LAST time X-Factor 2014 runner-up Dean Ray dropped by Wollongong, he told fans he disappeared in the aftermath of the show because he was hospitalised with depression and anxiety.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
During his January performance at Wollongong Central, he sang a song called Simple Things - a track Ray wrote while in hospital.
"I ended up in the hospital with it [depression and anxiety] pretty bad," the season six runner-up told the crowd.
"I wrote this song while I was there."
Ray will sing this song and others from his self-titled debut album when he returns to the city to perform at Dapto Leagues Club on April 17.
"I've been called mysterious, intense, confusing, crazy and captivating. How's that for diversity?" Ray said.
"I'm really just a guy with a guitar and a story to tell who loves what he does."
The 22-year-old Victorian, who has talked openly in the past about his struggle with alcohol addiction and confessed he was once so desperate for food he ate scraps out of a wheelie bin, has been very busy these last few months.
Touring since the start of the year, Ray has also played to sold out crowds across the country courtesy of being a special guest of The Veronicas on their Sanctified Tour.
In between shows, he also found time to record a new song, a cover of Jake Bugg's Me and You.
Tickets to the Dapto show available at the leagues club.