'MANCHESTER are you up for a party?' asked Sharleen Spiteri as Texas took to the stage of the Bridgewater Hall.

After nearly two hours of what was essentially a greatest hits set, she'd had her answer. We'd sung along, danced in the aisles and cheered every last note. And then to top it all off, for a final encore, on wandered Texas superfan Peter Kay for a rousing rendition of Suspicious Minds and a packed auditorium went wild.

It's hard to believe that Texas have been doing their stuff for over 30 years, particularly when songs such as Everyday Now and Thrill Has Gone recorded on their 1989 album Southside still sound as fresh as ever.

With bassist and founder member Johnny McElhone given free rein to roam across the stage in his trademark beret, backed up with twin guitars and two keyboard players, the band is supremely tight.

But at the heart of everything is Sharleen Spiteri, gloriously potty-mouthed and with voice of an angel.

There is a delicious contrast between her on-stage banter and that wonderful, powerful, soulful singing voice.

Like the most confident stand-up comedian, she wasn't afraid of taking on the audience, handing out stick to band members and audience in equal measure.

And then the songs would start and the hairs would stand up on the back of your neck.

Set opener Halo was just a delight and the quality didn't drop all night. The band's latest album, Jump on Board was represented with Let's Work It Out and Tell That Girl and they weren't out of place among the Texas classics such as Summer Son and Tired of Being Alone.

The set ended in powerhouse style with a moving, acoustic version of In Demand leading into I Don't Want a Lover, a brilliant Black Eyed Boy and Say What You Want.

First encore Inner Smile set up the appearance of Peter Kay who, after some typical banter, grabbed an acoustic guitar and struck an Elvis pose as the band launched into Suspicious Minds.

So in answer to your question Sharleen, yes Manchester was up for a party. And what a great party it was!