Duran Duran, Apollo, Manchester, Saturday DAVE Roberts writes: They may not be the wild boys of pop anymore but these old New Romantics can still put on a great show.

All their hits were given an airing with their adoring fans on their feet from the start.

And with Simon Le Bon still fronting the five piece band, women were still swooning over the former 80s pin-up.

In a self-parodying performance - during which you felt a smirk was never far from his lips - Le Bon swaggered through the set.

The former teen idol made short shrift of the opening Planet Earth, complete with dazzling lights and psychedelic slide show, before rushing into View to a Kill.

Unabashed he stood before his fans full of theatrical movements, running his hands over a body which showed hints of middle-aged spread.

An extra treat was on offer for the virtual sell-out crowd with news that the concert was being filmed for immediate broadcast on to the Internet.

Any surfers who stumbled across the web site were treated to a superlative pop performance.

And despite a small technical hitch early on, the set was flawless with Le Bon's distincitve vocals more than standing up to the task at hand during Wild Boys and The Reflex.

He may have changed a little in appearance but the besuited Nick Rhodes on keyboards remains a real 80s throw back, with floppy dyed blonde hair.

As the last strains of Rio died away and the band left the stage you had to pinch yourself to realise you weren't at an 80s disco. Great indulgence!

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