Sam Fender gave young Tynemouth singer Katie Grace the shock of her life and a few words of encouragement, when he made a surprise appearance at a North Shields buskers night, earlier this week, just as she was performing.
As it does every Monday, the famous Low Lights Tavern, Sam's favourite jaunt and the place that is home to his two Brit Awards, hosted its weekly night open mic night for musicians on January 2, except that first one of 2023 had an unexpected guest, in the shape of local hero and platinum selling artist Sam.
In a full circle moment, given that he had been a regular at the very same buskers night, run by Bob Webster, nearly a decade earlier, Sam walked into the bar to take in some of the performances, before giving drinkers a real treat by playing a new song for them.
READ MORE: Sam Fender surprises North Shields drinkers with buskers night performance
Katie was in the middle of a song when she clocked Sam walking in and taking a seat not far from where she was playing, but the A Level student told ChronicleLive she just about managed to keep composure. Reflecting on how a normal buskers night took an unforeseen but very welcome turn, Katie said: "I managed to somehow keep it together even though in my head I was thinking 'here is the guy responsible for one of my favourite albums watching me sing.'
"Afterwards, he spoke to me and the other singers and said how great it was that some brilliant song writing was going on up here. I know he's always been very supportive of the music scene and continues to be."
Seventeen Going Under star Sam is bracing himself for an incredible next 12 months, with his two sell out shows at St James' Park and an opening slot for music icon and one of his big inspirations, Bruce Springsteen, among the major highlights.. And Katie is hoping that her 2023 will prove fruitful too, after being given the huge boost of winning the Alan Hull Award, the honour named after the Lindisfarne legend and incredible Tyneside musician, who is also a massive influence on Sam's music, with the 28-year-old fronting an acclaimed BBC documentary on Alan's musical legacy.
"I know that is going to be so, so valuable to me," Katie continued. The industry can be so hard and I don't really have a manager so, getting the award is not only a massive help financially but, it's a great accolade to receive, so has been really good for my confidence."
To date, Katie Grace, who you can follow on Instagram HERE, has supported acts like Tony Bengtsson and Ceiditdh Mac,.as well as performing at North Shields' Christmas Market and regularly busking in Tynemouth and, now she's hoping some of Sam's epic success will rub off on her.
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