Sam Fender admits he was ‘alcohol-fuelled’ when writing Seventeen Going Under in candid interview

Sam Fender has admitted that he was "alcohol-fuelled" when writing his critically-acclaimed sophomore album Seventeen Going Under in Ireland.

The North Shields star penned the record, which focuses on his experience of growing up on Tyneside, whilst in Ireland. In a candid interview with Range, Fender opened up on just how difficult he found writing those lyrics to be and the excessive amounts his team drunk whilst in the recording studio.

The 28-year-old said: “It’s the most alcohol-fuelled f-ing album I have ever made. We were so f-ing drunk the whole time. The songwriting was the hard bit, and I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it musically. But we were just so pissed.

"We did it in Ireland, and there was unlimited Guinness, and unlimited whiskey in the studio. We racked up the biggest bar bill that the studio has ever had, and that the label has ever had to pay in 15 years or something. I said to the boys, ‘This is so so toxic, but I’ve never been so proud of you guys’.”

The much-loved Geordie has been outspoken about his mental health before and recently opened up about his wellbeing as he cancelled a string of US live shows.

He said: "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. 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.”

Last month Sam Fender announced two headline shows at St. James' Park for Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 10 next year. The star is set to play to over 100,000 Geordies across the bumper weekend, with each set being his biggest headline show to date.