Music news: Sam Fender delivers the goods for Geordies in staggering shows at St. James Park
Sam Fender’s three-night takeover at St James’ Park brought together over 50,000 Geordies each night to celebrate their local hero on his People Watching Tour.
With emotional highs, crowd anthems, surprise appearances and a firework finale, it was a monumental achievement in the rising star’s career, writes Music News Blitz’s Katie Jones.
Sea of black and white
Arriving in Newcastle city centre, we were greeted by high spirits and a sea of black and white shirts.
Beer gardens overflowed with buzzing fans, celebrating in true Geordie style, drinking in the sunshine and singing Fender’s hits long before the show began.
The evening opened with a local Geordie band, The Pale White, followed by viral TikTok sensation CMAT, whose vibrant energy quickly warmed up the crowd for the main event.
While some fans had hoped for a better-known support act, both openers proved their worth with crowd participation and infectious charisma.
That said, we unfortunately missed CMAT’s most popular song while stuck in a 30-minute queue for drinks.
Fans attending Thursday’s show were disappointed to learn Olivia Dean, who performed on Saturday and Sunday, was absent for the opening night due to her own show in London.
After her moving duet of “Rein Me In” with Sam at the previous show, her absence was certainly felt.
Still, with Olivia’s rising profile, thanks in part to her supporting Sam on his People Watching Tour, her 2024 Glastonbury performance and her TikTok viral success, many, including myself, are eagerly anticipating her upcoming solo shows.
Something for the football lovers
As the moment arrived for Sam Fender and his band to take the stage, St James’ Park erupted.
A wave of black and white flags filled the air as “Local Hero” rang out, the unofficial anthem of Newcastle United.
The roar was deafening; the atmosphere electric before Sam even appeared.
Keeping with the football theme, the UEFA Champions League anthem followed, a proud nod to Newcastle’s recent qualification.
What Sam Fender brought to the stage
Without missing a beat, Sam launched into Getting Started, his usual opener, swiftly followed by fan favourite “Will We Talk?”, which had the stadium bouncing and the stands quite literally shaking under the crowd's feet.
New material from Sam Fender’s People Watching album featured heavily throughout the set list.
Tracks like “Crumbling Empire”, “Tyrants” and “Arms Length”, hinted at a darker, more expansive sound, heavy with political undertones and new musical textures.
Hearing these songs live showed a clear shift from his earlier anthemic music, showcasing his growth as a songwriter and his willingness to push creative boundaries.
Among the anthems, “Seventeen Going Under” was a thunderous crowd moment, with thousands shouting every word back to him.
The title track “People Watching” had a similar feel to this and is quickly becoming a generational anthem in its own right.
Seeing the smiles exchanged between the band mates, especially guitarist Dean Thompson, made it clear they know it too.
More than just music
While the music alone would have carried the night, it was the surprise appearances that made it feel like an extended family celebration of Geordie pride.
One of the most touching moments came when Sam brought 15-year-old Joe Bartley on stage, a young talent Sam met last year while Joe was playing outside St James’ Park.
The two performed The Borders together, which had fans cheering for not only the young boys’ clear talent but the sense of community and pride Sam embodies.
Later, Sam’s former guitar teacher joined him on stage for a rendition of “The Boys Are Back In Town”, further fuelling the homecoming spirit.
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An emotional touch
It was the appearance of Sam’s brother during the live debut of “Something Heavy” that truly stood out to me.
The song, deeply emotional and intimate, took on even more weight as the two siblings performed side by side on the same stage they once dreamed of standing on.
Knowing the backstory of Sam’s upbringing, a working-class lad from North Shields, the moment carried a great sense of pride and a full-circle achievement.
The emotional tone continued with an exceptional performance of “Dead Boys” and the heart-wrenching “Remember My Name”, a newer track on the People Watching album, which left many in tears.
Raw and deeply personal, it struck a chord with the crowd, creating an unforgettable collective experience.
One of the most powerful moments came during “The Dying Light”, which was visibly difficult for Sam to sing, being so close to the place he lost those people.
As the crowd lit up the stadium with their phone torches in honour of those who did not make the night, the Geordie spirit seemed to lift him up and he powered through with grace.
The night closed with “Hypersonic Missiles”, a seismic and euphoric finale that reportedly could be heard miles away, along the northeast coast.
It was the kind of ending only a hometown hero could deliver, accompanied by fireworks and cheers.
An unforgettable night
Hearing Fender’s People Watching album live for the first time confirmed the clear shift in tone and depth.
The new songs feel more vulnerable, lyrically rich and musically adventurous, a testament to his evolution as an artist.
A significant contributor to this fresh sound is Brooke Bentham, whose beautiful vocals and free-spirited stage presence brought an extra layer of soul to the set.
Whether through subtle harmonies or commanding moments, she elevated the live performance and turned more than a few heads.
Around us, fans were full of praise, calling her a clever and impactful addition to the band.
Together, the band was flawless, a tight-knit group of musicians clearly growing together as Sam continues to rise.
If the show proved anything, it's that Sam Fender isn't just the voice of a generation but a force reshaping British rock music with honesty, heart and undeniable hometown pride.
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