Craig David has been revealed as the latest blockbuster name to headline Dundee’s Slessor Gardens as part of a huge performance featuring DJ Sigala and chart-topping songwriter Becky Hill.
The 7 Day star will be joined by his full band on June 7 next year for their only Scottish concert of 2019 — and tickets go on sale this Friday.
David achieved major chart success in the early 2000s with hits such as Fill Me In, Walking Away and Rewind and has made something of a comeback in recent years with his latest works receiving widespread critical acclaim.
He has sold 15 million albums worldwide, has had a series of Brit and Grammy nominations and is a multiple Ivor Novello and Mobo Award winner.
The hit-maker said: “I’m really looking forward to bringing my show and band to Dundee in the summer. It’s going to be a blast; I’ve no doubt my fans will join me in making this a big night.
“I’m a huge fan of Sigala, who will be spinning some serious tracks, and Becky Hill has the most incredible voice and amazing hits, so I’m looking forward to having them both as my very special guests.
“DJ and producer Nathan Dawe is on the up – and I am happy to invite him to open. We know the fans in Scotland like to party so bring it on, cannot wait to see you all!”
Sigala, who worked with David on Ain’t Giving Up, has enjoyed success internationally, with six singles in the Top 10 UK charts, including number one hit Easy Love.
He has also collaborated with artists such as DJ Fresh, Ella Eyre, John Newman and Nile Rodgers. He is reported to be the single most played British male on UK commercial radio.
Singer-songwriter Becky Hill is best-known for her vocals on tracks such as False Alarm. She also reached the semi-final of the first series of The Voice UK.
Up-and-comer Nathan Dawe recently released the track Cheatin, which gained millions of streams and made an entry into the official top 100 chart.
Tickets for Craig David with special guests go on general sale on November 30 at 9am.
It is expected to be the first of several confirmed concerts at Slessor Gardens next summer as the council continues its tie-up with promoters Liz Hobbs Group.
Announcement is latest in line of blockbuster acts
City development convener Lynne Short welcomed the announcement that Craig David will play at Slessor Gardens next year and predicted more big acts could soon follow.
The Maryfield councillor pointed to the succession of high-profile performances at the venue and revealed she had even been set the challenge of bringing Muse to Dundee by council leader John Alexander.
She said: “It’s always great to hear that new acts are coming to the city, and I am sure that there will be a number of very happy fans. Maybe even his friend Lorraine Kelly might make it back to the city for that one!”
Tickets to open-air performances at Slessor Gardens have proved a hot commodity in the past, with availability frequently selling out within hours or days of going on sale.
UB40 were the first act to headline the new venue in front of 6,000 music fans, on a bill that also included Level 42 and the Original Wailers.
However, many will look to the arrival of the “world’s biggest girl band” Little Mix in June last year as the landmark moment in a summer of music that also saw Olly Murs drawn to the City of Discovery.
Nineties pop legends Steps were first in line this year and were joined by boy band Blue as part of the Grandslam 2018 tour in June.
Things took a sour turn in July when fans were left demanding answers after tickets for Rita Ora were slashed to less than half price to drive up sales, despite thousands of fans already paying £39.50 for general admission.
Two months later, two of the biggest bands of the 1980s, Scottish rockers Simple Minds and The Pretenders co-headlined the venue, with St Andrews singer-songwriter KT Tunstall providing support.
But it is perhaps the two-day 3D Festival, organised to celebrate the opening of V&A Dundee and headlined by rockers Primal Scream, which has been the biggest listing to date, drawing in around 20,000 fans and featuring a host of local talent.
