HIS landmark hit single Babylon was one of the most defining songs of the late 1990s.

David Gray shot to worldwide critical acclaim for the infectious tune from his multiplatinum-selling 1998 album White Ladder.

It was the first of a trio of number one UK albums earning him both Brit and Grammy nominations.

Since then he has been less in the spotlight – despite releasing eight albums over the last 15 years.

Now he is back to his best and will tomorrow star in Southampton after emerging from a four-year hiatus.

Fans will welcome him to the O2 Guildhall on the second night of his new six-date UK tour.

He is performing tunes from his tenth studio album Mutineers, which has received widespread critical acclaim and sell-out tours on both sides of the Atlantic and a recent headline show at London’s Roundhouse during this year’s iTunes Festival.

The album has been hailed as “easily his best work since ‘Babylon’s’ ubiquity’ by Q Magazine and “The comeback of the year” by the Evening Standard.

The tour – which kicks off in Southend tonight also marks the release of new single Birds of the High Arctic, which went on sale on Monday last week.

The album breaks new ground while staying true to his roots and Gray explains: “I know I’ve done something here that has an authority that is inspiring me and I don’t have to worry about my past or any of that.

“The lovely thing about this is we’ve had the time to experiment, and it’s been wonderful.”

He will be supported by a number of special guests yet to be announced.

Doors open tonight at 7pm and tickets cost between £32.45 and £52.25. Contact 023 8063 2601 or see o2guildhallsouthampton.co.uk