On a crisp Berlin night, the Uber Eats Music Hall pulsed with anticipation as a sold-out crowd gathered for one of Britain’s most vital contemporary voices—Sam Fender. With a setlist packed full of anthems that channel both personal reflection and universal struggles, the Newcastle singer-songwriter delivered a performance that was equal parts cathartic and electrifying. And with Irish alt-pop sensation CMAT opening the night, the stage was set for an unforgettable evening.
As soon as CMAT (Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson) took the stage and opened her set with "Aw, Shoot", it was clear the audience was in for something special. Dressed with her signature blend of camp and cool, she delivered a performance that balanced humor, heartbreak, and irresistible melody. Songs like “I Wanna Be A Cowboy, Baby!” had the Berlin crowd swaying and singing along, while her witty stage banter—delivered with a charismatic Irish lilt—made her set feel like a fun, intimate conversation. By the time she wrapped up the audience was fully warmed up and ready for the main event.
From the moment the lights dimmed, it was clear this wasn’t just another show. Instead of launching into one of his usual openers "Dead Boys", Sam Fender and his seven-piece band, all clad in Newcastle United jerseys, took to the stage to the soaring instrumental of “Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero”—a tribute to their beloved club’s historic cup win the same day. Fender is known for his candid storytelling, but on this night, his love for Newcastle football bled into his lyrics in the most amusing way. During “Little Bit Closer”, he tweaked the line “I never found him” to “His name is Dan Burn”, a playful nod to Newcastle’s towering defender. The moment sent both Geordie expats and amused Berliners into fits of laughter, proving yet again why Fender’s charm goes beyond just his music.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Midway through “Spit of You”, a deeply personal song about his father, Fender stumbled over the lyrics and had to start again. The slip only added to the authenticity of the night, making the performance feel all the more real and unpolished in the best way possible.
For those who love Fender’s heavier, more chaotic side, “Howdon Aldi Death Queue” was a standout. The track’s punk-fueled energy ignited the venue, with the mosh pits fully erupting as the band ripped through the song with relentless speed and force. When Fender launched into “Seventeen Going Under”, the last song before the two song encore, every single person in the audience shouted the lyrics back at him, a deafening and euphoric singalong that felt like the emotional peak of the night.
Then came the finale—“Hypersonic Missiles”. The song’s explosive buildup and triumphant crescendo sent the crowd into a final frenzy, fans jumping, screaming, and losing themselves in the sheer power of Fender’s closing statement. It was the perfect ending to a show that was equal parts anthemic, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
Throughout the show, the visuals complemented the music perfectly. A seamless mix of striking graphics, live-stream footage, and nostalgic photos added layers of depth to the performance, making the show not just a sonic experience, but a visual one as well. For fans lucky enough to secure tickets to this sold-out show, it was an affirmation of why Sam Fender is one of the most compelling artists of his era. His ability to blend deeply personal storytelling with stadium-sized anthems makes him a rare talent.
SAM FENDER
CMAT
All photos: © Chux On Tour Photography