THE Arctic Monkeys strutted onto the Metro Radio Arena stage on Thursday for the first of a two-night stay.

Opening with Four out of Five from new album Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino, followed by Arabella and Brianstorm, frontman Alex Turner was in fine fettle.

Clad in a red sateen bomber jacket, white vest, skinny grey trousers and a pair of Cuban heels, the charismatic Turner was front, centre and thoroughly in the spotlight throughout.

Pausing only for a brief anecdote about the days when he used to “meet a lass at Scotch Corner” the Sheffield star raced through crowd favourites Teddypicker and Dancing Shoes before a mellow mid-section involving the band’s newer material.

At times, the set veered towards self-indulgent territory, with Turner’s quirky mannerisms, dance moves and force of personality overshadowing his fellow band mates.

But every successful band needs a charismatic front man, and Turner is certainly that. By the final two songs of the encore – I bet you look good on the dancefloor and R U mine? – Turner had ditched the jacket to cheers from the bouncing fans.

It was a cracking finish to a slick, stylish performance that despite the dip in pace mid-way through, left the crowd on a high.

Hannah Chapman