And as he gets ready for his big day, here are 9 photos from the Echo archives to trigger some memories.
He surprised shoppers in the Bridges with a live performance in 1990 and was pictured in the same year during a filming session at Marsden Grotto.
He was also pictured as he took a musical masterclass at Sunderland University in 1994, at Seaburn in 2005 and outside the Empire in 2017.
So here’s an early happy birthday Dave! Let’s re-live the memories.
. Putting the spotlight on Dave
Dave Stewart pictured over the years on Wearside. Photo: se
2. Masterful in 1994
Dave took a musical masterclass at Sunderland University in 1994. In 1993 he received an honorary fellowship at the university. Photo: Sunderland Echo
4. A superb surprise for shoppers
Wearside rock star Dave Stewart surprised Sunderland shoppers by performing songs from his new album in the town's Market Square in 1990. Photo: Sunderland Echo