Sam Fender at The Uncommon: what does it mean when an artist comes home?

Sam Fender recently returned home visiting North Shield's bar, The Uncommon, for a few drinks. The Uncommon posted that this was not an "every day" occurrence and that Fender was a "proper legend." Sam Fender often returns to the North East where it all started for him and uses his home as a huge inspiration for his songs and career.  

Sam Fender, born and raised in the North Shields, has broken records from having the UK's longest running number one British song in history with his track 'Rein Me In' (featuring Olivia Dean). However, this talented and famous musician has not forgotten his roots. Sam Fender often returns to the North East and submerges himself with the locals, highlighting his deep emotional connection with his home as a place he will always return to. 

Growing up as a Geordie in the North East, I find Sam Fender's songs relatable as he acknowledges the working-class aspect of the area and even includes links to the mining heritage. In one of his songs, 'Remember My Name,' he includes the Easington Colliery Band in the backing of his track, a mining band from Peterlee that has been running for over 100 years. Sam Fender is proud of the North East's mining and working-class heritage and so are we!  

Sam Fender's lyrics often explore his conflicted feelings towards his hometown but his nonetheless intense emotional connection to the home he grew up in. On his track 'Remember My Name' he sings, "To them, it's a council house, to me it's a home" and draws attention to the "it’s grim up North" stereotype. On his song 'Something Heavy' he sings "Oh God, what’s in the water in this town?" His experience of home hasn’t always been positive and he faces struggles within the community however, he always returns. Fender is truthful about his feelings towards home, but is proud of his Geordie identity nonetheless.  

Sam Fender bases a lot of his artist identity on being a Geordie. He loves Newcastle United and often watches the matches. He's said he would joke with his mates about singing in Newcastle's football ground, St James' Park, and it was always a childhood dream for him. He achieved this in 2023 and 2025, selling out stadiums in his hometown! Thousands of true Geordies and fans filled the stadium in their toon shirts. Fender opens all his concerts with the 'Theme of the Local Hero' by Mark Knopfler as a nod to the Newcastle United anthem which is played at all of the home matches. 

A lot of Fender’s music resonates with locals who all share the same home as Sam. We can connect with him through his music. This humble artist returning home symbolises his love for the city and the people.