IT'S unlikely that the hallowed surroundings of Old Trafford Cricket Ground have seen anything like it.

Last night the great rock and roll revival meeting, that is a Bruce Springsteen gig stormed into town and after three hours left over 50,000 people begging for more.

He may be 54 but Springsteen shows no signs of slowing down and with his mighty E Street Band, proved once again that when it comes to a live show, he's just the best.

I have to declare that I'm biased -- I've seen every tour in the UK since the early Eighties -- but I defy anyone to go along to a Springsteen gig and not coming away raving about it.

As a rock venue Old Trafford makes a great cricket ground. I've never liked huge stadium gigs and this did nothing to change my mind, but if it's the only chance I'll get to see The Boss, then I'm willing to compromise.

Starting with the now customary acoustic solo version of Born in the USA, Springsteen ran through much of his award-winning new album The Rising inspired by the events of September 11, plus a well thought-out trawl through the back catalogue.

With age the voice appears to be stronger than ever, capable of expressing more emotion and contrast than the out and out rocker of his youth. Lyrically too Spingsteen is far more sophisticated than the critics who claim it's all about cars and girls and nothing else.

Given the thoughtful -- and at times spiritual nature of songs from The Rising -- a vast arena may not be the best environment to get the full impact of the songs, but he still managed to reduce the crowd to silence taking in every word.

One of the great strengths of the E Street band is their musical ability. They may look like a bunch of accountants but they are the driving force behind the scenes.

Guitarist Steve van Zandt, fresh from stardom in The Sopranos and back in a bandana where he belongs, dovetailed with Nils Lofgren in producing a rich, melodic pattern. With Roy Bittan on piano and Danny Federici on organ the overall sound is layered and it's hard to take in the various melodies and counter harmonies

Gone from the show were some of the stories, although a brief discussion on the rules of cricket brought a smile to 50,000 faces.

In a show lasting three hours -- a relative sprint in terms of shows gone by -- it's difficult to single out highlights but I'd have to pick a rare outing for Sandy, Meeting Across The River and Jungleland.

You got the sense that the older, wiser Spirngsteen was deliberately reining in a little with songs such as Thunder Road, but when he wanted to rock, he proved he's more than up to it with a storming encore of Ramrod and -- to round of the night -- Dancing In The Dark.

The concert had been in doubt up to the last minute after residents living nearby protested about the noise and nuisance it may cause.

They certainly may have had plenty of noise to contend with but nuisance, no way.

Master class in how to entertain -- now that's a different matter.

Bruce Springsteen - Old Trafford, Manchester