Tom Walker opens up about his early days in music
He used to busk in London
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:
Niall Horan
Niall Horan will be taking his 'Dinner Party' album on tour in September and October 2026. Fans can expect the singer to be performing his old music along with some of his biggest hits. The singer starts his UK tour in Birmingham on 22nd September, before travelling across the UK, ending in London on 2nd October.
The Pussycat Dolls
The Pussycat Dolls have reunited and will be playing a massive 53 dates around the world for their 'PCD Forever Tour', celebrating 20 years since 'Don't Cha' and the release of their debut album 'PCD'. Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt and Ashley Roberts will begin in Birmingham on Tuesday 29th September, ending in London at The O2 Arena on Tuesday 13th October.
Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan will be bringing his 'The Great Divide' Tour to the UK this autumn, where he will be performing in Glasgow, Manchester and London. See the full list of dates and how to get tickets.
Hits Radio Live 2026
Hits Radio Live 2026 has now been announced at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham on Friday 20th November 2026 and Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday 21st November 2026. Buy tickets now!
The Script
To celebrate their new album, Irish band The Script are visiting Ireland, the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia with 'The Man In The Arena Tour' from October 2026 to April 2027. The band will play dates in the UK in November!
Tinie Tempah
Tinie Tempah announced 'The Night's Not Dead – UK Tour 2026' for November and December 2026. The singer will be taking in five dates across the UK, including Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Bristol and London.
Gnarls Barkley
It's been a massive 20 years since the release of Gnarls Barkley's breakthrough hit 'Crazy'. Now after the duo released their first new album in 18 years, called 'Atlanta', they will be embarking on their 'To Whom It Still Concerns' Tour in December.
Emeli Sandé
As the 15th anniversary of Emeli Sandé's debut album 'Our Version of Events' approaches in February 2027, the singer has announced she will be going on a huge tour across the UK and EU, starting in January 2027 and ending the UK leg in February 2027.
'ALL STARS – The Music of ABBA'
A huge new UK tour has been announced for 'ALL STARS – The Music of ABBA'. The performances, which will unite four well-known performers, Samantha Mumba, Duncan James (Blue), Antony Costa (Blue) and Una Healy (The Saturdays), will include several shows starting in Croydon, in February 2027, and continuing until 11th April in Southampton.
James Blunt
Following the release of his sun-soaked single 'Tastes Like Summer', James Blunt announced a tour across the UK next year, and tickets are now on sale. The singer will be starting in Leeds on Friday 26th March, with dates across England, Scotland and Wales, ending the following month, on Thursday 8th April, in Brighton.
Chase & Status
Chase & Status have announced three UK dates starting at Manchester's Co-op Live on Friday 19th March 2027, continuing on to Birmingham's Utilita Arena, and finishing in London at The O2 Arena on Friday 2nd April 2027.
Gracie Abrams
Gracie Abrams has announced a huge tour with several UK dates in April and May 2027. The singer will be performing in Manchester, Glasgow and London.
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