Radio 1 Big Weekend: Craig David says the love is 'overwhelming'

  • Author, Steve Holden
  • Role, Newsbeat reporter

The signs outside said "Tent Full". Inside, on the In New Music We Trust stage, thousands of people were singing along to Craig David's every word.

"The love is overwhelming," he told Newsbeat, moments after his set ended.

"The adrenaline was rushing and it was great seeing a younger crowd - a new generation - discovering my music."

Craig David's story in music has become a bit of a fairytale, as he enjoys being man of the moment once again, 15 years after first finding fame.

"I left the hotel and there were a group of teenagers outside who'd been waiting for hours," he said.

"It reminded me of when Rewind came out in 1999."

He's had 12 top 10 singles and five studio albums since the release of his first solo single, Fill Me In, in 2000.

His Exeter set was full of old and new, playing classics like 7 Days and Fill Me In, alongside new material such as Nothing Like This.

Unbelievably, Craig David has never done a Radio 1 Big Weekend until now.

"It was worth more than the wait. I'm overwhelmed," he said.

People spotted watching Craig David included Daniel P Carter and Bastille.

"The journey of a career is a rollercoaster ride. You've got to stay on the ride, hands up. No hands.

"I always knew in my heart that the songs do the talking and you've got to be ready to seize any opportunity."

He also puts some of his resurgence down to the fact he can interact with fans immediately.

In the beginning, he had no Twitter, Instagram or YouTube to share his material.

"That cover of Love Yourself for the 1Xtra Live Lounge went viral. I had people in Canada saying they loved it.

"I'm loving the instant response to something. I can interact with you and it only takes me 10 seconds."

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