THE Joiners had a cosy air of expectancy about it, having enjoyed the support set from Curran. 

The stripped back stage, no backdrop, minimal amps and no drums are most assuredly back to basics when The Quireboys take to the stage.

The essence of tonight's low key acoustic gig is that they've been together for 30 years, they genuinely like each other, and they want to be on the road together and have a good time.

Without the trappings of the rock show, we get the full force of what an accomplished band they are. Spike's husky growl makes it difficult to believe that 'Mona Lisa Smiled' is not a cover of a Faces song. The bluesy 'Whipping Boy' is like melted chocolate oozing into your ears, and Paul Guerin's love of the Blues is realised in the beautiful guitar work in this song.

Spike is charming and witty and Paul and Griff throw in dry one-liners making the between song chat as entertaining as the music itself, add in the good natured heckling from the fans and this gig is as intimate as you could wish for.

The invitation to raises glasses and 'Have a drink with me' takes on the air of good friends at a party genuinely loving being with each other, glasses are held aloft, they sway to the music and come in on the chorus, The Quireboys are truly connected with their audience and it's clearly a two-way love affair.

As everyone goes once more into the howling, rainy February night, they go wrapped up in a warm comforting, blanket of acoustic loveliness.

HELEN BRADLEY-OWERS