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Myles Smith 'so happy' to perform homecoming gig

Lewis Adams
News imageLily-May Symonds/BBC Myles Smith playing a guitar on stage with various other people playing instruments. He is wearing a brown shirt, white T-shirt, jeans and a black baseball cap. A crowd of people are gathered in front of him.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.

Monday's free homecoming show was ahead of Smith releasing his debut album, My Mess, My Heart, My Life, on Friday.

"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.

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

News imageEmma Baugh/BBC Tom Clarkson is sitting down with a blue cape around him. A barber wearing a T-shirt and navy apron is shaving the side of his head.Emma Baugh/BBC
Lorry driver Tom Clarkson, 33, received a free haircut from Smith's barber as part of the singer's album celebrations

Among his fans are former US President Barack Obama, who named Stargazing as one of his favourite songs in 2024.

"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."

News imageEmma Baugh/BBC Myles Smith poses with the Stockdale family, who consist of a mum, dad, son and daughter. They are inside a HMV shop.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.

News imageJustin Dealey/BBC Sandra and Lana are both smiling amongst the crowd. Lana is wearing a green headband and a grey sports top. Sandra is wearing a colourful V-neck top.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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