: Fender originally began covering the song live with Dave Le’aupepe from the band Gang of Youths, who were supporting him on tour.
: Fender describes Springsteen as his "favourite artist of all time" and a primary inspiration for his storytelling style. Sam Fender Im On Fire
: The duo reportedly practiced their harmonies in dressing room bathrooms to perfect the vocal blend before bringing it to the stage and, eventually, a formal recording. Critical and Fan Reception : Fender originally began covering the song live
: While performing the cover, Fender jokingly remarked that he wasn't "doing [himself] any favours with the Bruce comparisons" but felt compelled to pay tribute to his idol. Collaborative Background Critical and Fan Reception : While performing the
: Critics noted that the "I’m On Fire" cover allowed Fender to showcase a softer, more vulnerable vocal range compared to the belt-heavy anthems found on his album Seventeen Going Under .
: Fellow musicians, such as Noah Kahan , have cited Fender’s work—and his ability to capture a sense of place and nostalgia similar to Springsteen—as a major influence on their own songwriting.
Sam Fender recorded a stripped-back rendition of "I’m On Fire" as part of a in early 2022. Originally a synth-driven, understated track from Springsteen’s 1984 album Born in the U.S.A. , Fender’s version leaned into a haunting, acoustic intimacy that resonated with his own brand of "Geordie Americana." The Springsteen Influence