An Interview with Craig David

Songwriter, rapper, DJ and record producer are just some of the accolades that can be attributed to Craig David. Rising to fame in 1999 as the lead singer on the Artful Dodger track ‘Re-Rewind’ his debut album Born To Do It was released a year later providing him with a top ten chart position.

Since then David has had twenty UK top forty singles and a further seven UK top forty albums. In 2020 he was announced on the Queen’s New Year Honours list to receive an MBE in recognition of his services to music.

As the UK pop/garage icon prepares for his twelve date Commitments Tour 2025 along with his TS5 DJ set, he chatted to Graham Clark about his career to date and forthcoming tour…

What can expect on the tour?
Firstly, there will be myself doing a DJ set, then there will be a set with me and the band. I’ve always wanted to pull the two together. It will be kind of experimental too.

Do you prefer playing festivals or doing your own shows?
You have to remember that when you play a festival the people are not there to see just you. I try to land the songs properly and with your performance you have to try a little bit harder. You have to drop the hits and play songs people know. I do like playing live, I try to play the songs as they have been recorded. I might have sung the songs many times but I always try to keep them the same. I suppose it is like having you favourite chocolate bar and then they change the recipe. I try to always stick to the original version.

Do you ever get tired of singing your hit ‘Seven Days’?
Never – it is the gift that keeps giving! I never imagined that the song would have the impact it has. Much like the Sister Sledge track ‘We Are Family’, you will hear that track at weddings, family get togethers – ‘Seven Days’ crosses all generations.

image: BBC/Sarah Jeynes/James Watkins

What made you decide to move back home to the UK from America?
I lived in Miami for a few years and I enjoyed the lifestyle there but the real core element that I missed was being back home in a culture that was close to my heart – and also to be near to my family. When I came back here I ended up having my first chart hit in the singles chart in years, as well as a number one album. As soon as I came back it felt that I had made the right decision. I missed the little things too, like how we always talk about the weather here – in Miami the sun was always shining and you could wear a T shirt and shorts most days.

Does the north hold good memories for you?
There is something that when you gravitate to the north of the country the audiences have a different edge, an extra notch if you like. The appreciation is far grander when I come up there; when I come out on stage the roar of the fans is fantastic.

What has been the proudest moment of your career?
There are so many: performing on the main stage at the Glastonbury, singing for the Queen on her 70th Jubilee concert was an honour. To still be able to go out and perform to the fans who have followed me from day one and to younger fans who come to see the show, is something I do not take for granted.

Craig David’s Commitment Tour 2025 includes the following northern dates:
Sunday 2nd February – Leeds First Direct Arena – tickets here
Wednesday 5th February – Newcastle Utilita Arena – tickets here
Friday 14th February – Manchester Co-op Live Arena – tickets here