Arctic Monkeys kicked off the first night of their UK tour last night at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena.

Supported by The Strypes, the band played to a sellout crowd, kicking off with the first single from their fifth and most recent studio album, ‘AM’, ‘Do I Wanna Know?’, before a set which mixed new tracks such as ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?’ with classic hits from their repertoire including ‘Fluorescent Adolescent’, ‘Mardy Bum’ and ‘Dancing Shoes’.

The band rarely addressed the crowd throughout the 20-song set, although Alex Turner uttered a few choice words – after ‘Teddy Picker’, perhaps in reference to his Elvis-inspired quiff, he commented, “Thank you, thank you very much” before dedicating ‘I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor’ to “all the Geordie lasses”.

Returning for the encore to chants of “Arctic, Arctic, Arctic”, the band reestablished themselves on stage with a slow rendition of ‘Mardy Bum’ and then, fittingly, ‘One For The Road’. “Thanks for having us Newcastle. It’s been a pleasure. You’re a wonderful bunch. Was it good for you?” Turner asked the audience before launching into ‘R U Mine?’ which was the final song of the evening.

Arctic Monkeys played:

‘Do I Wanna Know?’

‘R U Mine?’

Arctic Monkeys will continue their tour in Manchester Arena tonight (October 23) before dates at London Earls Court, Liverpool Echo Arena, Cardiff Motorpoint Arena, Birmingham LG Arena and Glasgow Hydro Arena before a homecoming show at Sheffield Motorpoint Arena.

Arctic Monkeys will play:

Newcastle Metro Radio Arena (October 22)

Sheffield Motorpoint Arena (2)