The parents of one of Sam Fender's band members have spoken to the Chronicle about the overwhelming pride they have for their son.
Saxophonist Johnny "Blue Hat" Davis is arguably the most recognisable of Sam Fender's band, other than Sam himself. And tonight, he'll take to the stage at St James' Park as part of Sam's homecoming gigs.
And he'll be doing it with his proud parents Duncan and Diane watching on. Ahead of the gig, they spoke to ChronicleLive and praised their "hardworking" son.
Read more: Sam Fender at St James' Park LIVE: Newcastle gig timings, support acts and singer leaves soundcheck
Diane told ChronicleLive: "Mother's very proud and very relieved that he's made it. He's got there!
"Relief was the first emotion, then I was so, so proud. I'm so pleased for him, he's worked hard to get where he is.
"He's lived, breathed and slept saxophone since he was 12. He never lets it out of his sight."
Duncan Davis, Johnny's dad, said: "I'm pleased for him he's worked hard to get where he is and he deserves it."
Also with the Davis family was Noel Johnson and his wife Ilona, who took Johnny to France on their skiffle band tours when he was a baby.
Noel told ChronicleLive: "The last time I was here was in 1985 when Bruce Springsteen played here and that was the last concert I went to. Seeing Johnny playing here with Springsteen style music just seems like fate."
Johnny said ahead of the gig: "I'm ready to rock and roll. I'm ready to rock."
He is no stranger to St James Park, having celebrated the Newcastle United takeover with fans at the stadium and in the Strawberry Pub over the road.
Tonight's St James' Park gig is the first of two, with some Newcastle legends rumoured to be making an appearance. More than 100,000 fans are expected to see their local hero over both performances, with fans travelling from as far as the United States to be there.
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