WHO DO YOU LOVE? Rock and blues luminary Joe Cocker performed at the Trafalgar Centre

Old rockers get unchained hearts pumping

Not only is Cocker one of the most successful and popular singers of the last four decades, he is also one of music's most loved and most respected. This Grammy, Golden Globe and Academy Award winning artist has 21 studio and four live albums under his belt, his unmistakable bluesy soul voice a musical trademark in its own right.

They may be over 60, but George Thorogood then Joe Cocker showed they have both still got what it takes – in spades – as they thrilled an almost full Trafalgar Center of Nelson fans.

With many in the audience almost as old, it didn't stop them from having a rocking good time, dancing in the aisles, shaking in their seats and singing along heartily to a stream of music favorites they have grown up with.

Both men received standing ovations and encores.

Everyman Records store owner in Nelson Greg Shaw said the concert had renew his faith in music.

"It was a full house and a lot of people got up and danced. People really enjoyed it. Cocker was passionate and soulful. I would have paid to hear him sing just one song, The Beatles cover With a Little Help from my Friends, Mr Shaw said.

Thorogood, demonstrating remarkable energy, sassy showmanship and playing up to his image of being "bad to the bone", soon had the stadium responding to his brand of take-no-prisoners rhythm and blues, pumping out hit after hit on his growing guitar , backed by his band The Destroyers.

At 66, Cocker showed that the years of hard living may have included him down a touch but not dimmed his ability to ring out raw emotion from his blues and soul anthems. Backed by a smooth band and sexy backup singers, the man from Sheffield got stronger the longer he played, with powerful versions of crowd favourites Leave Your Hat On, Unchain My Heart and With A Little Help From My Friends sending the crowd home very happy.

Joe Cocker, touring with George Thorogood and his Destroyers, will also be playing in Wellington (January 25), Auckland (January 27) and New Plymouth (January 28).