In the past couple of weeks Marcus Malone has played at six festivals and, he says, he is suffering from heat stroke as a result.

"There was one where we played in the open sunshine without a canopy," he said. "It was a nightmare!"

For a man who launched his rock career in sunny California, you might think Marcus had adapted to playing in high temperatures by now.

But he has spent the past seven years of his life as a blues-rock man living in Croydon and has become used to more downbeat conditions.

In spite of the changeable weather, he finds the UK fans possess a passion for the blues that can't be matched in his native Detroit.

"People here are very devoted," he said. "They're very knowledgable. They know their blues and seem to love it. In America it's a bit harder because there are so many different regions. In Detroit they seem to prefer rock."

Marcus, now 45, was known as a rock singer in the states. However, after moving to England he was increasingly influenced by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and B.B. King and decided to form his own blues/ rock band.

He said: "We are more on the rock side of the blues. We write our own original material, so the only place to hear it performed is to hear us."

And, four years ago, a dream came true for Marcus and his band when they played alongside BB King at the Albert Hall.

Marcus said: "It was a great concert."

The band consists of Marcus, on guitar and vocals, Stuart Dixon on guitar, Chris Nugent on drums, Moz Gamble on keyboards and Jonathan Banks on bass.

They are back at Colne, which Marcus describes as, "a great festival", for the first time in five years.

Catch Marcus Malone on international stage at 9pm on Sunday.