Michael Buble Gets The Fever In Liverpool

He might be smooth, suave and sophisticated but even Michael Buble can put his foot in it by telling the Liverpool audience that he supports Manchester United, especially when a Derby match is taking place that night in the Mersey city. Predictably large Boo's follow but he soon tries to pick up the mood by saying that he would like to introduce none other than Ed Sheeran on stage!

Of course it was a wind up but like the rest of the show it was a slick and consummate performance from the singer you either like or dislike.

Backed by an orchestra that numbers over 30 members he appears at the top of the stage as he sings the Anthony Newly track, Feeling Good.

In a well rehearsed routine he never failed to make contact with the sold out audience whether it be touching their hands, singing with a member of the audience or informing them about his family. He jokes that his wife likes to shop in Primark, before revealing that his family were actually on a Disney cruise. Of course this is no Micky Mouse of a show and it would have been hard for even a disbeliever not to be impressed.

You might think that a Michael Buble audience would be predominantly female, but looking around the M&S Bank Arena there were plenty of men in attendance - including the ones who had not been brought along by their partners.

Haven't Met You Yet allows Buble to use the walkway that extends from the stage to the centre of the arena - he glides, he croons but most of all he has the audience in the palm of his hand.

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas lent a festive feel to the night but even Buble is taken back by how good the young chap from Bala in North Wales is when he asks the Welshman to duet with him on Fever. Again that interaction with his fans is a masterstroke in making him look approachable and a man of the people.

Just A Gigolo and I Ain't Got Nobody allow him and some members of his orchestra to decamp in the middle of the arena including a surprise cover of the Chuck Berry classic, You Never Can Tell.

Cry Me A River sounded perfect and the brief photo resume of highlights of the show, including tourist shots of Liverpool was another attention to detail that made the concert seem local and special.

As he encores with You We're Always On My Mind, couples cuddle each other, the earlier football comment is seemingly forgotten and 10,000 fans sing the song with him.

On a performance like this, Buble will never walk alone.