Tony Bennett @ Symphony Hall

May 9 2007 By Graham Young, Birmingham Mail

ANTHONY Dominick Benedetto delivered an unforgettable showbusiness masterclass last night - at 80.

After nearly 30 classic songs in more than 90 minutes, most fans were on their feet to generously applaud this most modest of superstars.

Barbra Streisand tickets will cost 13 times as much for the 65-year-old's London return in July, but Bennett still has his credibility intact.

He's so cool he never once threatened to unbutton his navy suit, let alone hit a bum note, confuse his words or forget that his job is to entertain.

As well as being let loose on a Duke Ellington jam his astonishing four-piece band were constantly included in the show's many highlights, topped off with Bennett's party piece singing Fly Me to the Moon with no mic.

He looked up to the heavens and, for once, noticeably didn't promise to return to one of his two favourite venues.

But I certainly wouldn't put it past the man who might have left his heart in San Francisco, but whose spirit will always live on in Brum.