The opening night of Glen's short jaunt around the UK took place at a new venue in Stockport. The Holy Diver opened its doors last year and is fast building a reputation for attracting top acts. If Glen's gig is a barometer, it also delivers a lively atmosphere, enhanced by a great turn out.

Riding high and travelling the globe with the new incarnation of Sex Pistols, it would be easy to sit back and relax in the available down time. Glen, however, loves getting out there and playing his songs. Still writing, still recording, still performing, it's his lifeblood. Backed by his stalwart colleagues, Chris Musto (25+ years), Jim Lowe (15+ years), and Neal X (5+ years), the band instinctively deliver a cracking set with a matching vibe. The crowd bought into it from the opening bars of Better Start Getting Used To It, and the symbiotic appreciation remained throughout the set.

Drawing from a songbook stretching back to 1976, it's not just Pretty Vacant and Ghosts Of Princes In Towers that hit the spot. Pick any of the set, Different World, Whose Side Are You On, Consequences Coming, Head On A Stick, there's quite a list and they are all delivered with confident panache. A shout out for one of my all-time favourites On Something, and the set closing All Or Nothing, which is a cover version integral to the set, and to Glen himself. Showing there is more than one string to his bow, Glen bravely and successfully takes on the role of crooner with Tried To Tell You. It allowed him to get closer with the crowd which they appreciated, and was immediately followed by the bouncy rockin' Magic Carpet Ride as the show morphed back into a rock 'n' roll final furlong.

Glen and his band of exceptional musicians never fail to entertain and engage. In someways it is business as usual, but it is equally unusual to remain consistently as strong year in, year out. If Glen rolls into town, go and see him. Energy a-plenty with songs to die for. Oh, and it's great fun. We all need more of that in our lives.

Review & pictures by Phil Singleton