WHEN a world-famous guitarist who has worked with Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and Tom Petty strolls out to a harp and microphone, you know you’re in for something special.

Under moody orange lights, Lofgren opened with an elaborate, melancholy ballad on the harp, which gradually and seamlessly progressed into a raw, blues guitar and keyboard crescendo.

Despite the massive theatre being only about half full, there was a sense of intimacy throughout the gig, and if the crowd weren’t constantly cheering it was because they were transfixed by the sounds Lofgren was creating, as his fingers danced frantically across six strings and 14 frets.

Lofgren shared the stage with Greg Varlotta, who moved effortlessly between the keyboard, acoustic guitar, trumpet and tap shoes, and took a few solo tracks towards the middle of the set – including an anniversary dedication to Dave Burgess and Jeannie Lumb, for whom he recently played on a charity single in aid of Martin House Hospice.

The set spanned Lofgren’s career, including a Grin track, his own brilliant Girl In Motion, and a storming version of Springsteen’s Because The Night, by which point a few of the crowd had got up to dance.

Incredibly hard-working, Lofgren was a whirlwind of sound and energy, and a one-of-a-kind performer worth seeing whenever you can.