Monday October 6, 2003 23.24 BST
Craig David's homecoming | |
|  | | Craig David back in Southampton |
| | Craig David paid a unique homecoming visit to Southampton on October 6th. It was a special day for the star who grew up on the Holyrood Estate and for the legions of friends and fans in his home city. |
| | | The Rose Bowl gig was a late addition to his UK tour and was the first chance for his Southampton fans to see him since he played at the Guildhall back in November 2000.
Since then, the 22 year old has conquered America, been nominated at the Grammy Awards and found time to record a second hit album, Slicker Than Your Average.
A rare trip back to Southampton was always going to be a hectic and emotional day for Craig.
After an early morning round of radio interviews, he paid a lunchtime visit to HMV at Above Bar where over 300 fans had queued from 6am to get an autograph, catch a quick word with their idol and try and get hold of the handful of tickets for the Rose Bowl gig that were still up for grabs.
 | | Craig with James Beattie |
Next stop was the St Mary's stadium, where he joined Saints stars James Beattie, Jason Dodd, Matt le Tissier and manager Gordon Strachan in supporting the Racism Just Ain't Saintly campaign.
Craig explained why he was giving his backing: "It's important to try and take out the minority of people who make comments to the majority which are unwarranted. In my own way, as someone who can influence many, I think we can make a change."
 | | Craig on stage at the Rose Bowl |
The evening acoustic concert at the Rose Bowl was the hottest ticket in town with friends, fans and the famous, all clamouring to enjoy an intimate trip through Craig's greatest hits, laced with some childhood memories of his home city.
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