Lenny Kravitz, Arena Birmingham - review and pictures

The American rock and funk icon performed to an unusually small audience at the city centre show - but his excellent set and lively, passionate output was anything but scaled down.

Backed by a supremely-talented band, the 54-year-old star looked and sounded incredible as he kicked off his two-hour gig with 1998 hit Fly Away atop a high platform at the back of the stage between two huge horns; the powerful, energy-filled performance setting the tone for the tremendous evening to come.

And though they played a long set, Lenny and his fellow musicians gave fans everything they could have wished for, playing hit after brilliant hit in quick succession; barely coming up for air throughout the whole concert.

"Good evening Birmingham, what's happening y'all," beamed the idol, dressed in skin-tight leather trousers, a leather waistcoat and sheer, dark shirt.

"It's good to be here, we're so pleased to be back in the UK - especially last night and tonight; it's been so long since we've been here.

"We'd like to thank you for welcoming us back."

Thrilling crowds with favourites such as American Woman, Can't Get You Off My Mind, I Belong To You and Always On The Run, Lenny boasted incredibly strong, wide-ranging vocals throughout, oozing his trademark sex appeal and wonderful energy.

His band, meanwhile, was outstanding - Gail Ann Dorsey, who worked for many years as David Bowie's touring bassist, impressed in particular with her awesome skill and funky, growling riffs.

Lenny's long-term guitarist Craig Ross was excellent too, blowing fans away with stupendous solos and solid, gritty riffs at every turn - as was superb drummer Franklin Vanderbilt, who has worked with the likes of Stevie Wonder.

Three brilliant brass musicians Harold Todd, Michael Sherman, and Ludovic Louis, also made up the band, on saxophones and trumpet, as well as the great George Laks on keys.

Lenny treated fans to a wonderful, upbeat, rendition of The Chamber; and a gorgeous, passionate performance of Again; before stunning with a fantastic delivery of 1989 hit Let Love Rule, which saw the frontman sing between fans from the stalls, even walking through the crowd towards the end, hugging members of the audience and signing autographs.

After completing the excellent set with fast-paced 1993 hit Walk My Way, Lenny left the stage holding his hand to his chest, blowing kisses to the crowd and holding his fingers in a peace sign.

He may have been in the business since the 80s, but Lenny proved It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over - and he's certainly not lost an ounce of his outstanding talent.