IT was a split-second that seemed to last for an eternity.

Tom Meighan had sung the last word of the first verse of Kasabian’s rip-roaring Fire and was about to launch into the chorus.

Time stood still and, for just an instant, so did the previously hectic crowd.

Then Meighan threw back his head and bellowed: “I’m on fire!”

Blazing, white light flooded the arena, illuminating the crowd which then became frenzied.

The venue seemed to shake to its foundations.

It was the last track of a two-hour set and it was fittingly mind-blowing.

Kasabian had pulled out all their best hits to wow their Geordie fans. They played Shoot the Runner then Underdog, interspersed with tracks from their new album, Velociraptor!

Then the mood altered and Sergio Pizzorno, guitarist and backing vocalist, took centre stage as Meighan momentarily departed.

His voice is softer and arguably more soulful than Meighan’s and it gives a different edge to the Kasabian sound. As was demonstrated when he sang Thick as Thieves and, later, the Lennon and McCartney-inspired La Fee Verte.

Meighan casually strolled back on to the stage after a couple of Pizzorno melodies and you knew it was time for the gritty, fist-pumping side of Kasabian to re-emerge.

Clubfoot was followed by Empire and Cutt Off.

Then, for an encore, there was the ominous Switchblade Smiles and the masses assembled on the Arena floor suddenly appeared menacing rather than manic.

Meighan repeated the phrase “Can you feel it coming?” over a brooding, electro melody as green lasers flickered around the walls.