We have seen Johnny Hallyday several times in France; I think only Springsteen equals him for being able to make a stadium really come as alive as a small club gig. At the Albert Hall, Hallyday was absolutely magnificent. Maybe partly it was the size of the venue, but it was also due to Hallyday's performance, which seems to have actually grown in intensity and authority since we saw him in the Stade de France in June, & certainly since his health problems of a couple of years ago. The band have also matured, & rock ferociously. Never seen Robin Le Mesurier in such fretboard-scorching form, & musical director & guitarist Yarol Poupard was awesome too; he's finally given Johnny the band he deserves, muscular yet also able to handle subtlety & acoustic sections with equal authority. & it's all powered by a kilt-waering Scotsman, Geoff Dugmore on the drums. A truly memorable evening & performance; Hallyday enjoys the relationship with his audience that seems based on genuine affection, & a respect for his fans. On the way out, overheard someone saying "Well, I'm not worried if I see the Stones now." Indeed. This was all your rockhroll dreams come true.