Singing legend Alexander O’Neal has performed to stadiums of thousands but last night he kept it intimate, and wowed a crowd of 120 at a Dartford pub.

O’Neal made a special appearance at The Oddfellows Arms in West Hill, singing all his hits and posing for photos with a gathering of lucky guests.

The American singer-songwriter gave an acoustic set alongside other soul singers.

Jo Williams, landlady of the pub said the gig was a way of bringing people back into their local.

She said: “We have been so excited, there’s been a real buzz about the place. This is the launch of a series of bi-monthly events involving celebrity artists.

“I love live music. I’ve been trying to launch live music nights here for a while and this is more of a publicity do to show people what we have on offer.”

O’Neal, best known for hits such as Criticize and If You Were Here Tonight, used Jo’s flat above the pub as his dressing room.

The pool room was converted into the star’s green room while other artists warmed up the audience.

Bagging the American rhythm and blues singer turned out easier than you might think. Jo applied to O’Neal’s agency and was delighted when they said yes.

The pub didn’t make any money on the proceeds of the ticket sales, but put on the show as a way to give something musical back to the Dartford community.

Tickets sold out quickly and there are hopes that more people will start to come and see the live bands that are on offer at Oddfellows every weekend.

Jo added: “I’m trying to promote live music in Dartford. We have bands every Saturday night and I wanted to get everyone’s attention to let local people know that we are here supporting live music and to come down and see us.

“They certainly did. The tickets sold out in two days was attended by several celebrities including Ray Lewis, Cream Boomtown and Jazzy Jim and supported by Nigel Viller.

"DJ Glenn Campbell was also involved in the arrangements and supplied the sound and set up for the evening along with music and sound for the singers.

"Thanks to everyone who helped make it possible from me, all the staff and Steve Bayliss.

“The pub is looking forward to welcoming Ray Lewis, of The Drifters, to the stage on Thursday, October 13.”

Tickets are £20 and on sale from September 1 from the Oddfellows bar.