This week, Tom speaks to John Howard, the great singer-songwriter you probably haven't heard of but will love if you like David Bowie, Elton John, Jobriath, Duncan Browne and Clifford T. Ward. This episode includes discussion ranging over the whole of John's music career, including his landmark albums Kid in a Big World and The Dangerous Hours and working with producers Biddu and Trevor Horn. The interview also takes in homophobic gatekeeping, AIDS and John's conflicted feelings about the North, where he grew up,

Extracts of these* pieces of music are included under fair dealing/fair use for commentary and review and to illustrate guest choices. All of John Howard's songs used are used with explicit agreement by the artist himself. This podcast is non-commercial and no AI has been used in its creation.

* John Howard - 'Blink in the Darkness', John Howard - 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner', John Howard - 'The Dangerous Hours', John Howard - 'Safety in Numbers', John Howard - 'Goodbye Suzie', The Beatles - 'Strawberry Fields Forever' and The Beatles - 'Penny Lane'.

Hit the North aims to include guests from all over the North, and outside it. Justin Lewis is an authoritative historian of comedy and pop music, and this episode explores his life, and showcases his excellent books, including the new "Into the Groove", a history of 1980s music. Justin's connections to the North are slighter than Matthew's or Ruth's, but tangible and deep - and his three musical selections are ace!

Extracts of these* pieces of music are included under fair dealing/fair use for commentary and review and to illustrate guest choices. This podcast is non-commercial.

*Chris Morris Music Show Episode 12 extract, The Special AKA - 'Free Nelson Mandela', Heaven 17 - 'Penthouse and Pavement', Barry Adamson - 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' and LoneLady - 'Hinterland'.

This week's guest is the singer Ruth-Ann Boyle, primarily known for her work with Olive, but who has also recorded with The Durutti Column and Enigma. This enjoyable chat takes in the minutiae of Sunderland life, the tabloid press and how Top of the Pops was better than Never Mind the Buzzcocks. As is necessary, there are some wonderful clips of music Ruth-Ann was involved with!

Extracts of these* pieces of music are included under fair dealing/fair use for commentary and review and to illustrate guest choices. Furthermore, Olive, Durutti Column and Kojak selections appear by age\rement of the artist Ruth-Ann Boyle, who worked on all of those records. This podcast is non-commercial.

*Olive - 'Miracle', The Durutti Column - 'Believe In Me', Olive - 'Killing', Olive - 'You're Not Alone', Kojak ft. Ruth-Ann Boyle - 'Tell Me', Prefab Sprout - 'When Love Breaks Down', The Eurythmics - 'Sweet Dreams' and Chris Rea - 'Driving Home for Christmas'.

This week, Tom speaks to the actor and presenter Matthew Kelly about his life and work and Northern England. The discussion takes in a key agitprop production at the Liverpool Everyman, Stars in Their Eyes, Samuel Beckett, Not Going Out and Inside No. 9 among much else! What a delightful first guest for this show, quite frankly.

Tom May introduces the new podcast HIT THE NORTH.

Extracts of these* pieces of music are included under fair dealing/fair use for commentary and review and to illustrate guest choices. This podcast is non-commercial.

*The JAMs - 'It's Grim Up North', Jake Thackray - 'Old Molly Metcalfe' and Alex Glasgow - 'As Soon As This Pub Closes'.