Sam Fender surprises locals by performing new song at open mic night

The north-east singer used to busk at the pub when he was younger

Brit Award-winning musician Sam Fender surprised locals at his favourite pub with an impromptu performance of a new song.

The 28-year-old singer wowed patrons at the Low Lights Tavern - where he used to busk before his big break - with an acoustic performance of a new, previously unheard tune. The pub in North Shields was hosting an open mic-style event that saw several performances from local artists. [caption id="attachment_373205" align="alignnone" width="1536"] An open mic night in North Shields where local legend Sam Fender surprised those attending with a performance of a never-before heard song (SWNS)[/caption] After the memorable night, Robert Webster, who hosts BongoBobs Buskers on Monday nights at the boozer, wrote in a Facebook post: "What just happened!!" He listed those who had performed during the night, including one singer who performed a Sam Fender cover and another who "rocked the joint," before writing:  "The, one of me very first Buskers, from 8/9 years ago, got up!!. "Sam Fender. Sang a new song, (you heard it here first). Belter!!.Then did a duet with Ray Rowley, the roof was liftin. Like I said. What just happened!!. BELTER NIGHT." Sam Fender used to be part of the busking open mic night nearly a decade ago, before his career took off. Robert, 75, added: "He felt proud and had a great love for the opportunity that I gave him to experience live performing and that a new generation of young musicians are still been given the same experience." When asking about Fender busking years ago Robert said: "It gave him a start, a feel for live performances, as it has done to many aspiring young musicians." Fender released his debut album Hypersonic Missiles in 2019, following this up with 2021 album Seventeen Going Under. For his second album, the singer was nominated for a number of awards, including the prestigious Mercury Prize and the Album of the Year at the Brits. He picked up both Best Album by a UK Artist and Best Album in the World at the 2022 NME Awards, and won the Brit for Best British Alternative/Rock Act. Related links:

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