As it goes, Mr Kilmister is now perfectly fine (there's little doubt Jack Daniels was as effective a medicine as any prescription drugs), and tonight Motörhead gave everything they'd got: the results were truly awesome.

Support act Sepultura delivered a typically loud, aggressive and sweat drenched set. With them on the bill and that the Academy is part of Liverpool University it was no shock that the majority of the audience was barely out of adolescence.

Motörhead have added new album Inferno to their already lengthy CV, which has led to a welcome and overdue shuffle set lists after a few years of similar material. However, much of the show was still filled with old gems while only a few new but potentially classic numbers were churned out.

The first surprise of the night was set opener Doctor Rock, from the annoyingly underrated Orgasmatron album. Shoot You In The Back is just as fast and heavy as it was in its younger Ace Of Spades days. Love Me Like A Reptile and Over The Top have been given a good dusting and they sound absolutely terrific, it's hard to think that many of the songs played this evening are 20 or more years old.

The heavy blues of No Class and the fury of Stay Clean gave the audience the chance to headbang their way to the pharmacy for aspirins. Going To Brazil and R.A.M.O.N.E.S., Lemmy's appropriately snappy tribute song to the NYC punk band, were suitably fast and powerful; while just as effective were the excellent Killers and In The Name Of Tragedy, both from Inferno.

Other surprises included the obscure b-side Just 'Cos You Got The Power and Dancing On My Grave from the Another Perfect Day album.

Mikkey Dee's overlong drum solo during Sacrifice is still frustratingly present - although it is a good time to go to the toilet to drain overpriced lager from the system - while Motörhead's guitarist of 20 years, Phil Campbell adds a heavier shade of blues to Killed By Death. But a disappointing omission from the show was Bomber, a song that's just as fast and catchy as their trademark anthem Ace of Spades.

Main set over Motörhead delivered the night's biggest surprise at the start of their encore. Lemmy, armed with a cigarette and a harmonica, was joined by Mikkey and Phil on acoustic guitars to play Whorehouse Blues from their current release.

It's just not what you expect from the loudest band in the world, but credit to them for at least attempting something new if a little out of place. Iron Maiden tried the same thing on 2003/4's Dance Of Death world tour. Something the air, perhaps, or simply old age?

Motörhead showed no signs of stopping as they speeded their way through an hour and 40 minute set; there are very few bands that possess the vigour this trio have. By (predictably) finishing with the magnificent Overkill they ensured an exhilarating end to a fantastic night.

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Mercury Prize 2009 nominees