Sam Fender took to social media to hit out at people selling 'bootleg' merchandise outside his Newcastle gig on Tuesday.
After a whirlwind few months, which has seen him win a Brit Award, win the top accolades at this year's NME Awards and sell out Wembley Arena, the multi-platinum selling North Shields musician is back on home turf this week, for two back-to-back shows at the city's Utilita Arena. There wasn't a spare ticket to be had for night one, as fans flocked to social media hours before start time clamouring for one.
The atmosphere at the famous gig venue was electric way before Sam and his band took to the strains of Local Hero to a raucous welcome for the over 10,000 strong audience. But, as fans were arriving at the arena, Sam had a message for them as he was alerted to the fact that fake merchandise was being sold outside.
READ MORE: Sam Fender rocks 11,000 Geordies at sold out Newcastle gig
Sam and his team have come up with some absolutely incredible merch over the last few years, from designs featuring Ant & Dec and Alan Shearer to ones with his face on pizza slices. Official merchandise was available to buy from numerous stands in the arena concourse on Tuesday evening, and will be again for night two on Wednesday.
And urging fans not to buy the 'knock off' goods outside, Sam posted a shot of the items and wrote: "F**k the bootleggers!" He added: "Divn't buy their s**t." Back inside the arena, Sam and his bandmates gave their captive audience, which included Newcastle United stars Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier, a night to remember.
A hit laden set including Will We Talk, Get You Down and number 1 album title tracks Seventeen Going Under and Hypersonic Missiles was in danger of lifting the roof off. Anyone who's got a ticket for Wednesday's gig, you're in for a treat.
