It was a victorious night for North East musicians Sam Fender and Jade Thirlwall at the 2025 Brit Awards. Fender, who picked up best alternative/rock act, praised "all those at home in Shields" and added he was "no where near as drunk as last time".

Sam Fender mentioned both Newcastle and North Shields after winning Alterative/Rock Act at the Brit Awards 2025

Most notably, Fender adds that he’s “desperate” to record a punk album. “I’m buzzing! I’m just singing at you!” he tells the interviewer, going so far as to belt out a Tom Petty-esque track as a preview.

Sam Fender has topped the UK charts with his third studio album. People Watching has been named the the biggest opening week for a British album since Harry's House by Harry Styles, the Official Charts company has said.

This weekend could be a massive one for North Shields' own Sam Fender with the reveal of the album charts and the Brit Awards

Sam Fender storms ahead in the race for this week’s Official Number 1 album with People Watching, already securing the biggest opening week of 2025 after just three days.

Sam Fender has soared to the top of the U.K. Albums Chart with the biggest opening week for a British solo act since 2022 (Feb. 28). His third album, People Watching, took the No. 1 spot with 107,000 units across physicals and streaming.