ONE of the most outrageous bands in pop were back in Manchester last night to the delight of their fans.

The Scissor Sisters bounced on to stage and performed spectacularly at the sold-out MEN arena.

They kicked off with She's My Man from Ta-dah, their second album which has sold 1.2 million copies in the UK since its release last year.

Screaming fans, many in outrageous outfits to rival the band, were out of their seats dancing to the disco tunes and got into the spirit of things with flashing bunny ears, cowboy hats, feather boas and glow sticks.

Lead singer Jake Shears was his usual flamboyant self as the five-piece band rocked the stage.

His outfit of red leather trousers and red backless top was completed by sparkly, red Wizard of Oz shoes.

Mistress of ceremonies Ana Matronic - Andrea Lynch in real life - wearing a blue sequinned dress, told the fans how much she felt at home in Manchester, because she grew up in a town where it always rained.

The band performed a string of hits including favourites Laura and Take Your Mama, as well as treating the audience to some new material.

Drummer Paddy Boom was missing from the regular line-up following a family bereavement, but a stand-in smoothly fitted in as the band impressed their fans.

The American group formed six years ago after Shears and Babydaddy met while attending college in Kentucky.

The Scissor Sisters became a credible act when Shears and Babydaddy hooked up with Matronic at a cabaret on Halloween.

They recruited Del Marquis at a strip club and Paddy Boom through a classified advert.

And when they all teamed up on stage, their infectious energy kept the crowd on their toes right to the end.

They are performing at the Arena tonight and tomorrow.