Sam Fender gave punters at North Shields' Low Lights Tavern a night to remember on Monday, when he performed at a buskers night, debuting a new track on home turf.
The last year has been another memorable one for the North Shields musician, with any amount of highlights, including a Brit win for Best Rock/Alternative, three years after being awarded the Critics' Choice accolade; a much applauded debut at Glastonbury; playing his biggest show to date at London's Finsbury Park and selling out Newcastle's Utilita Arena twice.
The coming 12 months also look set to be amazing, with the small matter of Sam and his band playing two packed gigs at St James' Park in June, after a massive scramble for tickets and the Seventeen Going Under star getting to open for his musical idol, Bruce Springsteen, in Italy.
READ MORE: 10 North East events you don't want to miss in 2023
Like many Geordies, Sam headed to the local for the extended New Year bank holiday on Monday and took the opportunity to get in on the action when his favourite haunt, the Low Lights Tavern, hosted its Buskers Night. Low Lights is the pub that is home to both of Sam's Brit Awards, with his Critics Choice and Best Rock/Alternative statues both being turned into beer pumps. Sam also honoured the Low Lights' late former owner, John O'Keefe, by naming a stage after him at Finsbury Park.
Sam's surprise cameo at the weekly Low Lights' Buskers Night on Monday was revealed in the Buskers North East Facebook group, with event host Robert Webster absolutely ecstatic by what happened, particularly given that he welcomed a young Sam to the very same night almost a decade ago.
Reflecting on an epic night, Robert wrote: "What just happened!!. Well. It started with, Ben Harwood. Playing originals & Springsteen covers + a Sam Fender cover. Then, Colin Gray,( grandad Colin) had the crowd in the palm of his hand with his rendition of covers.
Then, Katie Grace. She is definitely, a one to look out for, played originals. Sweet!. Izac, off the wall, totally original and the audience listened!!. The audience!! Tonight we're brilliant."
He continued: "Ray Rowley. What can I say? . Showman extraordinaire. Rocked the joint. Then, one of me very first Buskers, from 8/9 years ago, got up!!.
"Sam Fender . Sang a new song, ( you heard it hear first ). Belter!!. Then did a duet with Ray Rowley, the roof was liftin. Like I said. What just happened!!. BELTER NIGHT"
READ NEXT:
*Gemma Atkinson refutes Gorka Marquez 'leaving Strictly' claims in defiant Instagram post
*Strictly's Kai Widdrington gets 'justice' after Christmas win with Alexandra Mardell
*Strictly's Giovanni Pernice gives fans exciting update on new project after live tour blow
*Danny Dyer 'rejects' EastEnders return theories and exposes alternative ending
