The Godfather of Soul, the hardest-working man in showbusiness and Soul Brother No. 1, James Brown has more nicknames than most and earns them all.

He gave 100 per cent throughout this performance. After the band's introductory Soul Power and Gimme Some More, he delivered several of his finest funk classics, including Get Up Offa That Thing, Make It Funky and Cold Sweat.

They proved he is still in fine voice, with the trademark soul scream, dance moves and humorous asides appearing often.

He's said to be approaching the big seven-O, though from which direction depends on which biography you consult.

It hardly matters on the night, as whatever "it" is, he still has it with plenty to spare.

The band boasted a particularly strong horn section and a battery of guitars, including one played by Brown's son.

The Bitter Sweets, his quartet of backing vocalists in resplendent gowns, are all obviously fine singers, and proved so with occasional solo spots, one doing a creditable "Aretha Franklin" on Respect.

The whole stage buzzed, with backing singers, two lively go-go-style dancers and horns all choreographed and delivering slick arrangements.

Diversions from his main catalogue found him playing the organ for a slow blues, and for a guest vocalist from Las Vegas, who belted out I Can't Turn You Loose and a Janis Joplin number.

The guitarists picked on country and ragtime features before Brown implored them to play in a more Jimi Hendrix style and they duly obliged.

The man was back with a roar for It's A Man's, Man's, Man's World, Papa's Got A Brand New Bag and I Got You (I Feel Good).

We still get the business with the cape, proffered by Danny Ray, his MC for more than 40 years.

After an earlier tease, Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine provided a suitable finale.