Myles Smith 'so happy' to perform homecoming gig

1 hour ago

Lewis Adams

Lily-May Symonds/BBC

Myles Smith played in Luton ahead of releasing his new album on Friday

Singer-songwriter Myles Smith told fans he was "so happy to be home" as he performed a surprise pop-up gig in Luton.

Hundreds gathered to watch the 28-year-old play hits including Stargazing and Drive Safe in St George's Square.

"For anyone who aspires to do more and wants to go further, I'm proof you can do it," he said, also giving shout-outs to the local schools he had been to.

Excitement in the town was amplified by Smith's barber offering free haircuts, while roads and even a fish and chip shop were temporarily named after him.

As it happened: Myles Smith plays surprise homecoming gig in Luton

Smith is seen as one of Britain's biggest breakthrough artists and is due to go on tour with Ed Sheeran.

Emma Baugh/BBC

Lorry driver Tom Clarkson, 33, received a free haircut from Smith's barber as part of the singer's album celebrations

"I grew up not too far away in Leagrave. I'm so happy to be home with you guys," Smith told the crowd.

"You've given me the opportunity to tour the world three times and I'm about to do it again.

"Before I left, I wanted to come and say 'hi' to you."

Emma Baugh/BBC

The Stockdale family, from East Grinstead in West Sussex, were among those to meet Smith at HMV after the gig

Other hits he played included Nice to Meet You, which spent five weeks in the Official UK Singles Chart, and Gold.

"I love Luton, man," he shouted at one point during the set.

Smith later met fans in HMV, where he signed albums ahead of a launch party at The Sugar Loaf pub.

Justin Dealey/BBC

Mother and daughter Sandra and Lana travelled from Leicester to watch Smith perform

Among those watching him was 17-year-old Isabella, who woke up at 05:00 BST to travel to Luton from Surrey.

"I'm looking forward to seeing Myles very much," she said ahead of the show.

Mother and daughter Sandra and Lana also made the trip from Leicester to be there.

Sandra, 53, said: "I just love him. He's so down to earth... he's just very humble."

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