THE CASUAL DEMEANOUR OF A SUPERSTAR | SAM FENDER BRINGS ‘PEOPLE WATCHING’ TO CO-OP LIVE
LIVE REVIEW | SAM FENDER @ CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER 06/12/2024 By Keira Knox
Nothing will ever truly prepare you for the enormity and scope of Manchester’s Co-op Live, a highly regarded venue where only the finest musicians are permitted to perform. North Shields icon, Sam Fender, has earnt his rightful place amongst the greats, a two night stint in Manchester kicked off on Friday night as part of his ‘People Watching’ tour and what a night it was.
With the casual demeanour of a superstar, he takes the stage with ease, having done it all before. The Pyramid stage at Glastonbury, performing in front of 50,000 people at St James Park and headlining festivals such as Reading & Leeds, Boardmasters and many more. Nevertheless, it feels as though you and him are the only people in the room. His carefree attitude towards simply having fun with his best friends, even on the largest platforms, is reflected in his performance.
WUNDERHORSE
Wunderhorse, one of the UK’s fastest-rising rock bands, is a worthy support for Fender. The four-piece band’s performance lived up to the expectations and demonstrated their almost infinite potential. The audience was enthralled by Jacob Slater’s innovative lyrics and remarkable vocals; the arena was virtually full for a support act on the rise to fame.
They delivered their own mix of rock hits, such as ‘Midas,’ ‘Purple,’ and ‘Teal.’ The crowd was appropriately warmed up by the band before Fender’s main act, which had the entire room bouncing.
SAM FENDER
Even a half-hour wait was insufficient to capture the enthusiasm that pervaded the Co-Op Live, and you could tell it would be a spectacular show when Fender unexpectedly opened with the tour debut of the cult hit ‘Dead Boys’ rather than the conventional indie song ‘The Kitchen.’
In the fight against the social stigma associated with men’s mental health, ‘Dead Boys’ has become a song of resistance. The track is extremely significant to many people, and fans have pushed for it to become a staple in the setlist.
‘Getting Started,’ the first selection from the highly regarded ‘Seventeen Going Under’ album, comes next. As Fender and the band launch into full swing, everyone from the floor to the back row jumps up in tandem. Sam Fender provides the Manchester audience a sampling of numerous playlist favourites with the accompanying production in his collection of passionate favourites.
A tribute to Fender’s amazing band, which includes some of his closest loved ones. I haven’t seen anyone more excited to be on stage as Dean Thompson, who plays lead guitar. He has an unmistakable rapport with both Fender and the audience. Simply said, Joe Atkinson is a one-man band and a certified entertainer who captivates audiences with his musical prowess.
The performance is taken to a new level by Drew Michael, who handles the drums. Johnny ‘Blue Hat’ Davis is the saxophone king. Tom Ungerer manages the tracks deep bass tones. Brooke Bentham, the newest member of the group, seems to be enjoying herself immensely on this tour; her harmonies are absolutely beautiful.
Fender and his band enhance a live version of ‘The Borders,’ an insightful and aesthetically beautiful song taken from his debut, ‘Hypersonic Missiles.’ Sam Fender gave the audience a preview of his upcoming album ‘People Watching,’ which is set for release in February, by performing the acoustic-driven track ‘Wild Long Lie,’ which is expertly complemented by a saxophone solo by Davis. There is the reassuring ‘Nostalgia’s Lie’ and the gently paced ‘Arm’s Length,’ that settle the tempo before the title track ‘People Watching,’ elicits an electrifying response from the audience.
To get the Co-op Live crowd firmly on their feet, ‘We Will Talk?’ unleashes another classic hit. You know you’ve made it if you only have to say one word for the crowd to erupt, ‘Spice’. Six years since its initial release, ‘Spice’ has gained cult status. The spectacular pyrotechnic extravaganza exploding from behind the stage only add to the impact this song already has. both Bentham and Michael stood with their backs to the audience and arms raised, ‘ready to release the demons’.
Before Fender’s vocals have the opportunity to shine through in ‘Get You Down,’ the racing, punk-infused b-side ‘Howdon Aldi Death Queue’ ignites mosh pits in every corner of the arena. It’s colossal sound emanates around this large space, proving that the tracks is even better live.
With Polaroid pictures of children and their parents as the backdrop, ‘Spit Of You’ continually serves as a heartfelt ode to his father. More precisely, the communication challenges between a father and son, but a subject that can touch every person’s feelings.
As the soft opening to ‘The Dying Light’ wafts around the venue, Sam Fender takes to the keys to end the evening. Fender croons into the microphone, then creeps up into the conventional electric guitar with a potent, confetti-worthy ending, leaving the audience in tears and wrapped around their loved ones while the melancholic piano notes play out.
As a finale, ‘Seventeen Going Under’ and ‘Hypersonic Missiles’ offer the musical apex of one of the best live acts in the world. Confetti, fog machines, and fireworks combine with a thunderous round of applause to cap up what was unquestionably one of the greatest performances of 2024. Without a doubt, these iconic tracks unite the audience with Fender, who beams brightly back at them.
With genuine surprise at the size of the venue and the number of people staring back at him, Fender looks out to the audience. Alongside his closest friends, a humble lad from North Shields is achieving his goals and making a difference in the lives of many. One last glance back at the crowd and Fender leaves the stage as a cult hero.
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