FINN FORSTER FROM GRASSROOTS VENUES IN MIDDLESBROUGH TO ARENA STAGES WITH STEREOPHONICS

When Finn Forster stepped out onto the stage at Sheffield Arena last night, supporting Stereophonics, it wasn’t just another gig. For him, it was the culmination of a journey that began years earlier in the backseat of his dad’s car in Middlesbrough, where the band’s CDs provided the soundtrack to his childhood. “It’s a crazy full-circle moment,” he reflects. “I grew up listening to them, went to see them live nearly ten times as a fan, and now I’m sharing the stage with them. It’s surreal, a proper pinch-me moment.”

That sense of awe hasn’t dulled with experience. Touring alongside one of Britain’s most enduring rock bands has been an education in itself. Finn describes the past year as feeling like “cramming a decade into twelve months.” Watching the Stereophonics up close has given him a masterclass in longevity and professionalism. “You see what goes into an operation like this, how they’ve lasted thirty-plus years at the highest level. It’s about discipline, looking after yourself, and making everything look seamless on stage because of the hard work behind the scenes. I’ll take a lot from that.”

Forster’s own path to music wasn’t straightforward. He trained in musical theatre before moving into songwriting, a background that gave him confidence and resilience. “If you can go on stage dressed as an idiot, and I’ve done that plenty of times, then standing there as a musician feels easier,” he laughs. He recalls playing an ugly sister in Into the Woods, a role that taught him to embrace vulnerability and performance. “That background primed me as a performer. I’m grateful for it, because it’s something I carry with me in everything I do now.”

Storytelling has always been at the heart of his music. His single Pablo, a tribute to his best friend, is one of many songs rooted in personal experience. “Music is an escape for me, almost a form of therapy,” he tells us. “It’s about releasing and expressing what’s in my head. It’s a strange profession, putting your thoughts out there, but I love that people can take from it what they want and resonate however they choose.”

That willingness to take risks is evident in his EP Embers, which pushed beyond the indie-rock sound he had been known for, incorporating folk and country influences. “I think as a musician, you’re always trying to better what you’ve done before. There’s no destination; you never arrive, you just keep evolving. With Embers, I wanted to push boundaries, and I’ll keep doing that. That’s the thrill of music for me.”

Even while touring, Finn has been writing constantly, using downtime to prepare for the year ahead. He’s excited by the way artists can now share snippets of songs online to gauge fan reactions. “Ten years ago, people would have thought you were mad for releasing half a song. Now it’s part of the process. If you use it well, it’s a powerful tool. Artists like Fred Again are leaning into that, and I think it’s smart. You either embrace the era we’re in or get left behind.”

Performing in arenas across Europe has been another leap forward. The scale of preparation required is immense, but Finn thrives on the challenge. “It’s almost like a military operation to make sure everything is ready. There’s a lot of responsibility, but I prepare enough so that when I step on stage, I know I’m in the best position possible. Then the only thing left is to enjoy it and make sure the crowd enjoys it too.”

The reception from Stereophonics fans has been overwhelmingly positive. “It’s the perfect fan base for me, real music lovers, spanning generations. You’ve got younger fans and older fans, all of whom appreciate songwriting and vocals. Because I take a lot of influence from Kelly Jones, people who love his work tend to connect with mine, too. It’s been a brilliant fit.”

On stage, Finn Forster’s presence is magnetic. His live shows are a blend of raw emotion and polished professionalism, where every lyric feels lived-in and every note carries the weight of his journey. Whether in a packed arena or a festival field, he warms up the crowd with ease, balancing vulnerability with power, one moment delivering heartfelt storytelling, the next commanding the space with soaring vocals. Each performance is meticulously prepared, but once the lights hit, it becomes pure joy and connection.

Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be his biggest year yet. In May, he’ll embark on his first headline tour, covering twelve dates across the UK, including a debut headline show in Sheffield. Beyond that, he’s already announced festival appearances at Truck Festival in Oxfordshire and Lindisfarne Festival in Northumberland, where he’ll share the bill with acts like Faithless, Razorlight, and The Proclaimers. More festivals are expected to follow, cementing his place on the summer circuit.“This year has shown me how quickly things can happen. I’m just looking forward to building on it and making next year even bigger.”

For fans, the message is clear: expect more music than ever before, and the biggest headline shows he’s done to date. “The best way people can support me is by signing up to my mailing list, following me on streaming platforms, sharing the music, and buying tickets to the live shows. Those three things make the biggest difference. Next year, I’m turning the dial up even more across the board.”

From Middlesbrough car rides to Sheffield Arena, Finn Forster’s journey is proof of what happens when passion meets persistence. And if his words are anything to go by, this is only the beginning.