Sunderland rocker Billy Black to cause a stir on The Voice

Rocker Billy Black, 38, is hoping to follow in Melissa Cavanagh’s footsteps by winning a place in the next round when he takes to the stage for the Blind Auditions.

The eccentric Sunderland singer, who draws inspiration from acts such as Ozzy Osbourne, Van Halen and Aerosmith, is set to spark conflict amongst coaches Boy George, Paloma Faith, Ricky Wilson and Will.i.am with his performance of Robert Palmer’s Bad Case of Loving You.

The singer works as a full-time musician fronting The Billy Black Band and is known for ripping his shirt off on stage.

He’s been in several bands over the years including a Take That tribute band where he played Mark Owen.

In last Saturday’s show Melissa, 25, from Ashbrooke, made it through to the The Battles round after Boy George, who is new to the show this series, turned his chair for her. She put in a memorable appearance after referring to Sunderland as “Funderland.”

The singer, who fought back from a cancer diagnosis when she was 13, proved popular with Echo readers who took to social media to praise her performance.

Mackem performers have a track record of doing well in the BBC show. Last year teenager Olivia Lawson, from Grindon, made it through to the third round, the Knockout stage. Her haunting rendition of Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit has since been viewed more than five million times on YouTube.

l Watch Billy’s performance on Saturday at 7.45pm on BBC1.