Sam Fender made the difficult decision last night to cancel the final two shows of his UK and Ireland People Watching Tour, revealing on social media that he had suffered a haemorrhage to his right vocal cord. The Geordie singer-songwriter was set to perform in Glasgow last night and Newcastle tonight. However, due to medical advice, he has been ordered to rest his voice to avoid long-term damage.
In a regretful statement to fans, Fender expressed his absolute devastation at the cancellations, particularly for his homecoming gig in Newcastle, which was meant to close the tour on a high. “I am absolutely heartbroken,” he wrote. “I have done everything by the book this tour, living like a monk. It’s just so unlucky.” Fender promised that more updates would follow, and fans have flooded social media with messages of encouragement and understanding.
— Sam Fender (@samfendermusic) December 17, 2024
Fender’s injury has brought an abrupt pause to what has been a remarkable tour, but he remains hopeful about his recovery. The next leg of the tour is scheduled to begin in Europe this March, followed by North American dates and later a major UK stadium tour in the summer. These include performances at St. James’ Park and London Stadium, marking another milestone in his ever-growing career. Both he and his fans are eagerly hoping for a full recovery in time for these upcoming shows.
This isn’t the first time Fender has faced vocal health issues. Back in 2019, he was forced to cancel a string of shows on his Hypersonic Missiles tour after developing laryngitis, a tough decision considering it was his first major tour. Fender has earned widespread acclaim for his albums Hypersonic Missiles and Seventeen Going Under, but the back-to-back performances can take their toll, even for seasoned artists.
As Sam Fender faces a difficult but necessary period of recovery, the support from his hometown only underscores the artist’s strong connection to his fans. During the Newcastle v Brentford match tonight, players will wear specially designed shirts featuring a promotional design for Fender’s upcoming album, People Watching. These shirts, which will later be auctioned off to raise money for the Newcastle United Foundation, serve as evidence of the artist’s deep admiration for the North East. This collaboration reflects Sam as a cultural icon in the region, frequently championing his roots through his music. It also underscores the mutual admiration between Fender, the football club, and the local community that continues to rally behind him during challenging times.
As Fender focuses on recovery, the love and loyalty of his fanbase remain unwavering. Fans have praised his resilience, reinforcing the deep bond the artist has created through his raw and relatable music. While his immediate priority is to heal, the anticipation surrounding his upcoming album and future performances continues to grow. This challenging chapter may be a temporary setback, but it sets the stage for a stronger, triumphant return.
