Sam Fender's Live Performance in Leeds: The Generation-Spanning Geordie Sensation Sails Smoothly into a Fresh Era
Hittin' the electrifying guitar riffs of 'The Borders' in the midst of Leeds' First Direct Arena, Sam Fender's unaware his beloved Newcastle United FC's scored a last-minute equalizer against Liverpool. "Three-all? Fuckin' come on!" he exclaims, pumped up when the sea of black-and-white NUFC shirts surge towards him with the exciting news.
- Dive Deeper: Sam Fender's 'People Watching' Signals a Brilliant Comeback from the UK's Exceptional Storyteller
We find ourselves amidst the first UK date of Fender's 'People Watching' tour, building up to his third album and stadium shows next year. Since his last performance here in 2021, the magic of his second album 'Seventeen Going Under' sent him shooting for the stars - arguably the modern guitar mastermind of his generation, celebrating an NME Album of the Year title and headlining at Reading & Leeds.
Prices have gone up in the past two years - £39 to £79 (including fees) for a standing spot in this arena, while only a handful of songs have been released in that time period. The tour's instant sellout implies that Fender's new material should justify this ticket hike, although the added £1 donation to Music Venue Trust is a nice touch.
The tender 'Wild Long Lie', freshly dropped on Monday, morphs into a grand theatrical performance as Fender brings out the Gibson Les Paul for a soul-stirring War On Drugs-style solo (frontman Adam Granduciel assisted in production). The pulsating 'People Watching' elicits deafening cheers, proving Fender's knack for crafting powerful title tracks.
The vibrant 'Nostalgia's Lie' has a warm and cozy vibe, reminiscent of an older sibling to 'Get You Down', as Fender seems to wrestle with his newfound fame. However, 'Arm's Length' never quite reaches its full potential, despite some magnificent HAIM-style gang vocals at times. Fender himself admits, "It's got a shit little riff."
The concert acts as a testament to mosh pit manners and politely reminding the audience, "You might have heard this song ['Seventeen Going Under'] on TikTok." Yet, Fender's earlier tunes cut through with jaw-dropping precision. 'All Is On My Side' stands out as a soft and powerful highlight, while the raucous one-two punch of 'Spice' and 'Howdon Aldi Death Queue' remain staunch staples in the setlist. 'The Dying Light' also makes a welcome appearance, perhaps a lesson learned from its omission at the Dublin show.
The climax of 'Seventeen Going Under' and 'Hypersonic Missiles' reignites fans' passion, reminding us of the two timeless albums that brought us into this adventure. There's no drastic shake-up of the setlist, but rather a confident stride to lean on a tried-and-true approach that's worked for Sam Fender. While this concert suggests that Fender's new material must earn its place in the spotlight, a delicate balance of old and new tunes will undoubtedly catapult Sam Fender's career to unprecedented heights. A Glastonbury spot seems unavoidable for this electrifying Geordie star.
Sam Fender's Setlist:1. 'The Kitchen'2. 'Getting Started'3. 'The Borders'4. 'Wild Long Lie'5. 'All Is On My Side'6. 'Nostalgia's Lie'7. 'Arm's Length'8. 'Will We Talk?'9. 'People Watching'10. 'Spice'11. 'Howdon Aldi Death Queue'12. 'Get You Down'13. 'Spit Of You'14. 'The Dying Light'15. 'Seventeen Going Under'16. 'Hypersonic Missiles'
The article "Sam Fender live in Leeds: generational Geordie star safely coasts into a new era" first appeared on NME.
Observe the Evolution:Sam Fender's new material has generated great interest as he ventures into a new stage of his career. Fans eagerly anticipate a fresh and refined sound while still appreciating his groundbreaking storytelling and emotional vocal performances. New collaborations and unique arrangements could also grace the live performances, making the 'People Watching Tour' an unforgettable experience.
- The 'People Watching Tour' offers fans the opportunity to witness Sam Fender's new music, with fresh tracks like 'Wild Long Lie' and 'Arm's Length' blending seamlessly with his beloved classics, creating an exciting and evolving musical experience.
- Given the instant sellout of Fender's tour and the increased ticket prices, it's evident that news about his new music has generated a significant amount of excitement and anticipation within the entertainment industry, especially within the realms of music and concert news.
