Sam Fender forced to cancel string of gigs due to 'frustrating' health issue

Metro

14 hours ago

Geordie superstar Sam Fender has announced a 14-day break from performing due to a new health scare.
In a social media post on Friday, the 31-year-old singer told his followers that his vocal cords were checked over by his ENT doctor earlier in the week.
Although they were 'slightly swollen' the Seventeen Going Under hitmaker was told he would be okay to carry on playing his shows.
During his headline act opening the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Thursday evening, the chart-topper had put on an incredible show, singing his big hits and a few songs from his new album, People Watching to F1 fans.
He continued: 'I felt I needed I had to push a lot harder to sing – this is never a good sign.'
He went on to break the devastating news that, after another ENT checkup, he had a haemorrhage on one of his vocal cords, forcing him to cancel several upcoming gigs.
This includes his performances at Roch Werchter, Down the Rabbit Hole, NOS Live and Montreux Jazz Festivals.
The music artist explained that if was to sing he could risk 'lasting damage' to his vocal cords.
'This is incredibly frustrating as I have been so careful with my vocal health and this year so far has been the best of my career.'
Obviously devastated, Sam added: 'I'm so sorry to everyone who is coming to those festivals with our show in mind,'
'Our fans are the most important thing to us, I hate letting people down and I hate not being able to sing for weeks as it is my only real passion in life,' he added.
For the eighth year, 150,000 festival goers will descend on Glasgow Green from 11-13 July to see the liked of 50 Cent, Gracie Abrams and Biffy Clyro, and you could be there!
Metro has teamed up with Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT Festival to offer four VIP tickets to one lucky winner.
For a chance to win this massive music prize, simply enter your details here.
You have until midnight on Sunday 6 July 2025 to enter using the form below. Entrants must be 18+. Good luck! T&Cs apply*.
Click here if form is not loading.
* Open to legal residents of Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland) aged 18 or over. Promotion opens at 18:01 BST on 2 July 2025 and closes at 23:59 BST on 6 July 2025. The promotion is free to enter; however internet access is required. Entrant must visit https://metro.co.uk/2025/07/02/win-vip-tickets-see-50-cent-gracie-abrams-biffy-clyro-trnsmt-festival-2025-23539991/ and when prompted by the form, submit their name, email, telephone number, date of birth and postcode. Acceptance of the terms and conditions is necessary to enter the promotion. There will be one (1) winner. The winner will win four (4) VIP weekend tickets for TRNSMT Festival, running from 11th – 13th July 2025 at Glasgow Green, in Glasgow ('Prize'). Proof of age and photographic ID are required for entry for all guests (the guests of the winner must be at least 16 years old at the time of entry). The Prize, including entry and attendance at TRSNMT festival, is subject to and governed by the Promoter's full ticket terms and conditions. 1 prize available. 1 entry per person. Full T&Cs apply, see here.
This is not Sam's first health scare, the singer has been very open about his previous mental and physical issues.
Sam has been very transparent about his previous mental health struggles, especially through Covid – and has been praised by many for rising above toxic masculinity and being a great role model by speaking out.
The People Watching star has also suffered physical health problems: respiratory infections, laryngitis, and tonsillitis – which resulted in him having to cancel shows over the years.
Fans were gutted Sam did not appear at Glastonbury this year after rampant rumours suggesting he would play a secret set.
The fan-favourite singer released his third studio album, People Watching, in February of this year.
Sam has since begun his People Watching tour, selling out huge venues like the London Stadium and his very own stomping ground, St James Park.
His tour has got lots of media attention, especially on TikTok, making his fan base grow rapidly.
Olivia Dean was his chosen support act and he actually brought her out on stage to sing 'Rein Me In' back in June at London Stadium.
The pair have since joined forces to release the duet which has over 4 million streams on Spotify, after only two weeks of it being out. More Trending
The South Shields-born hit-maker isn't the only singer who has had to take a step back from performing due to vocal cord issues.
John Bon Jovi, 61, recently underwent surgery on his vocal cords – one of the cords was ' literally atrophied' and Bon Jovi found a surgeon who was willing to use a transplant to build it back up.
Similarly to Sam, Kesha rocked out so hard on stage at the Taylor Hawkins tribute concert that she haemorrhaged her vocal cords.
Sir Tom Jones has also spoken out about his struggles with controlling his voice as he ages 'The older you get, the less control you have over your vocal cords.'
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [e-mail], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Sam Fender is a rare solution to the fight against toxic masculinity