Those arriving at Newcastle’s O2 City Hall on Thursday (March 23) evening to witness Eurovision star Sam Ryder were taken by surprise as the headliner emerged from the venue doors at around 7 pm, not to sing but to hand out flyers.

While fans queued around the block to secure their spot in front of the stage they were overjoyed to meet the man of the hour. Ryder personally greeted every member of the crowd and thanked them for coming. Some even managed to grab a quick selfie with Sam himself.

The Northern Echo: Sam emerged from City Hall to speak to every member of the audience before his show.Sam emerged from City Hall to speak to every member of the audience before his show. (Image: ADAM KENNEDY)

The Northern Echo: The fame certainly hasn't gone to Ryder's head... the Eurovision star chats to fans in the queue ahead of his gig.The fame certainly hasn't gone to Ryder's head... the Eurovision star chats to fans in the queue ahead of his gig. (Image: ADAM KENNEDY)

Of course, Ryder has witnessed a meteoric rise in recent times. From amassing a huge following on TikTok during lockdown to representing the UK in Eurovision. The artist transformed our hopes of success in the contest by securing second place and renewing our interest in the legendary competition.

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Much like most of the shows on this tour, Sam Ryder’s Tyneside date saw a capacity crowd in attendance. And with a Number One debut studio album in the bag and a recent Brit Awards nomination and performance, the future is certainly looking bright for the British singer/songwriter. Perhaps, following in the footsteps of Newcastle’s own Sam …. Sam Fender. Only time will tell.

The Northern Echo: Ryder played to a packed out City Hall on Thursday night (March 23).Ryder played to a packed out City Hall on Thursday night (March 23). (Image: ADAM KENNEDY)

Ryder took to the stage, accompanied by his drummer and guitarist, bedecked in a black jumpsuit featuring shimmering stars and planets. The space man himself received a warm reception from the off. The retro aesthetic of his attire conjured up images of rock greats like Bowie or Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page.

The Northern Echo: Sam played an impressive set including hits from his debut album.Sam played an impressive set including hits from his debut album. (Image: ADAM KENNEDY)

He opened his first-ever headline show on Tyneside with a trio of singles by way of Somebody, Living Without You and Put a Light on Me. The largest date of the tour so far Ryder remained humbled and somewhat in awe of the crowd present. In his own words, Ryder declared: "This is bonkers".

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A Freddie Mercury-style round of call and response featured early in the set, illustrating that Ryder had the room under his command from the off. Whilst the room was illuminated by a sea of cell phone lights building up to a wonderful rendition of Tiny Riot.

The Northern Echo: Some lucky members of the crowd managed to catch Ryder's used plectrums which he threw out to the crowd.Some lucky members of the crowd managed to catch Ryder's used plectrums which he threw out to the crowd. (Image: ADAM KENNEDY)

The lion’s share of the artist’s debut album There’s Nothing by Space, Man! featured in the show. The beauty of Sam's repertoire are the catchy hooks and the big singalong choruses, which really elevate the live experience.

The Northern Echo: Ryder's Newcastle date brought the biggest crowd of his tour so far.Ryder's Newcastle date brought the biggest crowd of his tour so far. (Image: ADAM KENNEDY)

Ten Tons is a real earworm. Whilst atmospheric rock number Deep Blue Doubt showcased the calibre of Ryder’s setlist. Sam slowed things down momentarily during All The Way Over. The latter truly showcased the singer’s incredible voice and vocal range. Ryder seemed to genuinely enjoy himself onstage, constantly sporting a big smile and an even bigger voice.

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Sam took the Tyneside fans back to the start of his journey during Whirlwind. Whilst a unique rendition of new single Mountain, set to come out on May 5, allowed the audience to feature on a live recording of the song - a nice souvenir for those in attendance.

The Northern Echo: Sam Ryder.Sam Ryder. (Image: ADAM KENNEDY)

A medley of pop/rock anthems featuring tracks from modern-day legends such as Florence and the Machine, Taylor Swift and Paramore was one of the many highlights of the evening before Ryder wrapped up his main set with More and some impressive vocal acrobatics.

Leaving the stage momentarily Sam returned for a two-song encore bringing the evening came to a close with the his Eurovision hit. And what can we say, based on this performance, the sky is the limit for this Space Man.