“We're a bit nervous”, Paul Weller told the crowd of about 3,000 at the K2 in Crawley. “It’s the first night of our tour – and we’re in Crawley.”

The Modfather kicked off his latest tour in support of his latest album “22 Dreams” with a gig at the leisure centre – and in many ways it was a strange experience.

Approaching the gig we were watched by gym-goers on Step and running machines, while people on the climbing wall were in action as we entered the venue.

Once inside the hall it seemed almost like waiting to watch a school rock band in an assembly hall. But as soon as Weller kicked off, that sensation fell away and it was just like watching any of his other gigs.

There were a fair few numbers from the new album, which were all well received by the audience.

But unsurprisingly it was The Jam and Style Council songs which proved the most popular.

Highlights of the night were Shout To The Top, Butterfly Collector and a great roll-back-the-years version of Eton Rifles.

The gig was great and fears of parking chaos at the venue were not realised.

The K2 could host more big acts in the future.