Arguably, with the notable exception of The Beautiful South (and the A1079 to York), Roland Gift is the only good thing to have come out of Hull.

His stylish, powerful, and instantly recognisable voice thrilled the Grand Opera House audience, who warmed to his charm and undoubted talent so much so that by the end of the night the dress circle was shaking.

This could have been a side effect of the band's biggest fan, in every sense, who helped to nearly bring the house down from his vantage point in the "royal box".

Maybe it was the heat of the day, but there cannot have been more enthusiasm for something since George Bush was told there was oil in Iraq.

Sideshows apart though, it was a fabulous performance from a great group lead by a real talent. The guitar and bass gave the sound real mod attitude, while the backing vocals added as much soul as the keyboards offered depth and quality to the experience.

Roland's gift, though, is his fabulous voice and, reunited once again with the Fine Young Cannibals (FYC), the band played through the hits they enjoyed in the Eighties, as well as more equally impressive contemporary material.

It was such a good night they can be forgiven for coming on over an hour-and-a-half late.

Although, as those of us who endured from the start will confirm, the FYC should give serious consideration to eating their warm-up act, who was, sadly, funnier than Father Ted singing My Lovely Horse.

Updated: 10:12 Wednesday, June 09, 2004