Back for special cause.

TONIGHT offers a rare chance to see a reunion of Martin Stephenson with the Daintees as the Durham-born musician plays a fundraising concert at The Sage Gateshead.

The singer-songwriter and guitarist has agreed to play in aid of The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, driving down specially yesterday from his home in Barbaraville near Invergordon in the Scottish Highlands.

"When I heard about it, I thought 'great'. I have a lot of respect for Bobby Robson," he said. "I've been affected by cancer too: my mother died from cancer seven years ago." Martin, who was brought up in Washington and left the North East 12 years ago, last played the Sage at the Americana Festival, but tonight marks a debut there for the rest of the Daintees, the hit group which formed in 1981, disbanded in the 90s and then re-formed a few years ago for occasional gigs.

Martin said: "We split up in 1992 - we were in our late 20s, early 30s, and had families: it was getting difficult. I just thought we'd run our course." And unlike many of his contemporaries, he just didn't like the fame.

When the band got back together for a gig, it proved a sell-out.

"It did really well and we enjoyed ourselves. We're all friends and thought we might as well do it maybe once a year." They might have grown a little older during the split - "We were hoping the bass player might have lost his hair, so we gave it seven or eight years, but he hasn't so we're fed up," he joked.

But now they're back, their fans want to keep them.

Tonight's gig, another sell-out, proves it.

Adam Collerton, the music promoter from Newcastle's Jumpin' Hot Club whose idea the fundraiser was, said: "With the involvement of Martin Stephenson and the Daintees, we've no doubt the event will be a huge success." He dedicates it to his late mother Maureen Collerton and the musician and singer Sharon Fitzgerald.

"We wanted to do something in their names to celebrate their lives and to do something practical in the fight against cancer." And Sir Bobby Robson said: "Adam has been very supportive of my charity for some time and I wish him great success with this event in memory of his mother and friend.

"I'm grateful both for his efforts and those of the band and other event organisers.

"I've no doubt that it will be a wonderful evening for everyone who attends as well as raising money for this extremely commendable cause." Martin Stephenson and The Daintees - joined by Adrian Nation and Vicki Guillory (former member, alongside Fitzgerald, of local folk duo Hylin) - play Hall Two of The Sage Gateshead tonight at 8pm. Returns only.

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RESPECT Martin Stephenson brings the Daintees to the Sage Gateshead for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.