YOU WOULD expect most international superstars to celebrate their 25th birthday by throwing a glitzy star-studded bash in one of the world's most glamorous cities.

But for Southampton's very own Craig David there was only one place he wanted to be - playing to thousands of fans in the place he calls home.

The city-born singer/songwriter was back in Southampton on Friday night to play his homecoming gig - his first live concert here for four years - to thousands of fans at the Guildhall.

And what a treat it was.

Speaking to the Daily Echo just hours before he was due on stage he said: "It's been quite manic today even though it's my birthday, but it's great to be able to play in Southampton.

"It's my homecoming and it's also my birthday so it's going to be extra special for me as it's always good to play places like Southampton where I grew up."

The former Bellemoor School pupil played in the city as part of his world tour which also includes dates in Switzerland, Paris and Japan, but his homecoming date was one he was very much looking forward to.

Family support

He added: "The tour's going really well as I've got three albums worth of songs to choose from. I can do some songs from The Story Goes as well as some of my old stuff, some classics.

"The whole family is coming to see me today - loads of them, including some of my cousins who I haven't seen and some of my friends too.

"Every concert for me is special but Southampton is still my home so I am hoping tonight will be special and everyone will enjoy it."

Craig dedicated the concert to his nan who died last year from cancer, making this homecoming gig more poignant than others.

He said: "Driving along the M3 into Southampton always brings back a lot of memories for me. I am dedicating this concert and my latest album to my nan who I was very close to.

"She always used to say to me 'Craig why do you always repeat the same words in your songs?' I wrote most of my new album in Southampton and I got a lot of inspiration for the songs on it from Southampton."

And his gig certainly went down well with the thousands of people who had managed to get their hands on tickets.

The Craig David World Tour simply blew the crowds away with one of the most energetic sets he has ever done.

Support acts DJ Flash and up-and-coming R 'n' B soulstress Keisha White were given the appreciation they deserved by the fans waiting to see Craig make his entrance on stage and it was well worth the wait.

Dressed all in white, he bounded on to the stage with his all singing and dancing version of All the Way from his third album The Story Goes.

The crowd - who even sang Happy Birthday to the star - didn't relent until the end of his 90-minute set as he sang and danced to a variety of tracks from all three albums with the help of his well-chosen band.

It was difficult to sit or stand still as he belted out song after song including the slow sexy ballads he has come to love.

For Craig, Southampton is home and he performed before thousands as if he was playing to a select few close friends and family in his living room.

The biggest noise on the night was reserved for some of his best known hits like Fill Me In, 7 Days and Rewind.

He dedicated this tour to his beloved nan - and it's fair to say he definitely did her proud with this performance.