The old saying “Time files when you’re having fun” has never been so relevant, as it was at the Brook Thursday night.

No sooner had the tubes walked on stage, launching into Overture it felt like only minutes before they were walking off to massive applause from the sold out crowd.

The reality was the enthusiastic crowd were treated to a two hour masterclass in just how to deliver a flawless, professional and entertaining performance by a seasoned band.

Lead singer, and founding member Fee Waybill captivates the stage and audience from the moment he starts to sing This Town.

Dressed in a trilby, suit and raincoat (one of many costumes donned throughout the show) Waybill sang like a 40’s big band singer, his voice clear and stylish.

It wasn’t long before the theatrical side of the Tubes reared its head.

As Waybill walked back on stage after the short instrumental track Crime Medley dressed in a strait jacket to deliver a manic version of Mr Hate, even managing to escape from the said jacket during the song to reveal a prison outfit as the band raced through Amnesia and No Way Out.

Guitarist Roger Steen, drummer Prairie Prince, bassist Rick Anderson and keyboards David Medd, delivered a tight and perfectly sounding foundation to waybills voice throughout.

Another example of the bands professionalism came when Steen’s guitar suffered problems during a number, dealing with it without even missing his vocal harmonies, highlighted the quality of these musicians.

While there were many highlights during the show, including a leather clad, gimp masked Waybill sharing his bare buttocks with the crowd, it was always going to be the appearance of Waybill’s alter ego Quay Lewd that got the greatest response.

Blond wig, spandex pants and those vertigo inducing high heels, Quay did what Quay does best delivering a fantastic couple of songs, culminating in the classic White Punks on Dope.

The encores followed, and then they were gone, leaving a very happy and appreciative crowed, who must have all been looking at their watches, wondering where the time had gone.

Richard Bennett