Like a fine wine, music legend Richard Marx just keeps getting better with age.

And, he proved that in exquisite style at Newcastle NEX on Wednesday night in front of a sold-out crowd.

But, I must confess, I’m a massive fan, ever since watching him take the stage at the Enmore Theatre way back in 1989.

So, his string of hits over nearly four decades – Don’t Mean Nothing, Should’ve Known Better, Endless Summer Nights, Hold On to the Nights, Angelia, Satisfied, Right Here Waiting, Keep Coming Back, Hazard, Take This Heart, Now and Forever and Too Late To Say Goodbye, among others – ensures no-one goes home disappointed.

In fact, Marx is the only male artist in history to have his first seven singles reach the Top 5 of the American Billboard charts – a record he still holds today.

Novocastrians and visitors alike were treated to all the favourites, as well as a couple of new tracks from his brilliant latest offering, Songwriter, including Same Heartbreak, Different Day.

He also shared stories of his love of Australia from a young age, and our icons John Farnham, Olivia Newton John, Hugh Jackman and Keith Urban, all of whom he’s befriended.

His anecdote involving fellow rocker Bryan Adams, and a certain liquid substance, sent the venue into raptures, too.

However, the highlight – for me – was when he proudly performed When You Loved Me with his extremely gifted sons Brandon, 32, Lucas, 30, and “baby” Jesse, 29.

The video montage featured the three boys playing instruments and providing backing vocals, while a solo Marx stood front and centre with an acoustic guitar in hand.

Talent certainly runs in the family, with Lucas also co-writing Same Heartbreak, Different Day.

But, for a man who’s sold in excess of 30 million albums worldwide, his adoration to entertain “live” is second-to-none.

Overall, from a vocal perspective, and audience interaction, Marx left recent Newcastle visitor Sir Elton John in his wake.

And, the musicianship of his band was top-notch.

He was engaging, even stopping mid-show to get a selfie with an enthusiastic admirer, while fist pumping another who decided to strut his stuff to Satisfied.

All-in-all, it was a superb show.

The only downside… the four annoying women in row E, who thought a concert was the best place to catch up for an in-depth, and loud, conversation for almost two hours.

Stay home next time!

For more entertainment stories:

• More Than Hoons: Capturing a very Newy sub-culture on film
• Show goes on for iconic Heddon Greta Drive-in
• Take a trip down memory lane with ‘The Voice’

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