Paolo Nutini, Manchester, 24th May 2014

First thing's first, let's get the grovelling out of the way - firstly, I apologise for how late this post is! I've been meaning to write it for ages and don't particularly have an excuse as to why it's a month and a half after the event sooo, sorry about that. Secondly, I apologise for my shoddy photography skills because, to be honest, getting a blog-worthy picture was the last thing on my mind when Paolo was staring out at me (by which I mean he definitely clocked me from the stage and was enchanted by my beauty. I don't care if we were sat in the lower tier and the lights were pretty much off, he clearly has good eyesight...)

Rewind to 2006 and Paolo Nutini's first album, These Streets, was a firm favourite of mine. I was a big fan back in the day and so, for nostalgia's sake if nothing else, having the chance to see him live 8 years down the line was an opportunity too exciting to miss. I hadn't heard much of his most recent album when we booked the tickets, but it seemed like as soon as I knew I was going, he was everywhere! Caustic Love went in at number one and was the fastest selling album of the year so far, its reception was brilliant (and with good reason) and he was promoting it all over the place. When I heard his Abbey Road session of Iron Sky, that was it. As dramatic and lame as it sounds, that song gets me deep! So, with a heart full of Iron Sky and high expectations, the evening arrived.

I can honestly say that Paolo sounded better live than on record, and that can't be said for many people. His voice is incredible and he puts everything into it - it's as though he's lost in his own little world but then somehow he still manages to be so engaged with the audience, it's brilliant to see. He reworked some of the old favourites which I really enjoyed and as if I need to say it, Iron Sky was mind-blowingly perfect. I don't think I've ever heard a crowd go as crazy as they did for Paolo and his fantastic band, and it really seemed like he, along with everyone else, didn't want the evening to end. It was an absolutely incredible experience and let me say it now, if you ever get the chance to see him live then go, go, go!