Sam Fender has unveiled the details of his eagerly awaited third studio album, People Watching, which is set to be released on 21st February 2025 via Polydor Records. The anticipation surrounding this new release is already palpable, with Fender’s UK and Ireland arena tour selling out in under an hour, proving his massive popularity and the excitement for his new music.
Over the span of two years, Sam Fender meticulously crafted People Watching, collaborating closely with his bandmates Dean Thompson and Joe Atkinson. The initial sessions took place in London in 2023 with renowned producer Markus Dravs, followed by further work in Los Angeles with The War on Drugs' Adam Granduciel, a musician Fender has long admired. The result is a richly layered album filled with colourful stories and vivid observations of ordinary, yet often extraordinary, lives.
The album cover, captured by acclaimed social documentary photographer Tish Murtha, reflects the essence of the album. Murtha, who grew up in South Shields, beautifully documented marginalised communities and working-class life in Newcastle upon Tyne, adding an authentic and poignant visual layer to Fender’s narrative.
If Seventeen Going Under was Fender’s coming-of-age record, People Watching marks his next significant step. The album is a testament to Fender’s growth as an artist, brimming with songs that resonate with the everyday experiences and emotions of people around him. With tracks like "Nostalgia’s Lie" and "Wild Long Lie", Fender continues to explore the depth and complexity of human life, cementing his place as a keen observer and storyteller.
Fans can watch the trailer for People Watching here and pre-order the album here for a chance to be among the first to experience the next chapter in Sam Fender’s musical journey.
Photography by TISH MURTHA
Album Tracklisting:
People Watching
Nostalgia’s Lie
Chin Up
Wild Long Lie
Arm’s Length
Crumbling Empire
Little Bit Closer
Rein Me In
TV Dinner
Something Heavy
Remember My Name
Sam Fender’s live shows are set to be an extension of the album’s vibrancy and introspection, with his 2024 UK and Ireland arena tour selling out in mere moments. The tour includes stops in major cities, promising unforgettable performances that fans have eagerly snapped up.
2024 (support from Wunderhorse):
2nd December – 3Arena, Dublin (SOLD OUT)
4th December – First Direct Arena, Leeds (SOLD OUT)
6th December – Co-Op Live, Manchester (SOLD OUT)
7th December – Co-Op Live, Manchester (SOLD OUT)
10th December – The O2, London (SOLD OUT)
12th December – The O2, London (SOLD OUT)
13th December – Utilita Arena, Birmingham (SOLD OUT)
16th December – OVO Hydro, Glasgow (SOLD OUT)
17th December – OVO Hydro, Glasgow (SOLD OUT)
20th December – Utilita Arena, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
2025 (support from CMAT):
4th March – Olympia, Paris (SOLD OUT)
5th March – 013 Poppodium, Tilburg (SOLD OUT)
8th March – Halle 622, Zurich (SOLD OUT)
10th March – Palladium, Cologne (SOLD OUT)
12th March – Zenith, Munich
13th March – ChorusLife Arena, Bergamo
16th March – Uber Eats Music Hall, Berlin (SOLD OUT)
18th March – Afas Live, Amsterdam (SOLD OUT)
19th March – Forest National, Brussels (SOLD OUT)
5th July – Rock Werchter, Belgium
With his heartfelt lyrics, powerful vocals, and the ability to connect deeply with his audience, Fender is not just a musician but a voice of a generation. As he gears up for the release of People Watching, fans can expect more of the raw, authentic storytelling that has become his trademark.
For more updates and to stay connected with Sam Fender, follow his official website and social media channels. Prepare yourself for an album that promises to be a reflective and resonant masterpiece.