Subtlety is a word that could never be applied to Robbie Williams; as the former Take That star and now highly successful solo singer arrived at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester for the second of two sold-out concerts, there he was strapped to a rocket in the rafters – then, in the next instance, he was there dangling mid-air before landing centre stage. As far as grand entrances go, Williams made this a memorable yet extravagant one.

Dropping his customary opening track, Let Me Entertain You, to start off this two-hour feast of entertainment for his latest single, the aptly titled Rocket demonstrated an overpowering confidence in the track – a heavy rock number that on record features Black Sabbath lead guitarist Tony Iommi. Suitably, his new touring band appeared to be wearing their rock credentials throughout the evening, adding a heavier feel to many of the tracks – which mostly worked in their favour.

Part of the Robbie Williams live experience is the in-between-song banter that proves, should his career as a pop superstar ever dry up, he has a strong future as a comedian. Never taking himself too seriously, his often-crude northern humour lay somewhere between Manchester and the end of Blackpool’s North Pier.

“Have you missed me?” he quizzed before answering himself, “Of course you have.” Requesting that he would like to be known as the King of Entertainment was an accolade that suited him well – ever the showman, he held his audience’s attention throughout. As he chatted with an AI version on screen of his teenage self – then later an 80-year-old image of him – this inspired yet surprising effect was another element that made the night such an appealing one.

Leading the band to a smaller stage at the rear of the arena as they performed The Road to Mandalay, the path continued to be a golden one as Self Esteem’s Rebecca Taylor made a surprise appearance to perform on Relight My Fire as the Rotherham-born singer equalled with ease the vocal part sung originally on record by Lulu.

 “Tonight is my love letter to entertainment,” he explained, not that anyone needed reminding – though another emotional letter was sent out to his wife, Ayda, and his family, who seem to have had a calming effect on him. A further tribute to his mum, who has dementia, and dad, now homebound with Parkinson’s disease, showed a different sombre side to Williams: with the bravado dropped, the moment felt as if we were seeing the real Robbie Williams.

The personal touch continued as he serenaded a fan, coincidentally from his hometown of Stoke-on-Trent, followed swiftly back on stage with a jazz-infested version of My Way, as the swinging brass section suited his voice as the sentiments of the track reflected his overall attitude to the night’s proceedings.

The festivities concluded with an audience-led version of Angels that was part karaoke, part Robbie. Tonight had been an evening where the crown worn by the King of Entertainment never slipped during a concert that had been a blockbuster from start to finish.  Can he still kick it? – Yes, he can.