The Osmonds at St George's Hall

Osmondmania hit Bradford last night, as tearful fans whooped and chanted for their idols for the last time.

The packed-out gig, part of the Osmonds’ 50-date farewell tour, was an emotional affair as three of the brothers – Merrill, Jimmy and Jay – treated a packed house to hits that had girls screaming 40 years ago.

Back then the fans were teenagers kissing posters on their bedroom walls.

Now they’re ladies of a certain age – but last night they swayed, waved scarves and chanted “We want the Osmonds!” as the brothers journeyed through the hits, including One Bad Apple, Down by the Lazy River and Love Me for A Reason.

There was no Donny, and Wayne was unable to tour following a recent stroke, but the crowds still turned out in droves.

Hours earlier the brothers mingled with fans outside. Ann-Nicole Skelton, who travelled from Sheffield, said: “I’ve been a fan since I was 11 and I’m 52 this year. They’re so lovely, really genuine.”

Alison Myers, from Leeds, said: “I grew up with the Osmonds in the ’70s. This is the first time I've met them, they were great.”

The evening started with an Osmonds quiz, blending random facts with quirky footage of things like little Jimmy singing in Japanese and Ma Osmond playing sax.

Then the boys hit the stage to the pounding beat of Crazy Horses and the crowd went wild. “I love you Jimmy!” cried a voice from the balcony.

The Osmonds didn’t sell 100 million records for nothing, and this was an impressive showcase of their still powerful voices, particularly strong on The Proud Ones and Let Me In.

Vintage home movies filled a screen, as delighted fans sang along, and the boys grooved, shared a few laughs and even delivered a slick barbershop number, in homage to their early years.

They’ve still got it, girls.