They came, they saw... they played for a very long time. Canadian Prog Rock trio Rush seemed anxious to make up for lost time (they'd not toured the UK for 12 years) and to celebrate their 30th anniversary in style with a show that lasted three hours and 20 minutes and featured around 31 numbers.
It was a no-expense spared extravaganza with stunning lights, lasers, animated short films and even - I kid you not -a wall of flame.
Then there were the tunes - as vocalist and bass player Geddy Lee announced: "We have far too music to play."
Thirty years and more than 20 albums means a lo tof material to cover but all aspects of Rush's career got a look-in, from the early sci-fi concept albums, through the electronic/ keyboard period right up to four tracks from the current covers album, Feedback.
The first half began with an instrumental overture of Rush favourites before Geddy launched into their biggest UK hit single The Spirit of Radio, his distinctive high-pitched vocals the perfect foil to Alex Lifeson's muscular guitar and Neil Peart's energetic drumming.
Roll The Bones featured a rapping skeleton on the big screen behind the stage, while their version of The Who's The Seeker injected some contrasting British pop.
One Little Victory, from the Vapor Trails album, was accompanied by animated film of a dragon whose flame-blowing exploits suddenly became alive on stage with a dramatic wall of fire.
After a 20 minute interval the show quickly gathered pace again, punctuated only by a two song acoustic section following a nine minute drum solo, O Baterista.
During the encore of Summertime Blues, Crossroads and Limelight, T-shirts were given to fans from two tumble driers that had been mysteriously standing next to a vending machine on stage throughout the show.
* Rush play the NEC Arena again on Wednesday. Ticket details on 0870 909 4133.
