‘Insane’: Sam Fender reaction to comeback after mental health break and Australia concert set list

Sam Fender has labelled his return to live shows as 'insane' two months after cancelling concerts to look after his mental health.

The North Shields star abruptly pulled out of gigs in the US, including headline sets and support performances for Florence & the Machine, in September due to a "burn out". The singer said that he couldn't be an advocate for mental health if he wasn't able to look after his own well-being.

At the time, Fender said: "My friends and colleagues have been worried about me for a while and it's not going to get better unless I take the time to do so.

"It seems completely hypocritical of me to advocate discussion on mental health and write songs about it, if I don't take the time to look after my own mental health. I've neglected myself for over a year now and haven't dealt with things that have deeply affected me.

"It's impossible to do this work on myself while on the road, and it's exhausting feigning happiness and wellness for the sake of business."

The bold announcement received a wave of support from fans and friends in the business - including The Amazons who paused their recent show in Newcastle to pay tribute to their 'brave' friend with a 'Seventeen Going Under' cover.

Speaking whilst playing at the Boiler Shop last month, The Amazons lead singer Matt Thomson said: "I think it takes a lot of strength to do what he did. When you put on a show it's not just you, the whole team behind you are on a payroll and their whole livelihood is dependent on you doing a show.

"Sometimes it takes tremendous strength to put yourself first, for your mental and physical wellbeing. It's a weird world to come back and tour in and you've probably seen a lot of artists having to pull out of gigs and tours. It's hard and taxing on the body and takes incredible courage to do the right thing and take a moment. This one's for you buddy."

Now rested, Fender is back on the road in Australia. The 28-year-old played in Melbourne on Friday, Harvest Rock festival in Adelaide on Sunday and will take to stages in Sydney and Brisbane this week.

Sharing a short video from Melbourne show on Instagram, Fender said: "Soo nice to be back in Australia!! Melbourne that was absolutely insane!"

In the comments, fans shared their joy that Fender was back and feeling better. One wrote "I love to see you happy" and another said, "so glad to see you back in action".

Fans across the world will be keen to know what songs Sam Fender played when in Australia. Here is his setlist for Melbourne, according to Setlist.fm.

1. Will We Talk?
2. Getting Started
3. Dead Boys
4. Mantra
5. The Borders
6. Spice
7. Howdon Aldi Death Queue
8. Get You Down
9. Spit of You
10. Alright
11. Play God
12. The Dying Light
13. Wild Grey Ocean
14. Seventeen Going Under
15. Hypersonic Missiles