Gig played on 28/0505

The Greatest Showman On Earth TM will need all his powers tonight. "Brooouuuuce" chanters must be appeased, as will moronic whoopers. "This is a solo show," he quips to the latter group through a rye smile. "So why don't you sit back, relax and shut the f*ck up." You have been told.

Surprisingly, on entering this regal arena, we're handed a crib sheet of rules. At least everyone knows where they stand, or should we say, sit still and only move between songs. Notably, he forgets to add: "Mr Springsteen reserves the right to perform only his 'depressing' catalogue", "Tonight's performance will not include bandannas, profuse sweating or rock'n'roll exorcisms" and "Please refrain from requesting classic songs".

Not that this bothers the faithful who've paid handsomely for a slice of intimacy with their resplendent icon who looks and sounds decades younger and sharper than a man of his age should. And besides, bad mouth the messiah and you're likely to get lynched by this partisan crowd who'd leave ecstatic should Bruce sing sea shanties all evening. In fact there's a five-minute standing ovation when he strides onstage.

For the next two hours, Springsteen visits his less glamorous creations, unravelling tales of wayward lives with the aid of a wheezing organ, grand piano and even grander array of guitars and harmonicas. Few miss the chest-beating or sliding around the stage on his knees. At times Springsteen, and the audience, lose themselves in the intensity - "The Hitter", "Matamoros Banks", and "Reno" - while other times he's on the offensive - "The Rising" and a crazed version of "Reasons To Believe" - prove he's capable of generating volume minus the E Street Band. We even get treated to "Racing In The Street" and "The River".

But more than anything, tonight is a unique opportunity to discover more about the real Springsteen without the need for binoculars or the distraction of bombastic stadium rock. Up close he resembles a punch drunk De Niro, growing old gracefully, while his weathered features harbour a thousands stories. When he's recounting his own tales - London squirrels, family life, the weather - and sharing his wisdom on many topics - religion, parenthood and a double whammy of US censorship and creationism (the closest he gets to politics) - it is almost as if he's chatting to himself, oblivious to the crowd and so relaxed that he's chuckling at his own jokes and turns of phrase.

There's even time for surely his most personal anecdote in years, where he recalls his parents contrasting views on love - his father thinking it was government propaganda while his mother looked on, a hopeless romantic - a situation that confused young Bruce and his early songwriting. Finally, let us not forget we're witnessing one of history's most accomplished performers. His powers to captivate, his musical skills especially on the piano, and his genuine affection for his surroundings and audience are all exemplary.

A magical evening and one to rank up there with his stadium best. Never underestimate Springsteen's ability to deliver - he's 'The Boss after all.

by Chris Heath