Sam Fender's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 22, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Sam Fender.

Sam Fender is an English singer-songwriter and musician from North Shields. He gained recognition releasing independent singles from 2017. His music blends American traditional influences with British rock, marked by his tenor voice and Geordie accent. Fender is celebrated for his songwriting and has received five Brit Awards.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

November 2017: BBC Sound of 2018 Shortlist

In November 2017, Sam Fender was placed on BBC's Sound of 2018 shortlist, compiled by votes from critics, festival bookers, and DJs.

December 2018: Touring and Recognition

In December 2018, Sam Fender embarked on a headline tour and was selected by Vevo to be a part of its Dscvr 2019 Artists to Watch series.

2018: BBC Sound of 2018 & Polydor Signing

In 2018, Sam Fender was named one of the BBC's Sound of 2018. Furthermore, he signed to Polydor Records and released his debut EP, Dead Boys.

September 2019: Debut Album Release and Chart Success

On 13 September 2019, Sam Fender released his debut studio album, Hypersonic Missiles, which topped the UK Albums Chart and sold 41,000 copies in its first week.

2019: Recognition as Artist to Watch

In 2019, Sam Fender was included in The Irish News' list of "Who are the ones to watch in music".

February 2020: "Hold Out" Release and Brit Awards Nomination

In February 2020, Sam Fender released the single "Hold Out", described as the last from the Hypersonic Missiles era, and was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2020 Brit Awards.

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December 2020: Launched Petition for Free Helplines

On December 4, 2020, Sam Fender launched a petition to urge all UK councils to stop phone charges for helplines for vulnerable groups in the North East of England. By December 21, 2020, the petition reached 16,500 signatures, leading six councils to drop phone charges.

October 2021: "Seventeen Going Under" Album Release and Chart Success

On 8 October 2021, Sam Fender released his second album, Seventeen Going Under, which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart. It shifted 44,000 copies in its first week, with 79% being physical sales, outselling the rest of the top 10 albums combined.

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January 2022: "Seventeen Going Under" Peaked on UK Singles Chart and Brit Award

In January 2022, "Seventeen Going Under" peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart. Also in January 2022, after 25 weeks on the chart, Fender received the Brit Award for British Rock/Alternative Act the following month at the 2022 Brit Awards, dedicating the win to the North East Homeless centre.

2022: Entered Sunday Times Rich List

In 2022, Sam Fender entered the Sunday Times Rich List for the first time, ranking him 12th on the list of Young music millionaires in the UK.

June 2023: Headlined two shows at St James' Park stadium

On June 9 and 10, 2023, Sam Fender headlined two shows at Newcastle's St James' Park stadium, attended by 100,000 people in total, injecting £15 million into the local economy.

2025: Donated Mercury Prize winnings to Music Venue Trust

In 2025, following his Mercury Prize win for People Watching, Sam Fender donated his entire £25,000 prize to the Music Venue Trust, which helped support 38 grassroots music venues across the UK.

February 2026: "Rein Me In" became UK number one single

In February 2026, "Rein Me In", Sam Fender's duet with Olivia Dean, became his first UK number one single after 35 consecutive weeks in the UK Top 40.

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2026: First UK Number One Single

In early 2026, Sam Fender achieved his first UK number one single with "Rein Me In", a duet with Olivia Dean. This marked a significant milestone in his career.

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