A wintery, bitterly cold Thursday evening in North Wales needed a hot shot of rock 'n' roll to raise the temperature. Glen and his band were here to do just that. The Go-Go's Kathy Valentine is the support on the tour and is simply fantastic. This tour is the first such solo venture for Kathy who remarked that even at 65 you can go outside your comfort zone, and have the best time doing so. Her relatable, endearing personality, shone through as she shared life stories and spoke about the songs she performed, starting with Can The Can. Also performed were a couple of Go-Go's songs, but Hourglass was the real standout for me. The set concluded with Glen's band accompanying Kathy for a rocking finale. I was so impressed I bought her book, All I Ever Wanted. You should too.

Over the years Glen has always surrounded himself with fabulous musicians, both live and in the studio. His current assemblage, Neal X (lead guitar), Jim Lowe (bass) and Chris Musto (drums), are more than merely dependable, they are gutsy stalwarts that give the show the spirited delivery that allows Glen to thrive.

Won't Put The Breaks On Me gave the set a punchy start, but the following Hot Water from 1996 told us we were in for a treat, an evening of songs from throughout the vast Matlock songbook. What becomes apparent is how well they all sit together. From his early Sex Pistols and Rich Kids songs, via a smattering of customised covers, to his most recent album, it's an impressive 90 minute set. Newer songs Consequences Coming, Magic Carpet Ride and Can't Be Myself Around You, sit effortlessly alongside older gems like Born Running, Rock Chick, Whose Side Are You On, and Ambition. Richard Hell's Blank Generation has been a staple of his live set for many years, but James Brown's I'll Go Crazy is a recent addition, performed with the expected panache. Standouts for me on the night were Couldn't Give A Damn and Hook In You (although it is a bit like having to pick a favourite child).

The evening concluded with a stirring All Or Nothing, which saw Kathy join the band on stage. Glen's chosen to finish his set with this uplifting classic for as long as I can remember, and it's easy to see why. It sends everyone home buoyant.

While Storm Bert had tried to make its presence felt outside, inside The Tivoli we'd thawed out, the cockles of our hearts well and truly warmed.

Review & pictures by Phil Singleton