Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme could find himself in trouble for lighting up on stage at Manchester Arena last night.

The US rock band delivered a blistering set at the arena as they toured new record Villains, but singer Homme - who admitted to the crowd that he was 'a little drunk' on stage - could face the wrath of venue bosses for smoking a cigarette during the set.

Smoking in all enclosed work places - including music venues - has been banned in England since 2007 and is enforced by the local authority - although venues are also keen to police it as they could also be fined for any breach. They could also lose their licence.

The M.E.N understands the arena has reported the issue to Homme's management and are unhappy about the episode.

The cigarette was captured by some fans on social media.

In a statement, a spokesman for the arena said: “It is very disappointing and regrettable that the artist chose to smoke on stage during their performance in Manchester.

"This was an individual decision taken by the artist, despite us making it very clear to their management that it is illegal to smoke in any area of the arena.

"We are extremely vigilant in ensuring our venue remains a no-smoking environment and our extensive front of house ‘no smoking’ signage is duplicated throughout our backstage area.”

(Image: Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Aside from that, Homme and QOTSA dropped a huge set on Manchester, including an early showing for new single The Way You Used To Do and another Villains track, Feet Don't Fail Me Now.

They'd kicked off their set list with 'If I Had a Tail' and ‘Regular John’, a track from their eponymous debut album they seldom play live. A welcome mix of the old with the new.

No One Knows - and the epic drum solo within - reminded fans of their early, spiky punk prowess but also showed that Mark Ronson has definitely developed the band's sound with the latest record.

The band finished the set with an electric rendition of ‘Song for the Dead’, originally sung by Mark Lanegan.

Homme might have angered venue bosses but he won the arena crowd over by saying that he preferred Manchester to London, ending the night with: ‘From one real band to one real city. We love you!’

The real triumph was the power and intensity of Homme's performance. Best frontman in rock? There can't be that many too close to the Ginger Elvis right now.

The band have been asked for a comment.