One of the great things about this job is that occasionally you go to a gig that you would not normally be attracted to and leave at the end of the night having seen a true musical talent that would have otherwise passed you by. Well tonight was one of those nights.

Right at the start of this show Michael encouraged the crowd to take as many photos as they wanted (as long as they got his good side) and to be as vocal as they could be.

Well tonight it may have been a case of careful what you wish for as the crowd were very enthusiastic with a few of the ladies slightly too much so. Still he didn’t seem to mind as much as the people sitting next to them!

Looking relaxed in jeans, t-shirt and casual jacket he first took us back to a time when he was growing up listening to the blues; a period and influence that has stayed with him for his entire career.

It’s difficult to imagine that he was signed to a label at the age of 16 but never had a hit of his own until he was well into his thirties.

In the years between he was known as a song writer for other artists including How Am I Supposed to Live Without You for Laura Branigan, We’re Not Making Love Anymore for Barbara Streisand, I Found Someone for Cher and even Forever for KISS most of which were played tonight.

During these numbers he was joined by the excellent Kelly Levesque and Amanda Brown who also had solo slots during the evening. When you have had the level of success that Mr Bolton has you can attract the very best in backing musicians and he has done just that with a band at the top of their game.

After a short instrumental break he reappeared and played songs from his latest album ‘Ain't No Mountain High Enough’ covering songs from the Motown label which were all well received by the enthusiastic crowd.

He then disappeared again only to reappear at the back of the venue where he performed ‘When A Man Loves A Woman’ to a few ladies who could not believe their luck.

He did play the hits toward the end of the show and by then the crowd were on their feet and joining in every word. All in all it was a great end to a great night.