The first set was just half an hour long and showcased Paul's soulful side starting with Satisfy My Soul and including Rainin' Rainin' Rainin' and the heartfelt Love Will Keep Us Alive to name but two. This was a mix of Soul and Jazz, so expertly combined that it was sublime. So chilled out you could see ice forming.

The second "half" (18 out of a total of 25 songs) was more energetic with Paul spending more time on his feet with a guitar rather than seated at a keyboard.

There were many highlights, not least the smattering of songs from his excellent new album. It Ain't Easy To Love Somebody and Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City were prime examples of his songwriting and his voice has more soul than a studio full of Motown artists. His I Don't Want To Hear Anymore is a tour de force, and it isn't surprising to hear that when The Eagles recorded it, the song topped the American charts.

His backing band were first class too, boasting seven in all and including a small brass/wind section.

He promised us the hits in the second half and they came in a flood. Four Mike + The Mechanics numbers (Another Cup Of Coffee, Silent Running, The Living Years and Over My Shoulder), his hit with Squeeze (Tempted) and some of his solo hits like When You Walk In the Room, Don't Shed A Tear and the lovely Eyes Of Blue – done tonight as a reggae number.

Of course the biggest cheers came with his first hit How Long – is it really 34 years ago?

A full house, and a musical set full of great music; full of emotion and that voice – how can a voice like that, one that can match the likes of Gaye, Robinson and Richie, have come from Sheffield?

A brilliant night.

Martin Hutchinson