US blue-rock guitarist Walter Trout very nearly wasn’t around to tour to Stockton's Arc on November 17. In summer last year he underwent an incredible life-saving liver transplant. He had lost 13 pints of blood and was in a coma for three days, when he came out he suffered from encephalopathy, a temporary brain damage.

The reason Walter is still here and is now fit and well is through the overwhelming generosity of his fans and supporters, which included a fan-organised YouCaring campaign set up by Kirby Bryant, the wife of British blues guitarist and Trout protégée Danny Bryant. This, alongside various concert tributes raised $245,000 towards his healthcare.

He made an emotional return to the stage for the first time at the Royal Albert Hall in London for the Lead Belly Fest in June this year which saw him receive two standing ovations during his performance

His appearance at the Lead Belly Fest kicked off a tour taking Trout across the globe as he resumed his career of fifty plus years resulting in the I’m Back November 2015 UK tour.

Trout says: "I have been dreaming about this moment for so long. After experiencing the immense impact this has had on me as my body shut-down, and I could not walk, talk or even think about playing or singing, this seems almost surreal. It is like a phantom from another era that is mysteriously re-emerging, and here I stand stronger than I have been for years. It is hard to express how poignant this feels to have my full voice, strength, musicianship and command of musical language back. I am emotionally charged, explosive with feelings, and over the moon excited to re-experience what I love to do - playing for people – engaging them to walk with me through the Blues.

"It feels unbelievable to pick up the guitar, step behind the microphone, and feel alive. My fans showed me so much love, support, and a commitment to help me in my time of need, the moment is here to get back out there and bring the music to each and every one of them who enabled me to see this day."

Last year’s The Blues Came Callin' captured Trout reflecting on his omnipresent thoughts about mortality and his renewed appreciation for being alive. Among the 12 new songs, ten are originals. One is written by John Mayall for the occasion, and the other is a JB Lenoir cover.

* Arc Box Office: 01642-525199 or arconline.co.uk