LONG blonde hair is temporary, but class is permanent.

Michael Bolton, now 63, no longer flaunts the flowing fair shoulder-length locks and open neck white shirt.

More to the point, Bolton sang strongly, showing he is the consummate covers singer as his soul-inflected tones warmed the Otis Redding classic Dock of the Bay and the Percy Sledge hit When a Man Loves a Woman.

His weepy How Am I Supposed To Live Without You inspired a crowd sing-along, and he dipped beautifully into blues mode with the Bee Gees-written To Love Somebody and a riveting Sweet Home Chicago by Robert Johnson, where he played hot guitar licks.

That’s Life was one of the liveliest numbers, and a sensitively sung Fifties oldie, You Don’t Know Me, showcased the breadth of talent.  

Samantha Fly was an excellent duets partner, especially on The Prayer,  and Bolton used both her and the superb band in solo spots to give his voice a break, with the soaring saxophone of JP Delaire purely seductive.

Support act Gabrielle had no need to say humbly “Thanks for putting up with me” at the end of a fine opening set.  

Two class acts on one bill can’t be bad.