Tom Grennan 'on positive journey' after NYC attack

Tom Grennan says he's "looking forward" and is on a positive journey after he was attacked in New York last month.

The 26-year-old was assaulted and robbed outside a bar in Manhattan.

"I hope that whoever did it to me got the help that they needed," he told BBC Newsbeat. "It's unfortunate that [the attack] happened but I'm living my dream now."

The Brit Award nominee was speaking after his set at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Coventry.

"It's been a positive journey, I've been trying to keep positive," he said.

"I've got to look forward."

Tom's attack happened while he was touring in the US. His injuries included a torn eardrum and he was forced to postpone a gig in Washington DC.

• Tom Grennan recovering after NYC attack

• In pictures: BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend

• Radio 1's Big Weekend lands in Coventry

The singer arrived on the Future Sounds stage at the festival on top of Radio 1 DJs Scott Mills and Chris Stark, who were dressed as a pantomime horse.

It was the first time he's played the festival and says it's "an honour to do so".

He arrived on stage on top of Radio 1 DJs Scott Mills and Chris Stark, who were dressed as a pantomime horse

"I've been watching this for years and I can't believe I'm doing it."

Tom was joined on stage by Coventry City player Callum O'Hare.

The player signed for the club in in 2020 and has scored 15 goals for the side.

Teasing his new music, Tom says he "ain't got time for no more ballads" and said his next single is coming "very, very soon".

"It's a whole new chapter for me - this whole album is colourful, it's exciting.

"It's all uplifting, up tempo - I want what the people want, fun."

Crowds looking on during Grennan's performance on Saturday

'Incredible energy'

The Little Bit of Love hitmaker said it was good to be back in front of a home crowd.

"It's so good to be back doing festivals and be back with an English crowd again - you forget how good they are," he says.

He says playing the gig felt like a homecoming for him.

"[Coventry's] in my blood", says the singer, whose grandma is from Coventry.

"I've been coming here for years. The energy is just incredible."

Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.