Former Pogues frontman Shayne McGowan failed to appear at St George’s Hall tonight.

He was billed to appear as a special guest of Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

But a notice posted up in the theatre announced that he had pulled out of the entire UK tour. There was no explanation why.

His replacement was Chris Difford, former Squeeze singer who performed his two big hits Up for Junction and Cool for Cats.

Singer-guitar player Clive Gregson, who has played with the Nanci Griffith band, opened the show and won applause from an appreciative audience, which included the Bishop of Bradford, the Right Reverend Nick Baines.

Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, last in Bradford in 2009, came on after the interval and demonstrated why he has broad popular appeal.