Benson Boone captivated audiences at the Montreux Jazz Festival by performing a cover of Sam Fender’s “Seventeen Going Under” on July 15. This performance came after Fender had to withdraw from the event due to health issues, specifically a “haemorrhage on one of [his] vocal cords.” He announced his cancellation on July 4, emphasizing the need for vocal rest to avoid permanent damage.
Originally scheduled to headline the festival, Fender expressed his frustration in a statement, highlighting the significance of his vocal health. “This year so far has been the best of my career,” he wrote, sharing his disappointment about missing the highly anticipated performance. He acknowledged the risk of further injury if he attempted to perform despite medical advice to take a two-week hiatus.
Despite Fender’s absence, Boone stepped into the spotlight, taking on the headliner role. He addressed the audience, expressing his admiration for Fender. “He’s an artist that I look up to and an artist I think is incredibly talented,” Boone stated. He candidly admitted feeling “terrified” about taking over Fender’s slot, anticipating disappointment from fans expecting to see the original artist.
To honor Fender’s legacy and appease the crowd, Boone delivered a heartfelt rendition of “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,” he remarked, acknowledging the emotional weight of the moment.
Fender’s recent album, People Watching, which was released in February, marked a significant follow-up to “Seventeen Going Under.” However, his vocal issues have affected his performance schedule, leading to previous show cancellations. He had informed fans in December 2022 that two ENT doctors advised against performing to prevent lasting damage to his voice.
Looking ahead, Fender is set to return to the stage on August 8 with a headline performance at Denmark’s Syd For Solen festival. As he recovers, fans remain hopeful for his swift return and continued musical contributions. Boone’s tribute performance serves as a reminder of the strong connections between artists and their audiences, even in challenging circumstances.
