Gary Numan

What was also surprising was how some of the music is slower than you might expect (if we assume you know the album). That may of course come from hearing M.E. in its sped-up form, used as a basis for Basement Jaxx's Where's Your Head At? What the reduced tempo did was emphasise how surprisingly graceful this music is, refuting any notion that electro is a cold, emotionless animal.

The album was performed in its entirety, virtually without a break, and made a considerable impact. Once finished, there was a sea change, with most keyboards save the hallowed Virus replaced with guitars - and suddenly Numan, and his band in particular, were more at home.

There's a real punch to the new Gary Numan sound, and in this case with the melodies of Down In The Park and Pure it was possible to see how he could appeal to both fans of Nine Inch Nails and even Linkin Park. Dark, dramatic soundscapes were raised from the depths, often to return whence they came, while Numan and his two guitar wielding protagonists prowled the stage as if looking for some action.

There was a moving tribute to Numan's old band mate Paul Gardiner, who died of a drugs overdose in 1984, which was given in the shape of Complex. This featured another former cohort, Chris Payne, playing a graceful and affecting violin line.

Things came to a head, however, with a stunning version of Are Friends Electric?, introduced by a stately piano but soon bolstered by heavyweight guitars, punching their weight with impressive heft. While many of the fans towards the back left after this they still missed a treat, the two encores of We Are So Fragile and A Prayer For The Unborn combining grace and power before Numan offered his heartfelt thanks to London. In turn, London gave him a rousing reception. He'd earned it.

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