Formerly He Fired First, now performing as Will Samson and the Subverts, Will Samson leads a powerful, well-established live project fronted by his dynamic songwriting and distinctive voice, supported by The Subverts as a tight, high-energy backing band. Together they deliver an electrifying blend of folk, punk and acoustic music that is as energetic as it is heartfelt. His songs range from high-octane, crowd-pleasing anthems bursting with energy to thought-provoking, meaningful stories that connect with audiences on a personal level.

Alongside the full band shows, Will also performs a great number of intimate solo sets, stripping the songs back to their raw emotional core and creating close, engaging performances that highlight the storytelling and lyrical depth at the heart of his writing.

With The Subverts providing a full, driving sound, the live show is packed with passion, humour and audience interaction. The band’s rich instrumentation — including double bass, cajón, pipes and whistles, and fiddle — gives the project a unique and powerful sonic identity, lifting every performance with depth, rhythm and atmosphere.

Over the years, Will Samson both solo and with the Subverts have shared stages with acclaimed artists including Joe Solo, Jess Silk, Gaz Brookfield, Owen Paul, Dub Pistols and John Otway.

They have built a strong reputation on the UK live circuit, appearing at major festivals including GuilFest, Boomtown Fair, Minety Music Festival, Northern Green Gathering, Weyfest, Marvellous Festival, Wheelies Bike Festival, Westival, Wokingham Festival and Here Comes The Sun Festival, among many others.

In 2026, Will Samson and the Subverts were honoured with the Best Band award at the GSMC Awards, recognising their strength as a cohesive live unit and their impact on the grassroots and festival scene. They were also nominated as one of only five acts for a Berkshire Artistree Award, further cementing their standing within the regional music community.

From intimate acoustic moments to full-throttle festival stages, whether solo or with The Subverts, Will Samson delivers honest songwriting, infectious melodies and unforgettable performances built on energy, connection and authenticity.