The Boys were back in town as Boyzone kicked off their two-night run at the NIA in Birmingham for their Better ’09 tour.

And better they were. Pyrotechnics greeted the arrival of The Irish five-piece who appeared on a platform which was lowered onto the stage. Ronan, Keith, Shane, Stephen, and Mikey began with Love you Anyway.

Click here to see more pictures from the gig.

“It was only a year since we were last here and it’s fantastic to be back,” shouted Ronan, who added: “We loved the reception you gave us and wanted to thank you for spending all your hard earned cash on Boyzone.” The 8,000-strong crowd were treated to a two-hour show that spanned 16 years and seven albums.

The boys, if you are still allowed to call them that, danced and gyrated their way through Must Have Been High, Isn’t It a Wonder, Father & Son, before Stephen performed his version of Beyonce’s hit, Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) which went down a storm.

Following a costume change all five appeared dressed as Freddie Mercury to perform a Queen melody supported by eight backing dancers with fluffy hoovers. Boyzone looked younger than their years, tanned and toned. Clearly their adoring fans agreed judging by the repeated screams and cheers.

They closed with their first single, Love Me For A Reason, and No Matter What before returning for a three-song encore. All five were suspended above the crowd while they performed Rollercoaster, Words, Baby Can I hold You and finally Different Beat.

“Next year is a new era for Boyzone and we hope you will join us,” said Ronan. Judging by the reaction of 8,000 screaming women, they definitely will.