Sam Fender launched his ‘People Watching’ tour in Dublin on Monday night, marking a significant moment of realisation about the scale of his rising success. It has been 2 years since we last saw the Geordie tour and his demand has only increased with a sold out UK/European tour and strong rumours of a Glastonbury 2025 headline slot.
Opening the night was the incredible Wunderhorse, whose energetic set quickly proved why they had no shortage of fans in attendance. Wunderhorse merch was spotted in every corner of the arena, a testament to their growing cult following. From the moment the first chord struck of Midas, Jacob Slater commanded the stage with the raw energy of a rabid dog, pacing and prowling as if the music itself was his lifeblood. Every growl, riff, and drumbeat seemed to stoke the fire in the audience, who roared back with unbridled enthusiasm. By the end of their set, Wunderhorse had not just opened the night—they had set the bar high. Sam Fender later joked in his set saying “I hate going on after them because they’re so f**king good!”.
10 minutes before the Geordie hero was due to appear, eyes flashed on the big screen, referencing the new People Watching era that we are now entering.
Opening up with b-side The Kitchen, there was no shortage of movement in the arena. You could sense that it was a moment the Dublin crowd had waited for, for a long time, and this was only the beginning! “I can’t tell you how f**king nervous we’ve been, because it’s been so long since we’ve been on tour,” Fender told the crowd before treating them to The Borders.
Delving through a mix of old and new songs such as Getting Started & People Watching from his brilliant discography, the crowd were treated to a rare appearance of All Is On My Side, a song that he has not been played in 3 years. Having previously spoke about it being a difficult song to play, it took the Geordie 2 attempts before getting it right but boy, was it worth it. As he revisited some of his older songs, it felt like he was dusting off tracks he might no longer feel as passionate about, yet fully aware they would thrill the crowd.
A very important figure within Sam Fender’s band is saxophonist Johnny Bluehat. During the show, Fender let the crowd know it was his birthday and the arena erupted into a rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Johnny, visibly embarrassed but clearly touched by the gesture, laughed it off while a birthday cake was brought on-stage where he proceeded to blow the candles out with his saxophone.
Despite the People Watching album not being released until February, Fender played four songs off the album including two unreleased tracks; Arms Length & Nostalgia’s Lie. Both sounded very impressive, but this was heightened by the presence of backing vocalist Brooke Bentham, a recent addition to the band. Having shared the busking-circuit in Newcastle with Sam Fender from the age of 16, it is clear to see why she was taken on tour. As the night unfolded, one thing became undeniable: Sam Fender’s songs don’t just translate live—they transcend.
A standout moment in any Sam Fender gig is when he launches into Spice and Howdon Aldi Death Queue. As soon as the first notes hit, the atmosphere shifts, and the crowd erupts into a frenzy. It’s a recurring high-energy point in his sets, with fans moshing like their lives depend on it. Flames appear behind the stage indicating a moment of pure insanity. These tracks showcase Fender’s ability to combine raw, unapologetic storytelling with a sound that demands an emotional and physical reaction, making it a signature moment of his live shows.
The Geordie closed the set with fan favourites Seventeen Going Under and Hypersonic Missiles, the latter accompanied by a dazzling display of confetti and indoor fireworks that brought the night to an electrifying climax. While some critics felt that his 15-song setlist was too short, it became evident that Fender prioritised quality over quantity. Every track was delivered with precision and passion, leaving no room for filler and ensuring the audience was captivated from start to finish. If anything, the concise set reinforced the power of his performance, making the night all the more unforgettable.
Words by Cian McGivern