WE may be in the middle of a recession, but the lure of seeing three of America’s finest exponents of Melodic Rock for little more than £40 was hard to resist.

Styx were first up. Their irresistible vocal harmonies gained them the reputation as America’s answer to Queen and in songs such as Renegade and the stomping Blue Collar Man they have a fine catalogue of songs to draw upon and have the versatility to deliver a range of styles from heavy metal, majestic pomp rock to wistful ballads with ease.

Being reduced to one original member would be enough to finish off most bands, but Foreigner seem reinvigorated by new lead singer Kelly Hansen.

Foreigner may be known in this country for their power ballads, but on stage they know how to rock with Juke Box Hero, Urgent and Hot Blooded raising the temperature.

Headliners Journey were largely unknown until recently when the combination of X Factor and Glee unexpectedly threw them back into the spotlight.

With hard-hitting anthems such as Separate Ways (Worlds Apart), Wheel in the Sky and Ask The Lonely, along with lighter-waving ballads Open Arms and Faithfully, every song hit the mark.

New singer Arnel Pineda’s story is one of Hollywood dreams, being discovered via YouTube following Journey’s search for a new lead singer, and what a gem they have uncovered.

Their show may be packed with classics from their heyday but Journey are not content to live on their past glories as they played Resonate and Chain of Love among others from their excellent new album Eclipse.

Obviously the biggest cheer of the night greeted mega hit Don’t Stop Believin’ and quite why it took nearly 30 years for it to catch on is anyone’s guess, but Journey are clearly thrilled at its resurgence.

After witnessing three world-class bands over four hours, the buzzing crowd left the arena knowing they had just seen one of the gigs of the year.

It’s difficult to envisage how this show will be topped.

Mick Burgess