IT'S typical, isn't it?

You wait ages for one Brit soul star and then two come along together.

Which, of course, means double the pleasure factor, specially when the two concerned are of the calibre of Gabrielle and Beverley Knight.

Last night's gig almost didn't happen, after the day's horrific events in the capital.

But, as both women stressed, no "bunch of crazies" was going to stop them doing what they do so superbly.

As headliner and special guest, this was the perfect combination: flip sides of the same coin. Where Gabrielle is more measured, a contained energy which has its mellow interludes, Beverley is like a spectacular firework display, exploding in every direction.

She had the task of opening the show and warming up the crowd, but that's no problem when you go from nought to top speed in roughly five seconds.

No easing in, she was giving it every drop of energy and emotion from the opener.

With huge euphoric vocals and bags of attitude, she was like a prime-time Aretha on a vat of Red Bull, powering her way through her own hits - Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda, Gold, Come As You Are, and Keep This Fire Burning.

And, just to keep the adrenalin pumping, a couple of covers for good measure.

Long before it was time to hand over to Gabrielle, the crowd was on its feet, and an a cappella Robbie Williams Angels put the seal on a memorable performance.