ease underscores his remarkable rise. It made this performance feel all-too intimate compared with past and upcoming shows for the rockstar. Take his massive headline performance scheduled for The London Stadium next summer; this was merely a dress-rehearsal. The acclaimed guitar hero, from a small Tyneside town in the northeast, shared the stage with Wunderhorse, a rising band carving their own impressive pathway.
The four-piece, fronted by vocalist Jacob Slater, took the stage to the iconic sound of Robert Johnson’s Cross Road Blues, and immediately launched into Midas, the title track from their latest record. Without hesitation, they powered through crowd-pleasing anthems like Butterflies, Purple, and Teal, igniting animated reactions as the audience bounced and chanted along. Their performance was technically complimented by some impressive lighting displays which danced above as they played; it was noteworthy for an opening act of their size. As the arena neared its capacity, Slater & co. closed with July, leaving the breathless crowd primed for a well-needed dose of electrifying heartland rock.
As Thursday night edged closer to 9pm, Fender would prove over the next two hours why his music was always destined for greatness. After a few flickering eyes, part of the ‘People Watching’ brand, lit up the screen behind, the singer and his band emerged onstage to an extraordinary reception from the arena.
The emotionally charged Dead Boys opened what would be an unforgettable night, and he didn’t look back. Very few artists have the capacity to kick off their set with some of their biggest hits and still save more for later. To no surprise, Fender seamlessly delivered with tracks like Getting Started and The Borders stringed together expertly; London was at full volume and in a frenzy within minutes. The significance of the occasion wasn’t lost on Sam and the band either; they introduced Wild Long Lie, his latest release from the upcoming record, and a gentle number which captured the essence of late-night confessions. Despite only being out for a fortnight, fans confidently chimed along to the chorus, showcasing their deep connection to his music.
Fender delighted London by revisiting the beloved 2019 single All is on My Side before propelling us into the future with two brand-new tracks from his upcoming album, set to release on 21st February 2025. Nostalgia’s Lie and Arm’s Length were met with enthusiasm and eagerness from the O2, serving as a perfect teaser for what’s to come; the latter track has already been receiving adored attention online. The fresh material was woven between the pacey, spirited anthem Will We Talk? and the title track of the forthcoming third album, People Watching, which despite being over a month old, was embraced like a cherished Fender classic.
The sheer range of Sam’s musical repertoire is staggering, and it gave rise to moments in the show that felt brilliantly untamed. “Look after each other” was his parting message to the crowd, who knew exactly what was about to erupt. The lights dimmed red, and the ravenous chaos of Spice followed. Mosh-pits ripped open, and flames shot up with every chorus, creating a spectacle like no other. The energy only escalated with a flawless transition into the relentless punk fury of Howdon Aldi Death Queue, accompanied by a pyro display that elevated the carnage to the pinnacle of the night. The crowds deafening roar of familiar lyrics “Woah woahwoah woah woah keep your distance” nearly drowned out Fender himself; it was breathtaking. Not that there was ever any doubt, but the breadth of his musical talent is truly remarkable.
As on his first night in London, Sam stepped back to let bandmates Dean (Deano) Thompson and Joe Atkinson take centre stage for a rousing rendition of The Clash’s London Calling, in celebration of the capital. The unexpected tribute thrilled fans of all generations, particularly those who associate the iconic track with a certain London football club that “Lives by the river.” Get You Down followed, featuring impeccable saxophone solos from Johnny ‘Blue Hat’ Davis, adding an extra layer of brilliance to the performance. Fender shifted gears again, moving into a more heartfelt string of tunes which began with Spit of You. The tender, introspective song about his father struck deep within the audience, many of whom likely connected its lyrics to their own relationships with their parents.
The Dying Light proved to be another standout moment in the set, as Sam embraced his musical range once more and took to the keys. As he sang with sincere grace, phone torches lit up the arena, creating an intimate bond between him and his audience. The song’s celebration of life culminated in the evening’s most magical yet emotional moment, as confetti cascaded down over a tearful arena at its powerful climax. It was nothing short of divine. Fender closed this part of the set with Seventeen Going Under, the title track to his 2021 album, igniting another wave of full-throated singalongs from the London crowd. As he left the stage, the familiar chants of “Woah-oh-ohhhh-ohh-oh-oh” from the beloved anthem echoed throughout the arena. An encore was inevitable.
Fender soon returned to the stage for the final two songs of the night. Wild Grey Ocean offered a slower, reflective moment, allowing his vocals to shine alongside his soulful guitar strings and the warm backing of the saxophone. It was the calm before the storm. After introducing his bandmates, who all help make the magic happen, he launched into the ever-relevant Hypersonic Missiles, calling it “The reason we got into this mess in the first place.” It was met with a euphoric delirium, the kind only the very best performers can evoke in a single track. As it reached its crescendo, the arena erupted with a dazzling display of confetti and fireworks, raining down over the ecstatic crowd and capping the night off with pure jubilation. It was a sublime conclusion to an unforgettable show.
Sam Fender is well-acquainted with monumental headline events like this, and the new chapter of his music career promises to elevate him even further. His December performances have been executed to feel just like warm-ups for what’s to come next year. With massive sold-out crowds already lined up for next summer, we can’t help but wonder: could a headline slot on the Pyramid Stage be on the cards for June? It would be a perfect match.
