$4 Million
What is Sam Fender’s Net Worth?
Sam Fender is an English singer-songwriter and musician who has a net worth of $4 million. Sam Fender released his debut studio album, the UK number-one hit “Hypersonic Missiles,” in 2019. He had another number-one hit with his second album, “Seventeen Going Under,” released in 2021. Fender has also worked as a model and actor, having appeared in the television series “Vera” and “Wolfblood” and in campaigns for various apparel brands.
Sam Fender was born on April 25, 1994 in North Shields, England to nurse Shirley and electrician Alan. He has an older brother named Liam. The family was musically inclined, with Fender’s father being a singer-songwriter and musician who performed locally. However, Fender had a difficult childhood and adolescence due to many factors, including his mother’s abandonment and his coming up in a neighborhood marked by heavy drug use. At John Spence Community High School, he was bullied for being overweight. Fender coped by performing music, and when he was 12 he began playing guitar with his friend Dean Thompson. Soon, he was writing his own songs as well. Fender eventually reunited with his mother and started playing at his brother’s open mic nights. He went on to attend Whitley Bay High School, where he made many friends who were also interested in music.
Biography
Samuel Thomas Fender, born on 25th April 1994, is a prominent English singer, songwriter, and musician known for his distinctive high tenor voice and Geordie accent. His music is characterized by a roots-orientated rock approach, blending elements of traditional American musical influences with classic British rock sensibilities.
Early Life:
Sam Fender was born in North Shields, England, to parents Shirley and Alan Fender. His family had a strong musical background, with his father and brother both being musicians. Fender’s father was also a music teacher, which contributed to his early exposure to music.
Fender’s childhood was marked by challenges, including his mother abandoning him when he was eight years old, leading to him moving in with her in the Scottish Borders. At the age of eight, he received his first guitar from his father and began honing his guitar skills, drawing inspiration from legendary guitarists like Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, and Slash.
Growing up, Fender faced bullying due to his weight and lack of athleticism, which had a significant impact on his formative years. Tragically, he and his mother stumbled upon the body of a woman they knew who had died by suicide when Fender was still a young teenager, a traumatic experience that made him confront the harsh realities of life and death.
At the age of 12, Fender met his friend Dean Thompson, and they started performing together. By the time he was 14, Fender began writing his own songs and learned to sing by listening to Jeff Buckley’s “Grace” album. He also discovered the music of Bruce Springsteen, further shaping his musical influences.
Fender’s passion for music led him to perform at open mic nights and form his first band at the age of 15. During this time, he and his mother faced financial hardships while living in a small, deteriorating flat on the outskirts of North Shields. Despite these challenges, Fender’s determination to pursue a career in music remained unwavering.
Education and Musical Journey:
Fender attended Whitley Bay High School, where he found like-minded friends who shared his passion for music. He met Joe Atkinson, a pivotal figure in his musical journey, and their friendship blossomed through their shared musical interests.
While Fender initially studied theatre and English language and literature, he spent most of his time in the school’s music department, participating in various school activities. He performed with his band for Year 13 students as he neared the end of his time at the school. Throughout his youth, Fender faced physical altercations, and his father attempted to teach him boxing to address these issues, albeit with limited success.
At the age of 16, Fender entered a Teenage Cancer Trust competition, where he caught the attention of Matty Healy, who would later become the lead singer of The 1975.
Challenges and Adversities:
Fender grew up in an environment where the prevalence of drugs, particularly “spice” (the “zombie drug”), had a profound impact on his surroundings. Many of his friends were involved in drug dealing and even escalated to hard drugs like cocaine. Despite social pressure, Fender chose to steer clear of drugs after experiencing the unsettling effects of spice. His mother’s career as a nurse came to an end due to fibromyalgia when he was 17, leading him to consider selling drugs to support her, but she discouraged him from doing so.
Fender greatly admired his father’s musical talent but also witnessed his struggles to provide for his family in an area with limited opportunities. He was driven to become independent quickly, juggling two jobs while still a student, working at a local restaurant and pub. His routine included daily consumption of alcoholic beverages to cope with work fatigue.
To support his mother, who was not only dealing with fibromyalgia but also mental illness, Fender abandoned his A Levels and focused on earning money. Both mother and son found themselves living below the poverty line. However, Fender’s uncle played a crucial role in helping them through their hardships, ultimately leading Fender to find solace and purpose in music. As his father continued to perform as a guitarist in clubs around Newcastle, their shared love for music brought them closer.
Around the age of 18, Fender began performing paid gigs at restaurants, furthering his career in music. After completing high school, he took on various jobs, including teaching guitar and working in a call center and a bar.
Personal Life:
Fender’s personal life was intertwined with his musical journey. He began a relationship with a girl at the age of 15, and their breakup led to the formation of his first band. Additionally, he is a devoted fan of Newcastle United F.C.
Health Challenges:
Fender has ADHD, a condition he believes contributed to his focus on music. However, his health issues, including immune system problems, impacted his touring schedule. Shows in Bristol and Birmingham were postponed and eventually canceled due to respiratory tract infections, chest infections, laryngitis, and tonsillitis.
Fender also expressed support for the medicinal use of marijuana, citing its positive effects on alleviating a friend’s cancer symptoms.
Political Views:
Fender holds left-wing views but has criticized the British Left for focusing on identity politics, which he believes alienated their grassroots supporters. He expressed admiration for Jeremy Corbyn despite acknowledging his flaws, and he signed an open letter in support of banning LGBT conversion therapy.
In late 2021, Fender distanced himself from politicians and political parties, emphasizing his allegiance to “people.”
Wealth:
In 2022, Sam Fender made his debut on the Sunday Times Rich List as one of the top young music millionaires in the UK, ranking 12th with a wealth estimated at £10 million ($11.9 million).
Sam Fender’s journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a successful musician is a testament to his resilience and passion for music. Despite facing numerous obstacles, he persevered and achieved recognition for his unique sound and songwriting abilities. Fender’s commitment to his craft and his willingness to speak out on various issues demonstrate the multifaceted nature of his career and persona.
