Months after the release of his second album, Seventeen Going Under, Sam Fender took the stage at the Motorpoint Arena to kick off his first ever arena headline tour. And it’s safe to say that he seemed perfectly at home. James Pusey reviews.
The Geordie singer-songwriter put on a strong showing to a sold-out crowd, playing both hits, such as Hypersonic Missiles and Spit of You, as well as back catalogue tracks, including Howdon Aldi Death Queue. Fender and co. easily took to this new setting for their live shows. The set was well paced, keeping the audience captivated and engaged. This was aided by the chemistry of those onstage, particularly the clear bond between Fender, guitarist Dean Thompson, and drummer Dru Michael, with the ever-cool Johnny “Bluehat” Davis on the saxophone, and Tom Ungerer on the bass. Along with guitarist/keyboardist Joe Atkinson as the ultimate hype man, this touring line-up seemed fully able to adapt to their larger setting.
''People of all ages came to witness Fender kick off his tour, and gave a passionate East Midlands welcome to the next stage of his touring career''
The technical aspects of the show were, with one exception, flawless. With a dynamic backdrop, as well as impressive overhead lighting rigs, an air of professionalism was added to a strong onstage presence from Fender and his bandmates. A slight issue with the pedalboard of guitarist Thompson at the start of the encore, however, might have led to the best moment of the night: Sam Fender performing an impromptu, solo performance of his track Leave Fast. Despite a rusty knowledge of the lyrics, having not played it for a few years, the crowd carried him home.
Speaking of the audience, the atmosphere at Motorpoint Arena was electric. It seemed that almost everyone in the sold-out crowd belted out the words to track after track. From the floor right to the back of the arena’s seats, people of all ages came to witness Fender kick off his tour, and gave a passionate East Midlands welcome to the next stage of his touring career. Despite an air of football hooliganism from some members of the crowd (not helped by Nottingham Forrest’s defeat in the FA Cup that afternoon), fans seemed to have a great time.
Supporting Sam Fender were South London post-punk band Goat Girl. Perhaps nervy to play a venue this big, they were none-the-less able to demonstrate their talents well, giving a strong introduction to who they are. Whilst their more out-their sounds were maybe not the best fit to Fender’s typical crowd, hopefully they were able to find a few people who will go away and listen to them.
Overall, there definitely was no better way to spend a Sunday night. Sam Fender kicked off his first arena headline tour with a bang, serving up his distinct indie rock to a crowd of adoring fans. If the phrase “start as you mean to go on” holds any prevalence here, the rest of his tour dates will be shows not to miss, including two performances at his hometown venue, Newcastle’s Utilita Arena.
James Pusey
Edited by: Amrit Virdi
Featured image courtesy of Sam Fender via Facebook. In-article images courtesy of James Pusey.
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