Elton John, MEN Arena, Manchester

There were no wacky costumes, no outrageous stage stunts and no mad spectacles writes Lynn Ashwell

Just a man with a piano in love with his music.

And he shared that love, intimately, with the sell out audience at the MEN Arena.

He had the audience in the palm of his hand from the first note right through a straight two and a half hours without a break. It was pure genius -- a superstar at work.

Dressed in a sombre black suit -- okay it did have some fancy sequined embroidery on it -- the regulation tinted glasses, and a gem in his ear which probably cost more than most people earn in a year, Elton John was The Maestro.

It was not difficult to see why he has been at the top for the past 30 years -- the tremendous voice, the ability to win over his audience.

And that was despite telling them: "The last time I was in Manchester, it was the worst gig in my life."

That was last time!

But it was a mature, mellow Elton. Tracks from his latest album Songs from the West Coast featured heavily, with lots of moody blues and ballads

There were those extra touches from the charismatic genius -- a nine-year-old boy in the crowd called Ashley must have been ecstatic when Elton wished him a Happy Birthday and dedicated Rocket Man to him.

There was also a mention for the Liverpool fans and the couple from Hertfordshire who had obviously trekked north for the occasion.

The set was simple -- a stage, a baby grand piano, and five musicians to support him. The only special effects were the lighting which went with the moods.

The old favourites were there -- Daniel, Sacrifice, Your Song. And just as some people were starting to shuffle in their seats, wanting a little more action, he judged the mood with I'm Still Standing followed swiftly by Crocodile Rock, which sparked a flood of adoring bodies to the front of the stage.

While all superstars are seen as infallible, it was pleasing to note that Elton is human after all -- in front of his piano on the floor of the stage was an autocue with all the words of his songs. He did not need it; he was word perfect.

Pinball Wizard gave us the old Elton and what a way to finish.

Only it wasn't finished. After the obligatory encore, Elton did a super quick change, into an in-your-face yellow anorak and track suit bottoms -- there was even a change of specs -- and greeted his adoring fans baying at the front of the stage.

For a full five minutes he signed autographs and shook hands. A true superstar with a heart! Come back soon Sir Elton.