HUNDREDS of ticketless fans were left sobbing outside the Empire. Inside, there were screams from those lucky enough to see the "fantastic Osmonds" preform a set the Bay City Rollers would have sold their tartan trews for.   

That was 1975.     

And last night was 1975 part two.  

They may be a little older,and they weren't crying on the steps outside, but the screaming fans were back in force.

The safety curtain was still down when the chants of  'we want the Osmonds' started. As the curtain rose so did the audience, who stayed on their feet whooping and singing for a full 90 minutes.

It doesn't matter how crazy they try to get - the Osmonds are still the nicest family in pop.    

They love each other (He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother), they love God (a power balled finale) and they love Liverpool - seemingly genuinely amazed by the reception.     

The concert was one long sugar rush under a shining moon made of cheese. And you wouldn't expect anything less from the polished showmen from Ogden, Utah.      

Merrill, Jay, Wayne and Jimmy showed they still have all the moves, if not the big collars and flares.      

Backed by incongruous grungy guitarists, they kicked off with the gospel-like Down by the Lazy River and followed it with a string of 'best of' numbers including Proud One, One Bad Apple, YoYo and Hold Her Tight.      

The songs may be trapped in a 70's timewarp, but the razzel-dazzle showmanship was infectious.      

A superior Love Me For a Reason induced a sing-a-long that could probably heard in Anfield.     

And a deafening Long-Haired Lover From Liverpool must have rattled windows near Aintree.     

It was a short gallop to Let Me In, Goin' Home and of course, Crazy Houses.     

The brothers were supported by singer Craig Neil, performing to a backing tape and possibly straight from a turn at a Chinese karaoke buffet.    "I've been allowed to borrow you for 30 minutes" he said gamely. "Make it 10" the woman behind me shouted.    

He was outshone by young Isabella Feld who was invited to perform after impressing Jimmy at the Variety Club party on Sunday night.

RATING:   9/10    Osmondmania Review by Catherine Jones   for the Liverpool Echo

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