FROM the start of his career in the late seventies right up to tonight’s gig Adam has always labelled himself as a punk, a label that did not sit easily with many of the other bands around in the early days. He was too theatrical or the hit singles were deemed to be too poppy to fit with the harder edge of the movement. Well the late seventies / early eighties are far behind us and here he is still with us and playing an arena that was pretty full of people and overflowing with an electric atmosphere from the first note to the last and beyond.

The evening started with a support slot from the Glam Skanks who were the perfect band to put everyone in the mood for what was to come. They are off on their own mini tour when this one is over so catch them in a more intimate venue.

Billed as The Singles Tour tonight’s set list was always going to contain the crowd pleasing big hitters so everyone was immediately on their feet as Adam strode onto the stage and launched straight into Beat My Guest, Viva La Rock and Dog Eat Dog and going on to deliver the promised hits and more. Adam still dresses in the Hussar style from the Napoleonic War sporting leather trousers along with a straw hat and a leather jacket that came off halfway through to reveal one of his own t-shirts and a trimmer looking figure than we have seen for a few years.

The focus of the main show did of course all revolve around one man but it was also so much more than that, it was also about passion, energy and most of all a shared love of music. He is such a fascinating performer, never standing still, constantly moving from one part of the stage to another but never just simply walking, just watching him move is a show in itself, one that the audience are caught up in and become a major part of the evenings entertainment. Adam Ant does not just sing at the crowd, he becomes part of a shared energy that carries everyone along for the evening.

Particular highlights for me were a rousing version of Kings of The Wild Frontier, Dog eat Dog, main set closer Stand and Deliver and show closer You’re So Physical. The sound was excellent with the crew managing to deliver a loud, loud level without loosing any of the vocals or introducing the dreaded distortion. The whole production has definitely stepped up a level considering he was at Mr Kyps just a few short years ago (although that was also an excellent gig).

This was a punk rock show with the emphasis on rock; Adam continues to deliver an intensity of performance that proves the doubters wrong and wins more converts with every show he does. A great night delivered by a man still at the top of his game. Its Gotta Be a Sin to miss this man in action so go along and have the time of your life.