From Newcastle United to Boris bashing: 7 times Sam Fender proved he is a Geordie treasure

It's just a matter of days before North Shields star Sam Fender returns to the North East for two sold-out nights at Newcastle's Utilita Arena.

The singer's latest homecoming is set to be a landmark moment for the 27-year-old who picked up his second Brit Award earlier this year.

Fender, who often sings about his bringing up in the area, has fast risen to icon status in the region despite his young age.

Despite his worldwide success, the star is frequently seen back in his hometown and is outspoken about his pride in being a Geordie.

Ahead of the 'Seventeen Going Under' singer's return to Tyneside, NewcastleWorld looks at just seven of the times Sam Fender proved he is a true Geordie treasure.

Newcastle United takeover day

Whenever something major happens on Tyneside, Sam Fender seems to be there.

In October, when Newcastle United completed its long-awaited takeover, parties took place around St. James' Park.

As the night progressed, a very merry Fender rocked up at the stadium.

Speaking to NewcastleWorld at the celebrations, the clean version of what the star said is: "We've been waiting our lifetime for this.

"That zero-hour contract, token, greedy man is gone.

"Newcastle has been restored."

... the morning after takeover day

The morning after celebrating Newcastle United's takeover on Tyneside, Sam Fender was on the BBC Breakfast show.

"I'm really hungover, these things happen don't they," he bumbled live on air.

The star was, of course, sporting an NUFC tracksuit at the time too.

Return to the Low Lights Tavern after the Brit Awards 2022

Earlier this year Fender picked up his second Brit Award, receiving the accolade for Best British Alternative/Rock Act.

The singer's previous Brit Award is housed at his local pub and former employer, the Low Lights Tavern in North Shields.

Fender had already promised the pub his next award and, just 24 hours after picking it up on stage in London, he was back in the North East.

The star said hadn't slept and seemed to still be merry after the previous night's celebrations as he partied with friends and fans at his local, smashing a pinata of Boris Johnson on his way in.

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Fender's championing of the Low Lights Tavern took centre stage once again when he recorded a performance for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last year.

The singer set up with his band at the Low Lights Tavern to film the clip which was beamed across the world.

The Geordie has also used his local to film videos including the Vevo Discover series in the past.

Brit Awards 2022 acceptance speech

When a chuffed Sam Fender won his Brit Award for Best British Alternative/Rock Act, he collected it in style.

The singer dragged his bandmates, who have been with him since breaking through from North Shields, onto the stage to accept it with him.

He said: "Thanks to everyone back in Shields and everyone in the North East Homeless centre who is watching us right now."

Becoming a North East Homeless patron

Just last week, days before his homecoming shows at the Utilita Arena, it was announced that Sam Fender had become a patron for the North East Homeless charity.

The group carry out vital work in the region and is based in North Shields.

Sharing the news, Fender said: "Absolutely honoured to become a patron for North East Homeless, the work that Brian and the team do to help the most vulnerable in our community is incredible, I’ve met some real friends for life through this and I can’t wait to see what the future brings! Big love guys!"

An unlikely friendship with a Big Issue seller

Whilst recording in Newcastle, Sam Fender struck up a "diamond" friendship with a Big Issue seller.

Fender called Earl John Charlton, who he frequently passed selling the magazine, “a diamond, a true hero, a man of the people”.

The singer opened up on the unlikely friendship as he called on the public to support Big Issue vendors before Christmas last year.