Deified by his fans, Morrissey is one of the few rock stars who is a true idol.

And his return to Brighton after more than a decade was bound to inspire a pilgrimage to the altar of indie pop.

The audience was plunged into darkness as a coarse female Liverpudlian voice slowly announced a list of things you can only presume Morrissey does not like: "Cancer, apartheid, the decline of the NHS."

At the back of the stage, huge white letters dotted with lights spelt his name, like a cheap Las Vegas chapel.

Finally we were blessed by his presence.

Morrissey strolled on stage wearing a dog collar and from the crowd's feverish reaction it became clear this was going to be a religious experience.

Morrissey understands great performers are like gods.

And the former Smiths front man, who has been conspicuous by his absence for seven years, has performed a magnificent resurrection - not so much the second coming as the third or fourth.

"I can't help it," he told the audience. "It's either this or prison."

The set began with perhaps The Smiths' finest song - How Soon is Now? This tour is the first when the old Morrissey-Marr magic has been reenacted alongside the singer's solo work. The experience is revelatory.

His rendition of There Is A Light That Never Goes Out, Bigmouth Strikes Again and Shoplifters Of The World ("there are only a few shoplifting days to Christmas") would restore the faith of the most disillusioned fans.

But the cerebral passion and bittersweet anger which made Morrissey so different ("Kylie is a crashing bore" he decreed) is expressed most fully in his more recent music.

I Have Forgiven Jesus was perhaps the best performed song of the night and it is Morrissey's solo songs which inspired the most clamorous response among his loyal following.

The new single English Blood, Irish Heart sent the crowds into a collective rapture while First Of The Gang To Die inspired equal adoration.

The Brighton Centre was packed with worshipping fans, many sporting quiffs and NHS glasses. There was an element of preaching to the converted and his flock certainly did not leave disappointed.

Morrissey comes alive on stage. At least twice the ageing star threw his shirt into the audience only for it to be torn to shreds by the mob.

The sheer magnetism of the man ensured the evening was nothing short of legendary.

Morrissey commands adoration.