NOW playing across Britain on their 2018 tour, the Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band were in York on Tuesday to spread a little Christmas cheer.

Inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in New York only last year, Roy Wood is widely known as a founding member of The Move, ELO and Wizzard, with more than 20 hits in the UK singles chart over the course of his musical career, including three number ones.

Opening for the night, Sixties' revival duo Elma - comprising guitarist Mark Ellis and singer Ellie Gillett - proved to be a mixed offering, with strong vocals unfortunately undercut by the pair’s minimalistic style and awkward, impromptu banter.

Wood and company kicked off the main event in raucous fashion. The 72-year-old rocker has lost none of his skill or passion over the years, and his tremendous fondness for both his music and his fans was eminently clear.

The other band members also gave stellar performances throughout, with plenty of raunchy sax and pounding drum solos thrown in for good measure. There were also one or two other surprises that I won’t spoil here, should you be catching the tour elsewhere, but it was all tremendous fun.

For fans of classic rock, you won’t find much finer than the Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band. It’s an enormously entertaining show with plenty to recommend, especially for long-time fans.