Whatever you may think about Mick Hucknall, you can't dispute he is up there in the Premiership of UK vocalists alongside Mick Jagger and Sting.

He effortlessly produces a sound which would turn even the most heavenly of angels green with envy. Rich, powerful and soaked with emotion, it is a voice which can bring a tear to your eye, especially when entwined with classic ballads such as Holding Back The Years and If You Don't Know Me By Know.

With a glass of champagne in his hand and an incredible band behind him, Hucknall was buzzing.

The crowd went wild for every song and his team, Manchester United, were Premiership Champions. After a brief mention of Brighton and Hove Albion's ill fortune, Hucknall encouraged us to share in his team's glory.

In an unexpected twist, he whipped out his mobile and phoned Sir Alex Ferguson. After congratulating the United manager, Hucknall turned the phone to the crowd who erupted into a deafening cheer.

Football aside, it was back to the music and, unlike some artists who refuse to delve into their back catalogue, Hucknall treated us to the best of Simply Red.

A passionate brass section gave tracks like Something Got Me Started, It's Only Love, Money's Too Tight To Mention and A New Flame a more sophisticated and jazzy edge.

Although obviously a man with a strong ego, on this occasion Hucknall was warm, talkative and receptive to his crowd.

The band returned for two encores, finishing with Sunrise, the first single from their new album Home, which went top five when it was released in March.

A change of record company or maybe just a more mature attitude could be the reason for this return to form but one thing is for sure - Hucknall's fire is still well and truly burning.