Newcastle United Fans
Joe Bartley, a 15-year-old busker from Denton Burn, Newcastle, experienced a significant milestone in his budding musical career when he performed alongside renowned musician Sam Fender at St James’ Park. Previously accustomed to playing for small audiences of around 150 people, Joe found himself on stage in front of a staggering 50,000 spectators at Newcastle United’s iconic stadium on Thursday night.
Joe Bartley said: “I still can’t believe it. I found out this was happening about three or four weeks ago, and I found it really hard not to tell anyone, but we agreed to keep it as quiet as possible. I didn’t think it was real until the rehearsals the day before, which was the first time that I met Sam. He is just a really normal person from North Shields, so down to earth and I was talking to him as if I had known him for years. On Thursday, I feel like I wasn’t nervous the whole day, until I was backstage and I saw how full it was just five minutes before.”
Sam Fender said: “There was a young lad outside of the stadium and he was busking the whole time and he wasn’t even asking for money. When people were going to give him money he was saying ‘nah, nah, it’s fine.’ He says I just do it ’cause I love it. That lad is called Joe Bartley and I want to get him up on stage now. He came in here in sound check and after we’d practiced he went ‘here, can I just play you a song?’ I was like aye. It was f****** mint, so keep your eye out for this kid, he’s going to be class.”
Joe’s journey to the stage began when Sam Fender noticed him performing his song “The Borders” on social media. Impressed by Joe’s talent, Fender reached out through their mutual guitar teacher to arrange the performance. Joe, who taught himself to play the guitar by watching YouTube videos during the pandemic, described the experience as surreal. Despite the nerves, Joe managed to deliver an impressive performance, thanks to the rapport he had built with Fender during their rehearsal.
Joe Bartley continued: “It felt surreal when I was brought on stage, the view was incredible, and even though The Borders is one of Sam’s longer songs, at five and a half minutes, it felt like it went so quickly, like a blur. Going from 150 people to 50,000 was nerve-wracking, but because I had met Sam the day before I was able to get through it. When I came off stage, we went and found seats and I was shaking and bawling my eyes out from the adrenaline and emotions of everything. Today at school, some teachers and a few of my mates were asking me how it was, which was crazy.”
This extraordinary opportunity has not only elevated Joe’s profile but also highlighted his passion for music. His story serves as an inspiration to young musicians everywhere, demonstrating that talent and dedication can lead to remarkable opportunities. As Joe’s journey continues, many will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on this promising young artist.
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