They had travelled from far and wide to worship their hero and Morrissey was in no mood to let them down.

The enigmatic former Smiths frontman proved that he's still one of the most charismatic performers capable of holding an audience in the palm of his hands.

A sold-out King George's Hall was bouncing with expectation even before he came on stage with chants of Morrissey, Morrissey, Morrissey ringing round the building.

He came on to the strains of You'll Never Walk Alone, typically ironic considering that for most of the audience, Morrissey will always occupy a place in their hearts.

From the moment he opened with The First of the Gang to Die, you knew it was to be a special night.

Backed by explosive musicians who provided a power and at times a savagery which contrasted superbly with the refined, almost poetic lyrics, Morrissey was in total control.

A few Smiths songs were included producing a semi-hysterical reaction from the crowd who sang along to Girlfriend in a Coma as though their lives depended on it.

But it was the songs from Morrissey's latest album Ringleader of the Tormentors which formed the bulk of the 80 minute set and worked superbly in a live context.

Life in a Pigsty and You Have Killed Me took on a new dimension live and proved that although he may be a national institution Morrissey is still at the top of his game.

With the temperature rising by the minute and the largest drum I've ever seen sending shock waves which threatened to shake to foundations of the hall, you couldn't fail to be impressed.

After several changes of shirt an encore Irish Blood, English Heart it was all over.

But what a special night it had been.