AS MUSIC, drugs and dance engulfed Manchester in the late 80s, The Happy Mondays were merrily leading the way on all fronts. With the original line-up together for the first time in 19 years, expectations were high for a misty-eyed trip down memory lane.

Madchester cohorts Inspiral Carpets got the night underway in fine style with original singer Stephen Holt on vocals. Old numbers such as Saturn 5, This Is How It Feels and I Want You, all felt fresh and highly underrated.

Something that keyboard player Clint Boon reflected on “We wrote some good songs. We could have been Coldplay if we weren’t so lazy.”

A shuffling, baggy groove signalled the main event and The Happy Mondays swaggered out to the opening strains of Loose Fit. Except one member was noticeably, if not predictably absent.

Front man Shaun Ryder quickly explained that legendary maraca shaker Bez was running late, but was on his way to Bournemouth. Despite years of hell-raising, Ryder and his old lags were looking and sounding remarkably fit and agile.

Accompanied by backing singer Rowetta and several bottles of mineral water, Shaun Ryder has lost none of the wit and charm that catapulted him to stardom. The packed venue bobbed and swayed to favourites God’s Cop, Hallelujah and 24 Hour Party People.

An extra-loud cheer marked the arrival of Bez from the wings, causing Ryder to look behind him and say “Oh look, granddad’s arrived.” The outbreak of freaky dancing to Step On made for a fitting conclusion and the encore of Judge Fudge and Wrote For Luck took the roof off.

Outside it was howling with wind and rain and for a brief moment it felt like we were stumbling out of the Hacienda. A great night from two of Manchester’s most cherished bands.