But their prayers have been answered by the Jumpin' Hot Club, which has risen to the challenge with not one but two great shows next month.

There should be fireworks when legendary dub, reggae and dancehall master King Yellowman makes a welcome return to The Cluny in Newcastle on Thursday, November 5.

He has an incredible history, and with his boastful and sometimes amazing lyrics he has excited crowds around the world.

Yellowman is the only artist to have challenged the late, great Bob Marley in terms of home-grown popularity in Jamaica, and he will be supported by Diddley Squat, who stormed this year's Boss Sounds Festival.

Tickets for the show, priced £12, are on sale now from The Cluny on (0191) 230 4474.

Then on Saturday, November 21, the Great Hall of the city's Discovery Museum will host a Bob Marley tribute by Janet Kay and Michael Prophet.

Marley is one of the true icons of 20th century music, ranking alongside John Lennon and Bob Dylan in terms of talent and cultural impact.

He was the first Third World superstar, and his legacy is his music, which remains timeless and classic.

Kay - best known for her No1 hit Silly Games - and Prophet, whose 'crying' vocals are his trademark, will perform selections from the Marley songbook, as well as their own hits.

Both are legends in their own right, and their contrasting styles of lovers' rock and roots reggae will make it an unmissable show for fans of both genres.

The venue for their show deserves a mention in itself. Probably Newcastle's best-kept secret, the Great Hall is a beautiful room with art deco lamps hanging from the ceiling.

The tribute night complements Discovery's current exhibition, North East Beat, which chronicles the region's popular music scene from the 1940s to the present day.

In true Boss Sounds tradition there will be an aftershow party at World Headquarters, making it a must-see reggae event.

The exhibition lasts until November 29, and admission is free.

Tickets for the Bob Marley tribute, priced £12, are available from The Cluny or the Discovery Museum shop.