Interview: Howard Jones

The Yorkshire Times caught up with Howard Jones prior to his coming to Leeds on 19 February 2016.

Your success seemed to happen overnight back in the 1980s

It might have seemed that way but I had been playing in bands since I was 14 but I didn't get a solo record deal until I was 28. My biggest success was in the UK and America, I played Madison Square Gardens at the height of my career.

Your music seems to have stood the test of time

Thank you for your kind words. I feel very fortunate that it still sounds good. I always wanted my songs to be heard on the radio, that way everyone can hear your music and the good thing is that they are still playing my songs on the radio now.

You are doing a solo tour that visits the City Varieties on 19 February, what can we expect?

It will be me playing the hits with a few surprises, I will be telling the stories behind the songs too, it will be such a contrast to when I do a show with a full electric band. If you like the songs I am sure you will enjoy the gig. Most of my songs were composed on the piano so you will hear the songs just as they were written.

What do you think of the current music scene?

It is a lot harder to keep up with things these days, things move so fast. I tend to listen to new tracks that have been recommended to me by my friends. I am glad that people still like to go to live shows instead of staying in and streaming music.

Are you looking forward to playing Leeds?

Definitely, the City Varieties is such an historic venue. I have always had such fantastic support from my northern fans, with What is Love? the track was always #1 in the north and #2 in the south. At the end of the gig I will be coming out to meet the people and sign the CD's we have on sale at the gig.

Howard Jones plays Leeds City Varieties on Friday 19 February.

Tickets available from: https://www.cityvarieties.co.uk/Online/HowardJones