A sell-out 35-date UK tour and where better to end it than a place where a band from Philadelphia - formed in 1968 - say they feel very much at home.

Liverpool, of course - the all singing, all dancing city.

Welcome back . . . The Stylistics.

The opening act was an Elton John tribute - performer Tom Cridland's solo piano set certainly got people in the mood.

It was clear when The Stylistics - in their trademark sequined jackets and sharply-creased trousers - took to the stage that they meant business.

They are still great movers and shakers even into their mid '70s and they are backed by a stunning six-piece group of well seasoned musicians.

Their fan base is very much alive and kicking and they want audiences to sing along and dance in the aisles.

I was happy to simply close my eyes and hear those halcyon hits that formed part of the soundtrack to my youth.

I could see others do the same - mouthing the ballads as well as the love-gone-wrong, love-gone-right lyrics.

The Stylistics were never out of the charts and this concert tour has brought the musical memories back to the masses.

Hit after hit were delivered with slickness and panache through perfect harmonies: Betcha By Golly Wow, You Make Me Feel Brand New; You Are Everything; Sing Baby Sing and Stop Look Listen - just a few of their back-catalogue classics.

Two of the original members Airrion Love and Herbert Murrell (high school pals since 1956) are joined by falsetto singer Jason Sharp who has been with them for the past 13 years as their lead vocalist.

They each took it in turns to chat about previous visits to Liverpool and how their hits were played in Merseyside discos throughout the '70s decade.

And there was a special treat for Liverpool - a seasonal and special gift.

They sang three festive favourites: Chestnuts Roasting Over an Open Fire (The Christmas Song), Comfort and Joy and an unforgettable Silent Night.

It was a concert of nostalgia and priceless memories.

From sparkling start to fabulous finale, the emphasis was on style.

Come back soon, old friends.

Verdict: Five stars - Living Legends