Sam Fender Engages in People Watching in Seattle

It was the first time catching Sam Fender perform live, and we were curious to experience the talented British singer-songwriter in Seattle. The Paramount Theater filled up as fans gathered for Fender’s first U.S. People Watching tour stop. Ever since his debut album, Hypersonic Missiles, was released in 2019, he made a lasting impression with his heartfelt lyrics and blending of rock music. The album earned him a BRIT Award for Critics’ Choice and much acclaim for his powerful voice and raw songwriting.

Fender took the stage kicking off the night with “Dead Boys,” “Getting Started,” and “Arm’s Length.” His band was set up a step higher in the back as he stood in the middle of the stage. Throughout the night the band members would step down and become a part of the show having the best time. After a while we couldn’t stop looking at the lively Brooke Bentham, who was a show worth watching by herself. It felt personal and they seemed to have a great connection passing that on to the crowd.

Fender stopped to chat with his fans after mentioning how amazing it was to be performing at this iconic venue. He shared that he’d just watched the Nirvana live from there, which made it feel even more legendary, and create a little pressure. He also mentioned how happy he was to see so many people in the room. He was worried that he’d get off the plane and there’d be no one at the show, so he shared his gratitude and that it means the world to him to see people standing in front of him.

It was so great to see the show unfold and witness everyone in the room sing along and have a good time. Before starting his song “The Borders,” he introduced a local fan who was lucky enough to play guitar with Fender and his band. It was so surreal because he was so good, you couldn’t tell he wasn’t already a part of the crew. How special this moment must have been for this lucky person.

Fender closed out his main set with hit “Seventeen Going Under,” as people pulled out their phones to record the moment. Usually, I’m not such a huge fan of this but because of the multiple screens in the air, the red light on the stage spread through the venue creating a unique moment as their voices echoed.

The band returned for their encore and Fender shared that this was the first time they were playing “I’m Always On Stage” live. He stopped to thank the fans and to say that Seattle has been wonderful to them and that they are hoping to be back soon. He introduced the final song as a love song about the end of the world. A magnificent “Hypersonic Missiles,” closed out the incredible night with Fender.