Major support slot change to Sam Fender shows leave fans disappointed

The trio of stadium shows in the UK are set to see the North Tyneside superstar perform three nights at St James Park, the home of Newcastle United, before one show at the London Stadium in the Olympic Park.

Back in November it was confirmed US based indie band The War On Drugs would be the main support at all three UK stadium shows, although the group have now needed to pull out.

The band’s guitarist, singer and songwriter Adam Granduciel produced and performed on Fender’s third studio album People Watching, which was released back in February but it has now been confirmed the group will not make the tour due to “scheduling issues.”

A short statement from the band said: “It is with great disappointment that, due to personal scheduling issues, The War On Drugs are unfortunately unable to perform with Sam Fender in London and Newcastle this June.”

No further information has been shared in terms of potential replacements, although Irish singer-songwriter CMAT will still be performing across the fourdates, as will Olivia Dean who is set to perform at the final two of the three North East shows.

Other support will come from The Pale White on the first night at St James Park, Ernie on the second and Hector Gannet on the third date.

Olivia Dean and CMAT will both be supporting at the London date.

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This year is set to be a busy one for Fender, who is scheduled to play throughout the festival season. His first UK appearance will come at Radio One’s Big Weekend in Liverpool in May while sets in Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast are also on the calendar.

Fans took to social media to express their sadness with The War On Drugs pulling out of the stadium shows. One said: “Absolute disaster. Bought the tickets because you were supporting” while another added “Terrible news…the main reason that we were going!”

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