It was certainly worth the wait for George Michael to resume his Symphonica Tour, postponed last year due to an untimely bout of pneumonia which almost cost him his life.

A capacity audience at the Motorpoint Arena showed respect and admiration for this British icon and politely ignored his comment that Cardiff's largest music venue was 'intimate'.

In the event, however the gig was just that, for this is clearly a more reflective and mellow George. If anything the voice is stronger, and an eclectic set proved both note and pitch perfect.

Unobtruvisely backed by the Czech Symphonica Orhcestra, the arrangements of his own material allowed for greater intensity and emotion, with Father Figure, Different Corner and Kissing a Fool being stand-out memorable and a new poignancy added to John and Elvis are Dead.

He gives a nod to the past, delighting the crowd with a medley of pop hits I'm Your Man, Freedom and Amazing but certainly seems most at ease with the slower ballads.

Versatility is still the name of his game as proved by his take on a selection of covers. A slowed-down version of The Police's Roxanne, set against a back-screen film of Amsterdam prostitues, a high-energy Russian Roulette (Rihanna) and a beautifully smooth My Baby Just Cares for Me (Nina Simone) serve to show the extent of his vocal ability.

Not a gig to attract a new generation of fans, but who needs them? I've a feeling his audience has grown with him, and they certainlly won't be deserting him any time soon. Don't make the return visit so long, George.