SKA fans across Bridgwater filled Palace nightclub on Thursday night to witness the return of a genuine two-tone legend.

Former Specials star Neville Staple and his backing band relived the 80s as they ploughed through old classics, fantastic covers and a variety of his own material.

Neville didn't grace the newly refurbished stage until gone 10pm and the crowd's anticipation for his performance was nearing breaking point before the great man slipped into his first song of the night.

As usual, he was on top form, churning out a wonderful rendition of the Toots and the Maytals anthem Pressure Drop and he pumped up the crowd with an early performance of the Specials hit Monkey Man.

His renowned, baritone vocals were as smooth as honey on a hot summer's day and he still has the enthusiasm for performing he possessed in the early days of the second Ska revival, bringing delight to those who remember it first time around.

He and his band certainly looked the part, with Neville wearing a perfectly tailored beige suit, adding to the two-tone authenticity.

His assured, confident and energetic live sets are a true testament to the Neville Staple experience. The audience is always assured of a high-quality and professional performance from a man who lives for Ska.

It was great to see a variety of ages at the Palace. Parents brought their children along to see an icon from the days when pop music was all about pork pie hats and braces, possibly in the hope that this legend would influence them in the same way he did when they were youngsters.

Bridgwater favourites and rising stars the Ska Bucks provided support, whetting the appetite of the packed Palace crowd before the main event.

The youngsters looked assured throughout and possess an abundance of confidence. Their cover version of Kate Nash's Foundations may have been audacious but they really pulled it off, prompting an array of jumping bodies on the dance floor.

The Palace crowd went home thrilled and content with their dose of upbeat Ska from a legendary performer, knowing full well this fix will tide them over until he hopefully returns to Bridgwater next year.