As we take cover from the freezing rain into the relative warmth of Think Tank, we’re greeted by Pennsylvania’s Petal. Who without her band may have easily been lost on the stage, her usual grunge tracks toned down to a singular guitar. She serenades this attentive crowd, with her heartfelt songs ringing out whilst being shrouded in fuzzy guitar.

There’s even a brilliant Prince cover in case we needed any further reasons to be completely enamoured by Petal. Yet this is all rather subdued when compared with what follows. Beach Slang erupt on to the stage in ferocious form, with lead singer James Alex winning over the crowd instantaneously. Although it doesn’t take much, this boisterous crowd are clearly in the mood tonight.

With Beach Slang feeding off this energy, tearing through the early part of their set with unbridled passion. James backing off from the microphone throughout the night yet the noise level doesn’t drop as this enthusiastic crowd scream back the words at the tops of their lungs. Beach Slang’s angst filled words packed with harsh riffs it has the entire crowd in awe, their set flies by in the blink of an eye.

It’s not without some incredible highlights, ‘Bad Art and Weirdo Ideas’ goes down a storm, this anthemic punk anthem everyone besotted by Beach Slang. Yet it falls to ‘Punk or Lust’ to truly bring down the house tonight, this foot stomping hook laden masterpiece has everybody screaming along in unison. This boisterous Saturday night crowd are in full voice, yet James’ control over them is effortless.

Despite blasting through the songs they had scribbled on a bit of paper, they power on taking crowd requests and for those hardened fans yelling Replacements covers. They’re rewarded with not one but two almighty singalongs, ‘Can’t Hardly Wait’ is first up and regardless of how awesome this is, it is eclipsed by an rabble rousing rendition of ‘Bastards of Young’ complete with mini stage invasion. Despite a sore throat, James Alex’s voice holds out brilliantly.

He joins the crowd to hug those who’ve sung along to every track with all of their hearts, holding them in a tight embrace, as they close out the night. As James cites his earlier feelings that this would be a good show, and it turned out to be a great show. Packed with energy, enthusiasm, angst, and powerful riffs but all was eclipsed by the love in the room for the band.

Back in August I heralded The Libertines headline set at Leeds Festival as what could have possibly been the return of The Good Ship Albion. I wasn't the only one. It seemed Libertine fever had arrived again; like a sub-tropical disease, contracted during the band's sojourn in Thailand and spread on their return. This culminated in a handful of raucous and sweaty club shows, all without a hint of the unreliability of the old days. 

Until there was. A crowd in London was kept waiting, only to be sent home well after curfew. The following night in Manchester was cancelled and the inevitable aspersions were cast on Doherty's new-found sobriety. It turned out an anxiety attack was the reason for Pete going AWOL, but it had been ten years since The Libertines had last played in the city, and it's for that reason tonight that the band have something to prove.

Unfortunately, for a band whose name was made playing house shows and pop-ups in Camden, a vacuous arena space, made with money in mind rather than music, isn't an ideal place to do it. And while the band certainly have the tracks to fill such a space, tonight's set is back-boned predominantly by material from last years Anthems for Doomed Youth, a credible album in its own right, but one which has yet to find as sure a footing as its predecessors. 

Of course, there are tracks from the album that will go down as “classic Libs”, and the majority of which find early inclusions in tonight's set. Opener 'Barbarians' is suitably chaotic, if not hampered by minor sound complaints, with 'Heart of the Matter' and 'Fame and Fortune' following soon after in similar fashion.

It isn't until a suitably boozy rendition of 'What Katie Did' about a third of the way through that the sound problems are ironed out and both band and crowd seem to loosen up. This is somewhat understandable, given that the majority of the crowd are here simply for the classics which, following an anthemic 'Gunga Din', the band roll out thick and fast.

'Can't Stand Me Now', 'Death on the Stairs' and 'Music When the Lights Go Out' are met with equal rapture from a baying crowd. Of course, with such emphasis on more recent material, there are going to be exclusions; there's no 'Up the Bracket', no '...Likely Lads', even 'Last Post on the Bugle' is omitted in favour of more contemporary cuts. A two-song encore more than makes up for it though, with both 'What A Waster' and the ever-anthemic 'Don't Look Back In To The Sun' playing the band out in true Libertines style.

Reigniting the original magic was always going to be difficult. And it's hard to ignore the irony of a band that epitomised a Camden-born counter-culture 12 years ago, playing tracks like 'Time For Heroes' under the logos of John Lewis and Waitrose. As such it's easy to imagine a smaller, less soulless venue serving them better. That said, this is The Libertines, a band still able to make hairs stand on end whenever Pete and Carl jostle for a microphone, brothers in arms after almost a decade apart.

Those in the standing section leave sweat-soaked and smiling as if they've just witnessed something truly special. A similar look to how I must have last August. Tonight though, perched precariously in the tiers, the only chaos we were subject to was a man two rows in front that accidentally poured kettle chips all over himself. Rock 'n' roll. 

This year's Americana season at Sage, Gateshead opens with an exceptional evening, arguably the best that our counterparts across the pond have to offer. First up Frankie Lee takes to the stage as this hushed crowd greet him warmly, he is the latest in a long line of up and coming country stars. His incredible voice hits you like a freight train, his spellbinding tracks are typical of any country star, founded in love and heartbreak. Yet what really hits you is his genial manner, and his story about his journey cracks everyone up. 

This short set is definitely long enough to truly appreciate Frankie Lee’s brilliant talent, but he closes out with arguably his best track in ‘High and Dry’. Another popular choice for country artists of late, the theme of growing and smoking your own appears to have been a contagious one. For a lone man with his guitar Frankie Lee leaves a definite lasting impression on this packed audience, we’re certain he’ll be back.

From the up and coming country star, to an Americana star the wonderful Patty Griffin is next to take to the stage. Her latest album Servant Of Love provides the basis for tonight’s set and she opens up with some beautiful country-infused tracks. However, the beauty of Patty’s set lies in her darker tracks, the title track from her aforementioned album is a definite highlight.

The sombre track, with its beguiling melody and harsher tone, is what draws us in. The fact that it’s such a stark contrast to the rest of the set makes it all that more appealing; the pain conveyed in the words is otherworldly. The rest of the set is typically much more upbeat, and there's an excellent atmosphere as she jokes with the crowd. 

Tracks like ‘Gunpowder’ provide the light against the darkness, there’s a real excitement and a buzz around the Sage. Again though it's all over all too soon, but as Patty leaves the stage, she receives a rapturous reception coaxing the remarkable lady back to the stage. Rounding off an incredible evening from two brilliant musicians.  

On a day where the world is mourning one of the finest artists ever to walk the earth, Henry Rollins walks out on stage tonight and pays a moving tribute to David Bowie. Regaling this packed crowd with a tale of how he met the great man, they show an equal amount of love and appreciation. Henry quickly changes the subject towards an equally compelling story, with his first forays into punk dancing around a single speaker boombox with HR from Bad Brains.

His passion for every subject exudes from every word, you cannot help but be completely besotted by him, especially as he pays a fascinating tribute to Lemmy; his storytelling flipping from the comedic to the intimidating in a heartbeat, all despite his aggressive stance. From the off his intimidating look is tempered by his genial manner, whether it be music, his travels or his showbiz impressions, he is filled with enthusiasm.

These stories are delivered at exceptional pace, some tugging on the heartstrings while others have us falling over ourselves laughing. He has the affection and dedication to his subjects of someone half his age, his boundless adoration for music both new and old pours out. As most people grow older they shy away from the excitement, not Rollins, he has not been one to slow down. He has the most incredible work ethic, and that is replicated on stage with his machine gun approach, added to his hyperactive attitude making for an incredible show.

His incredible stories about the adventures he goes on are fascinating. As previously mentioned, many people his age would slow down but instead he has this insatiable lust for life. His adventures occupy a huge chunk of the set, and his willingness to learn and develop is inspiring. These tales have us firmly perched upon the edge of our seats, whether it is the Amazon or the Antarctic he lives an awe-inspiring life.

Painting  a brilliant picture of the state of America that is accompanied by his brilliant impressions, from George Bush to gun toting rednecks. His unbridled passion, genius, wit and excited nature make for a phenomenal atmosphere. Despite his apologies of keeping everyone seated for some two hours and forty minutes, we can wholly forgive this great man for that.

We’re numb and slightly worn out from the barrage of incredible stories, as we leave the hall, yet Rollins has left us with plenty to dwell on into the night. Inspired by his words, captivated by his wit, compelled by his enthusiasm and bowled over by his comedic twists. The perfect evening!