So however great showmen The Bluetones may be, they were fighting a losing battle from three songs in.

A scuffle and a skirmish turned into a full on disruption which saw around six supposed ‘fans’ throwing head butts, kicks and punches into the crowd.

And while security looked on, only prompted into action by a furious Mark Morris, did official faces show up on the scene.

Winding up Autophillia, Mark apologised for the ‘meathead’ element amongst us, making it clear they weren’t welcome and he didn’t want their money.

But despite verbal embarrassment from the stage, the culprits continued to maul those around them, going on the rampage during Sleazy Bed Track, through the substantial crowd surrounding them.

By which point, Mark had had enough. Specifically telling the ‘meatheads’ to cut it out and instructing the security to do something about it, finally the disruptions died down. But the tone had been set and feathers ruffled.

Mark handled it well and spoke the minds of every other fan in the building. Trying as best he could to draw a line under the incidents, he said, "Come on, let’s enjoy ourselves - it’s Tuesday."

So the show went on and the new album dominated the night’s affairs. Signalled by Mark strapping on a guitar, not a usual sight, and adding an extra layer, the new songs showed a change in direction, sound and approach.

It’s clear to see the band have matured over the years. Quite obviously we know, but it’s that element which can’t be described as a benefit or distraction.

Through song, it’s also clear to see they’ve had a few life experiences to talk about.

1995’s Bluetonic from the debut album talks about love and longing. "There’s no heart you can’t melt with a sudden little smile", shows Mark at his most vulnerable.

But something’s changed in the eight years since. The forthcoming new album, Luxembourg, tells of fading relationships and tired sex lives.

"Your no fun anymore, you used to be once, but that was before" tells the tale of a soured relationship in new song, Your No Fun Anymore.

Still, they’re not bitter and still game for a laugh. Whilst new tracks Here It Comes Again, Fast Boy, Liquid Lips, Big Problem, I Love The City, Never Going Nowhere, Little Bear and encore closer, Turn It Up went down with a cheer, it was the more familiar material that raised the roof.

Highlights were debut single, Are You Blue Or Are You Blind, still getting a rousing roar, rarely played live track Putting Out Fires and the aforementioned Bluetonic.

But the star of the show had to be If. Lacking in robes or numbers, The Bluetones could give the likes of The Polyphonic Spree a run for their money in the Hallelujah stakes, simply awesome.

After four albums - Luxembourg gets released on 12 May - The Bluetones have reached that point in their career which sees most bands flagging and lacking direction.

The new material may be a little saggy and soft around the edges, but the band have always showed more than enough potential in knocking out a three minute pop number and five minute album track with ease.

Despite meatheads and the absence of bigger hits like Slight Return - which wasn’t missed - The Bluetones still delivered. Time and again, they show their worth and hopefully they'll come back for some more!

In Weekender