Although he will celebrate his 70th birthday later this year, the Texas-born singer performed with all the energy and commitment of a man half his age.

Sporting a sparkling red jacket and a full head of snowy-white hair, Proby poured his heart and soul into old chart hits like Maria, I Apologise, Together and Lonely Weekends.

Despite a troubled life and career and a long and successful battle with the bottle, the voice often described as one of the finest in rock music is still in fine fettle, Proby displaying his full vocal range, up and down the scale.

In what was for me the highlight of the show, you could hear a pin drop as he performed his classic version of Somewhere, from West Side Story, Proby wringing every ounce of emotion from the song.

Although a more portly figure than during his 1960s heyday, the man who once recorded demos for Elvis Presley evoked The King with a powerful rendition of American Trilogy.

Ably supported by his backing band, The Feds, he wrapped up the concert in traditionally barnstorming fashion with Hold Me, his first UK hit from 1964, which had his South Tyneside fans on their feet and shouting for more.