From the opening song (Get a) Grip (on Yourself) this was out and out power at the Academy.

A Stranglers hit-fest, how many bands can be on stage for an hour and a half, play over two dozen songs and all of them hits? They even had to leave some out!

Well, it IS called The Hits tour.

New member (since 2000) Baz Warne's guitar work is utter class and his vocals exude the menace and danger of a typical Stranglers song, whilst the flying fingers of Dave Greenfield (whose keyboard dexterity is legendary) just flowed over his bank of instruments.

The prowling J J Burnel was – as usual – on top form as he stalked the stage, pounding out those hallmark bass riffs. And the grand old man of rock, the 70-year-old Jet Black, was at his very best behind the drums.

This is a band that has been rejuvenated, and they are enjoying their renaissance; as evidenced by JJ's and Baz's dancing.

The set list covered all their illustrious career: from the beginning with Peaches through the likes of Duchess, 5 Minutes, Walk On By, Nuclear Device, All Day And All Of The Night; right through to the hits of this millennium Big Thing Coming and Spectre Of Love.

Naturally the biggest cheer was for No More Heroes.

The packed crowd lapped it up and were enthusiastic in their appreciation as the beer was flying everywhere and there were even a couple of crowd surfers!

The band are playing better than ever after 30 odd years, and STILL with three out of four original members!

OK, the sound was a bit muzzy, but what the heck?

The atmosphere of a Stranglers gig is unlike anything else, a true coming together of band and their fans.

JJ told me afterwards: "We play each gig as if it was our last".

I hope that their last is a long way off yet – I can't wait for the next one.

Martin Hutchinson