Bryan Ferry @ Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 17 Apr

Bryan Ferry is focused on the task at hand tonight; gliding through the best of his Roxy Music and solo back catalogue he shows us exactly how to put on a show

Opening for a music icon of Bryan Ferry’s calibre is no mean feat. Touring her debut solo album America, Australian singer-songwriter (and Howling Bells frontwoman) Juanita Stein proves to be a pleasant, if safe, prelude. Stein is every bit the charming, affable support act; introducing herself, her band and her songs, and making amiable small talk with the audience – “You looking forward to Bryan Ferry? Stupid question, I know,” she laughs. Her material does what it says on the tin; a slick foray through Americana country and blues, drawing on influences from Patsy Cline to Chris Isaak. All over in a neat 30 minutes, Stein’s performance is polished, crowd-pleasing, and showcases her considerable talent as a vocalist.

From the moment he casually saunters onstage amidst the opening bars of The Main Thing, it’s clear that the years have not weakened Bryan Ferry’s star power. At 72 years of age he’s still every bit the suavest figure in rock’n’roll, and his delivery of this ‘greatest hits package’ performance is nothing short of sublime. With The Main Thing a captivating opener, Ferry and his sizeable backing band move straight into Slave To Love – an up-tempo rendering with a jagged guitar riff replacing the studio version’s ominous thunder claps – and before we can catch our breath, the haunting sax and violin intro to Ladytron fill the Concert Hall to cheers of delight from the audience. Three songs in, and Ferry has already delivered a show-stopping performance.

A man of few words and restrained dance moves, Ferry remains focused on the task at hand, gliding through the best of his Roxy Music and solo back catalogue. His voice is still as slick and distinctive as ever, slightly softened and vulnerable with age. The setlist is incredibly generous, with hits like Avalon, Love is the Drug, Virginia Plain and Let‘s Stick Together – even the biggest Ferry fan couldn’t ask for More Than This (but they get that, too). His beautiful cover of Jealous Guy is almost drowned out by an audience singalong, and after the final brilliant burst of Do the Strand, he’s away, bowing and blowing kisses to the crowd. Ladies and gentlemen, this is how you put on a show.