Messages of condolences flooded in from across the continent after John died suddenly and unexpectedly in February at the age of 60.

A pioneer of contemporary folk music, the former Borders hill shepherd made regular appearances in Teviothead and Denholm, and was one of the most respected and admired songwriters and performers in UK folk music.

And now hundreds of singers, songwriters, musicians, friends and fans will honour his contribution to folk music at a unique concert in Newcastle.

A star-studded line-up of Britain's top songwriters and performers, including Allan Taylor, Steven Knightley (Show of Hands), Kieran Halpin, Chris While and Julie Matthews, Ray Hearne (BBC Radio 2 Ballads), Robin Laing, Thom Moore and former Strawbs guitarist Brian Willoughby, will all pay tribute to John at next weekend's show.

A special performance will also be staged by Troy Donockley (Barbara Dickson Band) and former JW Big Band member Maartin Allcock as well as a personally-charged tribute from the current members of John Wright's Band – Pete Abbott, Gregor Borland, Joe Wright and Fraser Speirs.

John's own favourite choir, Rolling Home – fronted by his Dutch agent Dave Tearney – will also be crossing the channel for the event.

John's widow Barbara Benbow-Wright, who has been instrumental in organising the special concert, said he felt at home in the Borders and was always welcomed warmly.

She told us: "For that, John was always extremely grateful and up to last December he was still staging concerts in Teviothead and Denholm on an annual basis – always to sell-out audiences.

"It is a measure of the respect and admiration that his peers had for John, the songwriters' singer, that a glittering line-up of artists and songwriters has volunteered to perform.

"I am sure many people will be interested."

Since John's death, the John Wright Band has continued to play at venues across the UK and Holland, including the Borders.

A spokesperson for John Wright Music said: "It was John's dearest wish that if "something should happen to him", Barbara should continue to promote his music and his band.

To that end, the JW team have worked non-stop to ensure that as many concerts as possible would still take place.

"The village hall at Teviothead – a particularly poignant event – was packed to the rafters and the boys finished the concert after two standing ovations from John's former neighbours and many personal friends. Pearl and Jock Dalgleish did an amazing job, determined that the show must go on."

Next weekend's concert, Long Hellos ... Short Goodbyes, will take place at The Journal Tyne Theatre, Newcastle at 7.30pm on Friday, September 5.

To book tickets or for more information contact 01833 638826 or visit www.johnwrightmusic.co.uk or www.thejournal tynetheatre.co.uk