Ian Hunter, former lead singer of Mott The Hoople, drew a loyal band of followers to the White Rock on Sunday.
His tour of smaller venues is designed to promote his new album, The Artful Dodger, and to provide an enjoyable night for himself, his band and the fans.
Some 25 years after the release of 'All The Young Dudes', Hunter is still able to rock with the best and this was revealed through splendidly performed renditions of 'Just Another Night', 'Roll Away The Stone', 'All The Way From Memphis' and 'Cleveland Rocks'.
His backing band contains a tightly disciplined rhythm unit with the creativity of Darryl Bath and Paul Cuddeford on guitars, to bring new life to his classic songs.
Of the new songs, '23A Swan Hill', the tale of his decision to leave home at the age of 16, encapsulated Hunter's ability to 'tell it like it is'.
Ian Hunter is noted for his idiosyncratic vocal style - a blend of Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan - but to this has been added a new relaxed approach onstage which lends itself to the singing of ballads. 'Waterlow', 'Boy' and 'I Wish I Was Your Mother' were delivered with a new confidence: Hunter himself conceded afterwards that he had never sung 'Waterlow' better.
However, it was the deeply personal 'Michael Picasso', which deals with the loss of his former guitarist and good friend Mick Ronson to cancer, that brought many of the audience to their feet. Hunter sang with genuine emotion as his band knelt quietly until called to play.
The show ended with 'All The Young Dudes'. A fine conclusion to two hours of great oldies, and enough new material to suggest that Ian Hunter will continue to rock for some time yet.