THEY flocked in their frenzied droves to worship at the altar of Gary Barlow last night. Coachload upon coachload of infatuated young females excitedly headed towards the bright lights of the Apollo with just one aim - to idolise their man.

They clapped, screamed, waved their hands and went positively beserk when their object of desire removed his designer black jacket to reveal a new, slim-line look.

Of course, young Gary, playing Manchester for the first time as a solo artist, satisfied their every whim.

"Tonight is everything I ever wanted," he told the screaming hordes during one of several cosy chats with his adoring audience.

Not everyone was enthralled by his sweet talk.

A few boyfriends dragged along for the night looked on sour-faced as their young girlfriends swooned to Barlow's boy-next-door charms.

But not even the cynics in the press seats - the only row in the house which refused to rock - could deny that 99pc of a sell-out audience loved every minute of his mix of rock, pop and love ballad.

Tracks from the Cheshire-born singer songwriter's number solo album Open Road - including Love Won't Wait and Lay Down For Love - were all enthusiastically received.

But the real ear-splitting screams were saved for Barlow's former glories.

Back for Good and a Take That medley were the undoubted highlights for most his admirers.

And how they screamed when pictures of Robbie, Howard, Jason and Mark were flashed on two giant screens.

But Barlow will undoubtedly survive as a successful solo artist on the evidence of this 90 minute show.

His talent, voice and songwriting skills - targeted at a captive audience and unashamedly fused by influences like Barry Manilow, George Michael and Elton John - have already achieved success all of his own.

And judging by the look of love in the young eyes of his adorers, he seems set to preach to the converted for years to come yet.

FLAME-HAIRED Kinane proved a solid support act, with a series a lively tracks made by her powerful voice. Paul Broster

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