Confusingly billed together, one could easily assume the heavyweights would play alongside each other but this is not the case.

On time, Knopfler and his big band assume their positions on stage and for 80 minutes or so play recent songs from Knopfler’s newest albums.  It was clear there would be no Dire Straits classics like ‘Romeo and Juliet’ or ‘Walk of Life’.

Rarely speaking to the crowd and popping out songs one after the other the set seemed rushed, which is ironic when you consider the length of each of his songs – there seemed to be no end in sight.

Eventually it did and a short interval broke the stale atmosphere.

Soon the lights flickered and everyone headed back to their seats. The lights went on, the music began, but where is Dylan?

With a stage set-up similar to Knopfler it is hard to pinpoint the man with his big band around. Once identified, it’s even harder to miss him. Wearing a big white hat and completely black ensemble he is hunched over the organ.

In May 2009, when Dylan performed in the O2 solo, there was mass disappointment from gig-goers. The general consensus being how his lack of communication, indecipherable vocal and obvious apathy for showmanship left the night wanting.

He is the total antithesis on this night.

Playing classics, favourites and recent material, Dylan plays for all. Opening with ‘Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat’ and singing it relatively close to its original sound, the excitement through the room is evident from the cheers and claps from the crowd.

He goes centre-stage to sing ‘Things Have Changed’ and the comparison between this performance and the former are incredible. Dylan seems in high spirits; he even smiles. This is no small wonder, not after 2009, and it sets the tone for the rest of the evening.

His long set is comprised of hits like ‘Tangled Up In Blue’, ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright’, and ‘Desolation Row’. He winds down the mood with a beautifully touching performance of ‘Forgetful Heart’ – one of his newer tracks from Together Through Life.

But biting back with his encore he sings ‘All Along the Watch Tower’ and ‘Like A Rolling Stone’; the latter made infinitely more appealing because the crowd could sing along this time.

Highlight of the night: the thump-tastic opener notes to "Ballad of a Thin Man".