FOR hen party fans, 2006 was the concert year to dust down those pink Stetsons and flashing bunny ears. Take That were back and the pre-pubescent girls who adored them in the early Nineties were all grown-up - but still as unhinged as ever at the prospect of seeing their poster boys after a 10-year absence.

The boys - average age 35 - bounced on to the stage to a crowd that had been whipped up into a frenzy by unseasonally hot weather and heady perfume, clearly splashed all over with the hope of attracting some Take That attention. It wasn't to be. The boys were far too busy proving they could still dance and sing with the best of 'em, although Gary did struggle a bit with an odd Flamenco section. But hey, he's the great singer and the great music maker and this was a brilliant show- take that Robbie Williams!

The hens were out again for George Michael in November, another man on the concert comeback trail - 15 years after he vowed he'd done his last soft shoe shuffle. Thank goodness he's a contrary Cancerian. The 43 year old reminded fans during the UK leg of his European tour ever that he's got a fantastic voice. Although he didn't sing as many Wham! songs as some of us would have liked, there was enough Everything She Wants and I'm Your Man to keep us happy. In terms of audience approval, this concert surely made the biggest impression on the MEN audience with far more feedback to our website (manchestereveningnews.co.uk) for his three gigs at the Arena than any other this year.

What was your gig of the year? Have your say.

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