Darius Campbell Danesh became a laughing stock when he was booted off ITV1’s Popstars after his over-the-top rendition of Baby One More Time by Britney Spears.
But the former Edinburgh University student bounced back in the Pop Idol series, which showcased his talents and groomed him to become a major star.
Darius, who has died aged 41, was box-office when he arrived to perform at Aberdeen’s Free at the Dee at Duthie Park in July 2002 alongside fellow Pop Idol star Gareth Gates.
The first Free at the Dee happened to celebrate the 21st birthday of Northsound and screaming teenagers danced the day away in soaring temperatures.
Darius stole the show when he performed his self-penned debut single Colourblind which would go on to top the charts in August 2002.
Home turf
Darius said: “I’ve missed being in Scotland.
“I love performing on home turf.
“There’s something I can’t quite describe about Scottish crowds.
“It’s all good fun and I’m having the time of my life. Every morning I want to pinch myself. I’m so lucky to be doing what I’ve always dreamed of.”
Aberdeen teenager Chloe Stewart was the envy of the female population at the event when Darius brought her up on stage and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Darius returned to the Granite City in August 2003 to sign copies of his autobiography Sink or Swim at Ottakar’s Bookstore in Union Street.
Over 500 people were there to see their hero!
In high demand
Store staff were stunned by demand to meet the star and special measures were put in place to deal with the teeny hordes that queued for more than five hours.
Some had taken the day off school to be there.
Striding in wearing a tan, hooded jumper and jeans, Darius immediately had the crowd eating out of his hands as he shouted: “Hi, how is everyone?”
Eleven-year-old Emma Carter was one fan who made the hour’s journey from Huntly to see him and was so overcome that she burst into tears as she handed him a teddy.
Schoolboy Alexander Bruce even asked the Pop Idol star to sign his back.
He obliged!
Darius joked: “I hear the truancy officer is here. I hope I can sign a book for him too.”
He then signed a nearby box of Maltesers for an emotional fan.
‘Blown away’
Darius admitted he was “blown away” by the crowd at Ottakar’s.
“It’s called Sink or Swim because that is what I had to do.
“It’s surreal for me to walk into a bookshop and see my books all lined up.
“I really hope the fans enjoy it.”
Darius was returning to Aberdeen that week to perform at Free at the Dee.
He said: “I am really overwhelmed and so taken aback by the Scottish support.
“It’s unbelievable how many people have turned up.
“This has been an amazing way to kick off the week with the book tour and to have such a fantastic response.
“It has put me on a high for the rest of the week.
“Now, I can’t wait until the weekend. I had a great time at Free at the Dee last year.
“Everyone is just amazing, and it will be fun to be back on the stage with my band, and hopefully, we will get good weather.”
He arrived in style and emerged through the sunroof of a car!
Fans loved every minute
After filming the crowd with his camcorder, he sang Colourblind and Rushes with his usual energy and told the crowd: “I’m having a great time.
“And you know what happens when you’re having a great time?
“The sun comes out.
“I’m so glad to be back in Aberdeen. You guys have been a wicked audience.”
The fans were loving every minute and sang along to every word of his songs.
He went on to forge a successful stage career, appearing in Chicago as Billy Flynn, as well as Guys And Dolls, Gone With The Wind and more in the West End.
Simon Cowell, who was a judge on Pop Idol, described him as “charismatic, funny and just a great person to be with” following his death on August 11.
He will never be forgotten by his fans in the Granite City.
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