There can’t be many 40-somethings who don’t remember Adam Ant on Top Of The Pops with a white stripe across his nose three decades ago.

The fact that this gig, the first of a 20-date UK tour, was anything but an exercise in nostalgia is tribute to a vital performer still possessed of great glamour, theatricality and the knowledge of what it takes to be an entertainer.

It’s also tribute to his mental strength and the quality of songs on debut album Dirk Wears White Sox, first released in 1979, which provided the punky backbone of this set.

Dressed in his classic pirate gear and looking a dead ringer for Johnny Depp, Ant did not deny the crowd any of his hits, from Stand And Deliver to Prince Charming, whilst proving again just how good early songs such as Cartrouble and Never Trust A Man With Egg On His Face really were.

Even more evident was the raw star quality and sexuality of the man, whose live appearances have been unfortunately rare in the 21st century. There’s no question we still need him to show us how it should be done.