The decision to cover Springsteen was a bold acknowledgement of a comparison that has followed Fender throughout his career. Often dubbed the "Geordie Springsteen" for his anthemic, working-class narratives, Fender admitted that performing the song wouldn't "do [himself] any favors with the Bruce comparisons," but he felt compelled to celebrate his "favorite artist of all time". Artistic Interpretation and Collaboration
: The arrangement features a collaborative effort from both artists' ensembles, including Fender's signature saxophone (Johnny Davies) and trumpet (Mark Webb), which add a soulful texture to the spare acoustic foundation. Critical Reception Im On Fire - Sam Fender - Apple Music Home Session - Audio
: The session was recorded during a tour soundcheck in front of friends and family, lending the audio an intimate, "stripped-back" quality that differs from a polished studio production. The decision to cover Springsteen was a bold
In his January 2022 Apple Music Home Session , Sam Fender delivered a compelling, collaborative cover of Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 classic "I’m on Fire." By teaming up with Dave Le’aupepe of the Australian band Gang of Youths , Fender does more than just pay homage to his idol; he reinterprets the track's inherent tension through a modern, communal lens. A Legacy of Influence Critical Reception : The session was recorded during
Ultimately, this Home Session performance serves as a pivotal moment for Fender, where he stops running from his influences and instead embraces them, proving his own standing as a "generational talent" capable of standing alongside the giants he admires.
While the original Springsteen version is characterized by a taut, minimalist restlessness, Fender and Le’aupepe transform it into a rich, vocal-driven experience.
Witness the live vocal chemistry that defined this collaboration: Sam Fender and Gang of Youths: Epic Cover of 'I'm on Fire' samfenderfeed TikTok• Sep 21, 2025