Inside Sam Fender's socially-distanced gig from this summer
29 December 2020, 09:00

Inside the UK's first socially distanced gig with Sam Fender
The singer-songwriter opened the Virgin Money Unity Arena in Newcastle in August. Could this be the future of gigs in 2021?
Sam Fender opened the Virgin Money Unity Arena on Tuesday 11 August, the first of his two planned two shows at Newcastle's Gosforth Park.
The gig wasn't just significant because it was taking place on the North Shield's singer's home turf, but because it marked the first ever gig at the UK's first socially distanced venue.
Radio X was there to see how Sam got on and find out how the crowd reacted to the new rules. Could this be the future of gigs in 2021? Time will tell.
READ MORE: Sam Fender debuts new tracks Unity Arena, the UK's first socially distanced venue
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Fans entered the Virgin Money Unity Arena with their face masks on
Fans enter the arena with face masks on. Picture: Thomas M Jackson/Redferns -
They soon gathered into their socially-distanced platforms
Fans prepare to watch Sam Fender perform at Virgin Money Unity Arena. Picture: Thomas M Jackson/RedfernsGetty -
Drinks were delivered to individual platforms via a Buggy Bar
Sam Fender performs at Virgin Money Unity Arena. Picture: Thomas M Jackson/Redferns -
This fan shared a closer image of the stage
🎵 🍺 Sam fender ready 🎵🍺 pic.twitter.com/UAPh4M5mTG
— Petesy (@OwenPeterson79) August 11, 2020 -
Heidi played a support set at the gig
Heidi supports Sam Fender at the Virgin Money Unity Arena. Picture: Thomas M Jackson/Redferns -
Sam Fender opened his set with Hypersonic Missiles' single Will We Talk?
Sam Fender Performs At Virgin Money Unity Arena. Picture: Getty -
A fan shared a video of "local hero" sam
Sam fender away, may have slightly overdid it 🍻 pic.twitter.com/b3PQiqB7VF
— nathan🌹 (@ncowan11) August 11, 2020 -
A gig-goer shares their view of the the raised viewing platforms
First gig since before lockdown, watching Sam Fender from our own liitle viewing platform. Thank you for making it happen @VMUnityArena 😁 pic.twitter.com/sgCz43TCHg
— Robin Parker (@robin_parker) August 11, 2020 -
Get another look at the outdoor gig, as the Geordie singer-songwriter plays That Sound
Sam performing that sound 🙌
— Sam Fender Updates (@FenderUpdates) August 11, 2020
©officialzacksmith on ig pic.twitter.com/ofrXtTRIBP
READ MORE: Sam Fender reveals how his Dead Boys track saved a man's life

Sam Fender plays Will We Talk? at the Virgin Unity Arena