This Thursday Sam Fender, award winning singer-song writer and everyone’s favourite Geordie, brought his Hypersonic Missiles tour to Leeds’ sold out O2 Academy.
After having an incredible 2019 touring Europe, reaching Number 1 with his Hypersonic Missiles album and playing Glastonbury, it’s no surprise that people flocked from all corners of Yorkshire to see Sam Fender.
The crowd were buzzing hours before Sam got on stage and by the time he came on, cup of Yorkshire tea in hand, the energy in the venue erupted. Sam opened with his 2019 single, Will We Talk? and it wasn’t long before a mosh pit began. After Glasgow, Sam said, Leeds had to bring the heat and being the heat they did! Various limbs were flailing around the crowd as people crowd surfed their way through the set.
By the time the encore came, after just 45 minutes, Sam went off stage for approximately 30 seconds before returning, not wanting to leave fans waiting. Surprisingly, Sam’s encore lasted six songs – he performed his song ‘Poundshop Kardashians’ for the first time on this tour before moving on to ‘Lave Fast’, Saturday’ and ‘That Sound’.
To finish the show the audience were treated to Sam’s cover of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Dancing in the Dark’ and this is where the show planned to end. However, Sam felt so moved and energised by the crowd’s insane response to his set, he made a last minute change and added Oasis’ ‘Morning Glory’ at the end. No better way to end the night!
Coming out of the venue, I overheard heard two people say “that was the best show I’ve seen all year”, a credit to Sam’s incredible live performance ability. It’s no surprise that the indie-rock sensation will be touring arenas just next year and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll get your tickets now. I’m willing to bet it will be the best gig you see all year too!
Photos and words by Amy Harrison.