THE spirit of the Man in Black is alive and kicking like a mule in the Carter/Cash-endorsed Johnny Cash Roadshow, headed for the Grand Opera House in York tonight.

Against a backdrop of classic screen imagery of the real deal, Clive John captures the essence of Cash, his deep, dark vocals evoking the country magic of Walk The Line, Folsom Prison Blues and A Thing Called Love.

John will be joined by Amanda Stone's June Carter for renditions of Jackson and Long Legged Guitar Pickin’ Man, while the band will feature Martin Bentley on bass, Nick Davis on guitars and Darren Bazzoni on drums.

Caitlin Crowell, granddaughter of Johnny and June, has said of the show: "I had the pleasure to see the Johnny Cash Roadshow in Manchester. As a member of the Cash Family, I was in awe of how incredible the performances were. Clive and his June capture my grandfather and grandmother just as they were in this world they put a mark in.

"And not just the focus of the show, being those two talents, but the rest of the crew, absolutely brilliant. I have never seen a stand-up bass spun around that fast, just to predict the perfect punctuation for landing! And don't get me started on the electric and the drums!Amazing.

"I sincerely believe that there is an art form to 'tributing', but this was absolutely authentic to the point where it felt as if it wasn't a tribute, per se, it was a rock'n'roll gig given by some sincere rock'n'rollers! I am a fan!"

Tickets for tonight's 7.30pm show are on sale at £23.25 upwards on 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york