Tom Walker opens up about his early days in music

He used to busk in London

Tom Walker
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 6th Feb 2024
Last updated 6th Feb 2024

Already this year, Tom Walker has released a new song called 'Head Underwater', and performed an impromptu gig outside Spudman's trailer, and if that wasn't enough, he's set to go on his 'I Am' tour in April, where you can expect him to perform his huge hits.

Now, the singer who is known for hits such as 'Leave The Light On', 'Serotonin', and 'Freaking Out' has opened up about how it was starting out in music. We all know him for his hits, but it was very different back in at the beginning, when he started out.

Speaking to us, Tom told how he used to busk in London, but it didn't always go to plan. "I mean, it's crazy," he said talking about how things have changed.

"I went from busking to like three people on the streets of London... chased away by the council every five minutes, because you need a permit, but there's a two-year wait! I mean, you tell me that when when you're a student or you don't have a job!

"To like playing Glastonbury, so it's absolutely crazy, I'm absolutely buzzing, because obviously it's a hard industry to get into, and the chances of it happening, you know aren't like huge."

He went on to say: "I failed most of my GCSEs, and somehow pulled an absolute blinder getting into the music industry, so I'm buzzing!"

Since those early days, Tom has had quite the career, he's released a Number 1 album, with another on its way, and had two Top 10 hits in the UK. He's also received a BRIT Award for Best Breakthrough Act, and a nomination for his song 'Leave a Light On' in the Best British Single category.

When is Tom Walker on tour?

If you weren't lucky enough to see Tom performing by Spudman's trailer, you can catch him on tour, when he starts in April. Tickets are on sale now for his tour on Aloud.com

Take a look through other tours coming up:

Tom Walker

Tom Walker has announced several dates for his 2024 tour, in support of his second album 'I Am'. The album features his songs 'Burn' and 'Freaking Out.

Paloma Faith

Paloma Faith has announced a huge 26-date tour for Spring 2024. The 'Can't Rely On You' singer will head out in April 2024 in Reading and finish up in June 2024 in Lincoln.

Tate McRae

Tate McRae has announced her 'Think Later' tour, in support of her second album which was released in December 2023. The singer will perform at several dates across the UK in April.

Blue

Blue have announced dates across the UK, performing their greatest hits from the last 20 years. The band start their tour in April.

Girls Aloud

Girls Aloud have announced they will be reuniting for a tour in 2024. The tour is called 'The Girls Aloud Show' and will see the group performing many of their fantastic hits in celebration of their late bandmate Sarah Harding.

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj will be going on her 'Pink Friday 2 World Tour' in May 2024, including UK dates, in Manchester, Birmingham and London.

Jonas Brothers 2024

Nick, Kevin and Joe Jonas, otherwise known as the Jonas Brothers, will play four UK dates in September 2024 (rescheduled from June), in Manchester, London, Birmingham and Glasgow.

P!nk

P!nk is bringing her 'Summer Carnival Tour' back to the UK for 2024. The singer will be supported by The Script, Gayle and DJ and producer KidCutUp. Her tour takes place throughout June 2024.

Anne-Marie

Anne-Marie has announced a continuation of her 'Unhealthy Club' tour. This new summer tour will see the singer performing at festivals and other outdoor locations. Her summer tour will take place in June and July 2024.

Taylor Swift - 'The Eras Tour' 2024

Taylor Swift has now announced several UK dates for her 'Eras' tour. The singer will be coming to Liverpool, Edinburgh, Cardiff and London in June and August 2024.

Tom Grennan - Gunnersbury Park

Tom Grennan has announced his biggest headline gig ever at Gunnersbury Park, London on Saturday 10th August 2024.

Busted

Busted will be going on tour in the summer of 2024, starting on 17th May in Marlow and continuing throughout the summer until 31st August in Scarborough.

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake has announced several dates in the UK as part of 'The Forget Tomorrow' world tour. He will be playing Birmingham, Manchester and London in August 2024.

Jess Glynne - 'Summer 2024'

Jess Glynne has announced outdoor dates for summer 2024. The singer will start in June 2024 in Scarborough and perform across England and Wales, finishing in London in August.

Becky Hill - Arena tour 2024

Becky Hill has announced nine UK dates for her first arena tour in 2024. They take place in October 2024.

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa has announced a one-off gig at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 17th October, where fans can expect her to perform many of the new songs from her album 'Radical Optimism'.

Scooter

'Jumping All Over The World' legends Scooter are heading around the UK and Ireland on their 30th anniversary tour - titled 'Thirty, Rough and Dirty'. Dates take place in October and November.

Charli XCX

Charli XCX has announced four extra dates for her 'BRAT' UK tour, with special guest Shygirl. The singer, known for hits such as 'Boom Clap', and 'Speed Drive' from the Barbie movie, will be performing in Manchester, London, Birmingham and Glasgow.

Usher

Usher has announced several dates in the UK in March, April and May 2025. Tickets are now on sale for all dates.

Craig David

Craig David will be going on tour in February 2025, with special guest Lemar. The singer has announced a series of dates across the UK, including Leeds, Glasgow, Newcastle and many more.

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish has announced her 'Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour' will be coming to the UK in July 2025. Billie will be performing 12 dates across Glasgow, London and Manchester.

Now read:

Tom Walker: Get to know the 'Freaking Out' singer 🎶

The meanings behind Tom Walker's most popular songs

Tom Walker surprises fans with impromptu gig outside Spudman's trailer

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