First on stage were Sam’s support act, Australian indie-rock band Gang of Youths. They set the stage on fire with their upbeat tunes being belted out around the arena. They performed some of their hits including ‘the man himself’ and ‘The Heart is a Muscle’ - it was a great introduction for people who had never heard their music.
The stage was now being set for the star act, as Newcastle United flags were flying around the arena. The band’s saxophone player Johnny ‘bluehat’ graced the arena with a rendition of ‘Local Hero’. The atmosphere was absolutely incredible, with everyone around me cheering on and multiple ‘toon toon black and white army’ chants travelling - and parts of the crowd often looking like a sea of Newcastle shirts.
Sam kicked off his setlist with the iconic ‘Will We Talk?’, one of his popular singles from his first album. Everything was surreal from the lighting to the atmosphere; it was not hard to tell that everyone there was having the best time.
A mix of songs from both the first and second albums were performed along with some singles and a Springsteen ‘Dancing in the Dark’ cover.
Some of Fender’s most upbeat songs, including the iconic ‘Spice’, got the full arena bouncing. Mosh pits were forming in the standing section with the red strobe lights illuminating every corner.
The set also reached heartfelt songs such as ‘Dead Boys’ and ‘Spit of You’ - which tugged at the heartstrings of many.
The crowd fully took charge during the performance of ‘Saturday’ with Sam encouraging us to sing along - a job we did very well. Sam also included songs such as 'The Borders', 'Mantra' and 'Seventeen Going Under' in his show which were all absolutely brilliant. Mid-set we enjoyed Sam letting us know that Newcastle was the best city in the world - which literally every Geordie agreed with.
When the set reached the final song, the infamous 'Hypersonic Missiles', the entire arena was up and ready to go all out one last time. Confetti irrupted mid-song and smoke bangs were going off with every beat - the only word I can use to describe it is electric.
This felt very much like home and was definitely one of the best things I have experienced.
As the show ended, the sounds and lyrics of the songs were still being hollowed around the arena - and later in the streets. Afterwards, Sam took to Twitter to state the audience sang “like they were in the Gallowgate end in the ’90s.” Sam’s sophomore album seventeen going under, recently went straight to number 1. Which has also set out plans for another tour next year - including two Newcastle arena dates.