Benson Boone delivered a heartfelt cover of Sam Fender’s hit song “Seventeen Going Under” at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland on July 15, 2023. This performance came after Fender was compelled to withdraw from the lineup due to health concerns involving his vocal cords. Originally slated to headline the event, Fender announced on July 4 that he had been diagnosed with a “haemorrhage on one of [his] vocal cords” and needed to rest for at least two weeks.
In a statement shared with fans, Fender expressed his disappointment. “This is incredibly frustrating as I have been so careful with my vocal health and this year so far has been the best of my career,” he wrote. He emphasized the risks of performing while injured, stating, “If I were to play at these next shows, I would risk causing lasting damage to my vocal cords.”
Despite Fender’s absence, no replacement artist was arranged. Boone, who was initially part of the lineup, found himself stepping into a more prominent role. Addressing the audience, he shared his admiration for Fender: “He’s an artist that I look up to and an artist I think is incredibly talented.” Boone expressed his concerns about the audience’s expectations, wondering, “Did anyone come here to see Sam Fender today?”
As he took the stage, Boone admitted feeling “terrified” about assuming Fender’s slot. He had braced himself for a potentially disappointed crowd. To honor Fender and the fans who came to see him, Boone performed “Seventeen Going Under,” a single from Fender’s 2021 album. “I really hope that the people who came to see Sam today can get just five percent out of this song,” Boone remarked, describing it as “a beautiful song.”
Fender’s most recent album, titled People Watching, was released in February 2023, following the success of Seventeen Going Under. However, the album’s launch had already been affected by Fender’s vocal issues, which forced him to cancel several performances in late 2022. On December 17, he informed fans, “I’ve had two separate ENT doctors say if I perform tonight I’m risking lasting damage to my voice.” He was advised to avoid using his voice until it healed properly.
As fans await Fender’s return to the stage, he is scheduled to perform on August 8 at Denmark’s Syd For Solen festival. Boone’s tribute at Montreux showcased not only his talent but also the strong sense of community within the music world, where artists support each other in times of need. The performance served as a reminder of the challenges musicians face and the resilience required to navigate their careers.
