Peter Kay's impromptu walk-on with Eric Clapton's electric guitar slung over his shoulder was a welcome reminder that, despite the angst and hurt that the rock legend sings about in many of his songs, his sense of humour is alive and kicking.

In fact, Clapton has struck up a great friendship with the Bolton comedian after becoming a huge fan of the TV series Phoenix Nights.

As the house lights dimmed and the crowd cheered, anticipating Clapton's arrival, it was Peter instead who followed the band on stage.

He then launched into a mini stand-up routine as he introduced the singer: "Eric's going to be a bit late. He's at Greggs ordering a meal deal."

Peter used his catchphrase, 'a bit of blue for the dads', then went on to sing his own words to the classic Clapton song Tears in Heaven: "Would you know my name? If you saw me ... in Bolton." He added: "He's been like a father to me - for the past 25 minutes. Eric Patrick Clapton."

The pair hugged as Peter left to take his place for a grandstand view of what turned out to be a guitar master class.

There was little communication with the audience - Clapton let his guitar do the talking.

There was a brief "It's great to be here" and a few "thank yous", but clearly Clapton is happier bonding with his guitar than with the awe-struck fans.

His latest album, Me and Mr Johnson, is a collection of 14 newly-interpreted songs, originally by blues maestro Robert Johnson. An interlude of songs from it, including the excellent Milkcow's Calf Blues and Kind Hearted Woman Blues showed that Clapton has enormous passion for the music. His voice seems to have gained an extra edge too - developing more of a growl, perfect for the blues.

The result was beautifully performed music, punctuated by some incredible guitar solos, especially scalp-tingling in classics like I Shot The Sheriff, Layla, I Got My Mojo Working and Cocaine. And the sublime Wonderful Tonight is still one of the best love songs ever written.

For the encore Clapton invited back on stage blues artist Robert Randolph, who had earlier impressed the audience as support act.

Peter Kay had at the outset asked the audience if they were all right. Judging by the reaction after two hours of perfectly orchestrated - and most importantly passionate - blues and rock, they certainly were.