It Bites fans like myself have been somewhat spoilt by the Robin 2 recently - it's only been five or six weeks since I was here watching the current incarnation of the band (which doesn't include Dunnery) touring their new album, and now I'm back as the former IB front man arrives in Bilston on the back of his own new double album 'There's a Whole New World Out There'.

Things start out a little peculiarly as a relaxation mantra is played to the audience, everyone stares at each other in puzzlement as we are instructed to drift into a 'deep deep sleep' - surely not the best way to rev up an audience?  Then Dunnery's voice starts speaking over the tape, dropping subliminal messages into our supposed 'primed minds' - "you will believe this is the greatest gig you've ever been to... even better than Sting!  You will buy t-shirts!"  This infectious sense of humour permeates through the whole set - self-deprecating and down-to-earth, Dunnery is a true raconteur and entertainer.

The set tonight features a great selection of classic It Bites tracks, solo Dunnery and even the odd cover.  When it comes to the It Bites tracks Dunnery has given most of them a brand new spin - unlike the band themselves, who remain faithful to the recorded versions - 'Kiss Like Judas' kicks off the night, but far from its old bombastic self, this almost 'jazz/lounge' version gently eases us in.

And the surprises continue, after second-track 'Whole New World' Frank introduces his special guest onto the stage to help out with the next song - and legendary rock/blues guitarist Bernie Marsden gets a rousing round of applause from the audience (Dunnery mentions how he needs Bernie on this one because Bernie plays the Blues, whereas he can only manage the Greens). Now I never thought I'd see the day that Francis Dunnery and Bernie Marsden were on stage in front of me playing a Joy Division cover - but, that's what happened.  'Love Will Tear Us Apart' was presented in a country-blues form that seemed so natural I can still hear it in my head now - Marsden's elegant and intuitive blues solos hanging beautifully off the shuffling frame of the song.  (I was lucky enough to grab a few words with Bernie in between songs, when he came out into the crowd to watch some of Frank's performance.  He told me how he'd long been a fan of It Bites and Dunnery in particular, and how it was a real pleasure to be up on stage with him.)

'Calling To You' allows Dunnery to show off some licks of his own, as the volume and tempo increases.  Then 'Still Life In Mobile Homes' entices and sedates - Dunnery's voice taking centre stage (perfectly accompanied by backing singer Dorie Jackson).  'Charlie' gives him a chance to 'get a bit more progressive' (as he puts it) as he sits down at the musical instrument he invented (the Tapboard) - kind of a percussive fret board which allows him to generate a wonderful soundscape, the rest of the band eventually joining in.   And the band is outstanding - by the way - comprised of Paul Ramsey on drums, Brett Kull on guitar and backing vocals (the two of them members of prog-band Echolyn), Tom Brislin on keyboards and Jamie Bishop on bass.  Consumate professionals despite the constant ribbing and japes from Dunnery - who is on fine form tonight, both musically and socially!

Before we know it the set has ended (with a beautiful rendition of 'Back In New York City'), but Dunnery soon leads everyone back on-stage and we get a wonderful bluegrass version of 'Let Us All Go' - with Bernie Marsden returning to the stage, to really cut loose on some excellent solos.  But, not all of the cards have been played yet, and 'Still Too Young To Remember' ensures that the crowd go home more than happy!