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!

Sticking with small crowd events in the Basque country the first weekend of June sees the old guard of the Medway scene descending on the coastal town of San Sebastian (about an hour from Bilbao) for a weekend of sunshine, beer, tapas & quality tunes.

Headlining are The Masonics (Friday) and Graham Day & The Forefathers (Saturday) along with The Jezebels, Galileo 7, The Sine Waves & others ably supporting.

Tickets are 45 euros for the whole weekend and the crowd size is limited to 220 so you'd better click here sharpish to get details of how to obtain a couple. 

If you're after some top quality garage rock 'n' roll in the warmer climes of Spain this spring then the Green Fuzz Festival could be the very thing for you.

Preceded by the Green Fuzz Day in March (with performances from The Missing Souls and The Cavemen amongst others) the event is back for a second year towards the end of April with a top notch international line-up featuring the likes of The Jackets, The Anomalys, The Baron Four and The Teamsters. 

As small events go this is pretty small as there are only 300 tickets but that should obviously make for an enjoyably intimate weekend. All this goes on in the Basque region so you're probably looking at a flight to Bilbao and then travel onwards south.

Further details can be obtained here as time goes on & at some point the events website may display 2016 instead of 2015.