A decidedly older audience welcomed the silver-haired singer on to the stage, hardly believing their luck that the Woodstock veteran was playing Gateshead.

But the venue, which was sneered at by some as a white elephant, has been successful in attracting some of the biggest names in music.

Dressed in a black trouser suit with a red scarf draped round her shoulders, Baez gave a royal wave to fans, quite fitting for the queen of folk.

She kicked off the set with Farewell Angelina and it was the start of an evening in which she mockingly paid tribute to her relationship with singer songwriter Bob Dylan, which culminated in a well-received rendition of Diamonds and Rust.

The set lasted one hour and 40 minutes and Baez impressively belted out classic after classic, her voice strong throughout.

Her career has spanned five decades and she selected tracks from throughout, allowing the crowd to enjoy the cross section of her music.

From her Woodstock set she played the Ballad of Joe Hill, although I would have preferred to hear Drug Store Truck Driving Man or Sweet Sir Galahad, but you can't have it all I suppose.

Baez endeared the audience with various tales from her rock 'n' roll past and her role as part of the protest movement, something which she is still part of today.

She paid tribute to the audience and the venue, saying: "You have been a lovely public and the sound system in this place is not to be believed. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have."

Judging by their appreciative reaction, they had.

Gavin Havery