Brit Awards 2025: Sam Fender wins ‘Alternative/Rock Act’
Following the release of his new album, People Watching, Sam Fender has now added the Brit Award for ‘Best Alternative/Rock Act’ to his collection.
In his acceptance speech, Fender said at London’s O2 Arena: “First of all, I just want to say a huge thanks. We’re a little bit nervous, nowhere near as drunk as last time.”
“Massive thanks to the fans,” he continued, “we’ve got the best fans in the world. To everybody at home in Newcastle — love you. Huge thanks to my band. Without them, I’m just a mad person shouting at the walls. Love yous all”
Fender recently rose to the top of the UK Album Charts for the third time in his career with People Watching, which has also become the first album to surpass 100,000 sales within the first week of sales by a British solo act since Harry Styles’ Harry’s House in 2022. It has also become the fastest-selling vinyl by a British act in the 21st century.
Upon scoring another number one album, Fender said in a statement: “This is completely overwhelming. Thank you to everyone who’s supported us and listened to the album this week.”
In a four-star review, Far Out wrote of the new album: “People Watching is an album that does it all, showing each and every corner of Fender’s talent and ability, but especially shining a clear light on his unrivalled knack for boiling down huge topics into deeply personal, human stories.”
Fender also treated the crowd at the Brit Awards to a performance from People Watching. He is also nominated in the category for ‘Artist of the Year’, competing against the likes of Charli XCX, Fred Again and Jamie XX. The other nominees in the ‘Alternative/Rock Act’ category were The Cure, Ezra Collective, Beabadoobee and The Last Dinner Party.
This summer, Fender is set to play a string of outdoor dates across the United Kingdom, including three stadium shows at St James’ Park in Newcastle. He is also set to perform at the London Stadium, Manchester’s Wythenshawe Park, Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Showgrounds and Boucher Road Playing Fields in Belfast.
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