Paul Weller has cultivated such a reputation as an acid-tongued curmudgeon that you shudder to think what he made of appearing in Glasgow on the same night The X Factor’s Jedward were dropping by a nightclub.

Although he’s often tagged as a grumpy dad-rocker, this

gig showcased what a multi-faceted performer Weller has been over his lengthy career.

Without a new album to promote, he filtered through his back catalogue to produce an eclectic mix of material from aggressive rock to ballads to the inevitable acoustic section. A strident Shout To The Top, from his Style Council days, was an early standout but the easygoing guitar pop of Seaspray and the spacious, soaring Dust And Rocks also impressed.

Weller, dressed casually in black, still cuts enough of a stylish figure to receive several wolf whistles from female audience members. It’s a shame the sensibilities which have ensured he remains iconic did not tell him to eliminate a tedious mid-set sequence, in which he played the piano on a series of drippy, lovelorn numbers that ground the gig’s momentum down.

Rockier numbers, like new track Fast Car, seemed to fit both the Barrowlands vibe and the style of his efficient backing band better, and the trio of old Jam songs was exemplary, from the teenage confusion of Strange Town to a brutal Pretty Green and a euphoric Start! Such punchiness also resonated in Come On/Lets Go, while Whirlpool’s End and the Changingman were barked out by Weller and made for a ferocious climax.

Out in the merchandise section, a curious piece of album artwork was on offer for £75. It seemed unlikely to attract any buyers, but Weller’s actual concerts remain worth the investment.

Star rating: ****