THE last time they played here it was the start of a nationwide tour.

This time it was the end of it so in the words of Gary Lightbody they were well and truly warmed up.

And it didn’t take long for the sell-out crowd to join him, almost from the minute he opened his mouth.

Stamping his loveable personality all over the 90- minute set, he ensured there was a perfect mix of material from their new album Fallen Empires, including the title track that bears its name which he proclaims is his favourite of all time.

But two words stole the show: Chasing Cars.

In fact, pretty much every anthemic track they have written sounded that chest-thumpingly better live and lifted the roof.

Last night’s Bournemouth date signals almost the end of this UK tour, with three dates at London’s O2 before the band stop for a well-earned rest – definitely worth a train ride to the capital to see them, if you can.