Michael Bolton, Symphony Hall, Birmingham - review

The Grammy Award winner returned to the UK for the first time in more than two years, performing his best-known tracks and a selection of classic songs.

Kicking off the night with Stand By Me, I’d honestly never seen a more excited audience.

Fans young and old were going absolutely mad the moment the star stepped on stage, with shouts of ‘I love you Michael’ and ‘Michael, you’re beautiful’ echoing throughout the hall between every tune.

The 65-year-old was at ease on the stage, laughing and joking with the crowd, claiming he could never really hear what was being shouted towards him while performing.

“It’s great to be back,” he said to a sold-out Symphony Hall.

“Thank you so much for coming to see us.

“We have a lively audience I can tell. I encourage you to make as much noise as possible. You sound great to don’t be shy. Just take over every song.”

The number one artist, who has sold more than 65 million albums and singles worldwide, also played Frank Sinatra classic That’s Life as well as How Am I Supposed To Live Without You and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.

A poignant duet of Make You Feel My Love - made famous by Adele - followed with singer Sam Fly.

And another duet, The Prayer, brought a number of audience members to their feet - and even reduced a few to tears.

Looking sharp in a deep red jacket, Michael left the stage for a short period before surprising crowds by suddenly appearing down the aisles, dressed in a sparkling silver ensemble and reaching out to shake the hands of screaming fans.

Standing on a small podium with adoring fans surrounding him, he performed an incredible rendition of When A Man Loves A Woman while cameras flashed and snapped all around the room.

And back on the stage, he brought the entire room onto their feet with one of his greatest hits How Can We Be Lovers.

Michael Bolton can certainly Go The Distance - and performed an absolute knockout show to a very lucky Birmingham crowd.