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

Sam Fender poses at the Virgin Money Unity Arena ahead of his gig
Sam Fender poses at the Virgin Money Unity Arena ahead of his gig. Picture: Thomas M Jackson/Redferns
  1. Fans entered the Virgin Money Unity Arena with their face masks on

    Fans enter the arena with face masks on
    Fans enter the arena with face masks on. Picture: Thomas M Jackson/Redferns
  2. They soon gathered into their socially-distanced platforms

    Fans prepare to watch Sam Fender perform at Virgin Money Unity Arena
    Fans prepare to watch Sam Fender perform at Virgin Money Unity Arena. Picture: Thomas M Jackson/RedfernsGetty
  3. Drinks were delivered to individual platforms via a Buggy Bar

    Sam Fender performs at Virgin Money Unity Arena
    Sam Fender performs at Virgin Money Unity Arena. Picture: Thomas M Jackson/Redferns
  4. This fan shared a closer image of the stage

  5. Heidi played a support set at the gig

    Heidi supports Sam Fender at the Virgin Money Unity Arena
    Heidi supports Sam Fender at the Virgin Money Unity Arena. Picture: Thomas M Jackson/Redferns
  6. Sam Fender opened his set with Hypersonic Missiles' single Will We Talk?

    Sam Fender Performs At Virgin Money Unity Arena
    Sam Fender Performs At Virgin Money Unity Arena. Picture: Getty
  7. A fan shared a video of "local hero" sam

  8. A gig-goer shares their view of the the raised viewing platforms

  9. Get another look at the outdoor gig, as the Geordie singer-songwriter plays That Sound

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

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