Sam Fender performed “Seventeen Going Under” yesterday (January 1) as part of the Top of the Pops New Year special.
He was accompanied by a five-piece band for his impassioned performance of the title track and lead single of his critically acclaimed second album. Upon its release in October, the album went straight to the No.1 spot, while the song that lends it its title peaked within the Top 10.
“Hope everyone’s had a proper mint Christmas!” Fender wrote in an Instagram post. “Sending off 2021 with Top of the Pops. Join us for a New Year’s knees up.”
Watch the video of the performance below:
ArrDee, Becky Hill, Lola Young, Mabel, Dermot Kennedy and Mahalia also appeared alongside Fender on the second installment of Top of the Pops’ annual resurrection.
Late in 2021, Fender released a reworked version of “Seventeen Going Under” featuring Holly Humberstone. He has also promised a collaboration with Elton John for the future.
“Me and Elton will definitely happen at some point. We just need to find time to get into the studio. We want to make something special together. I’d love for us to make something stripped back, that sounds organic with a band.”
He revealed in an interview with The Daily Star that he was asked to appear on John’s recent collaborative album The Lockdown Sessions, which features Dua Lipa, Stevie Wonder and Charlie Puth on its illustrious list of guests. However, Fender had to decline a guest spot of his own because he was working on his own album.
After a busy and successful 2021, Fender will be performing a huge gig at London’s Finsbury Park on July 15, 2022. He will be joined by a hand-picked roster of other acts, including Fontaines D.C., Declan McKenna, Beebadobee and Goat Girl, with many other names yet to be announced.
Buy or stream Seventeen Going Under.