80s singer performing at Oran Mor

Over 30 years later and the synth-pop artist can still recall that gig, because he believes it gave him the confidence to make a career out of music.

“It was my first national tour,” he recalls.

“I remember there was an incredible response from the crowd, and I felt like a different performer after that gig, because they gave me such confidence that I was doing the right thing. So I will always have an incredible affection for the Glasgow crowd.

“The Apollo was great too. Whenever I played there, the balcony would be swaying.

"I’d come down from Manchester once to see the Rolling Stones there in the 70s and loved it, and there was a unique atmosphere because the energy from the fans was amazing. I remember being warned before going on that the drop from the stage was huge, and to watch yourself.”

The singer’s latest trip to Glasgow will be a more sedate affair. He is bringing a stripped back tour to Oran Mor on Sunday, performing with just a piano and digging into his back catalogue for some deeper cuts than he usually plays.

Those who prefer the electro-pop likes of New Song and What Is Love? will still be catered for though, as Howard has an O2 ABC date booked for November 23. However he clearly finds these pared down shows refreshing.

“I’ve asked fans to email me and say what songs they’d like me to play, and why they liked it,” he says.

“I’ve had some absolutely brilliant ones and it’s a great way of connecting with the audience. It’s been very moving. There was one gig where a gentleman said he was bringing his daughter, who had been in a coach crash, and she was really traumatised.

“Music was a big element in her recovery, and one of the songs she really loved was Life In One Day. The whole audience were really gripped by the story and supported her, and it was really brilliant, it showed how big an impact music can have.”

Although Howard’s heyday was the 1980s, he has been making music consistently since then, with his most recent album, Engage, released back in 2015. He has watched with amusement as 1980s pop, often heavily slated over the years, suddenly became trendy again over the last decade or so, with umpteen bands and singers using it as an inspiration.

“I was always baffled as to why the 80s did get such a bad rap for so long, when it was a really interesting time for pop,” he says.

“There were so many styles and genres being worked on that there was something for everyone and I think it was very creative. It wasn’t viewed that way though, but now it has turned around and people realise it was a great decade for pop music.

“What was great then was that so many artists were coming through, releasing albums and being in the charts. Now you have basically got two acts doing that in the charts, Adele and Ed Sheeran.

“We’re capable of producing dozens of amazing artists and we’ve still got some, but it’s whittled down in sales to just those two. The 80s you had dozens of people doing that, and I think you need more choice.”

The apex of that pop scene was arguably Live Aid, where Howard performed Hide and Seek. Performing in front of thousands at Wembley was one thing, but backstage was another level…

“I just did one song on the piano, but the whole crowd was so supportive and joined in with the chorus, and it was a moment that I’ll never forget,” he says.

“Then there was backstage, where there was Bowie, Paul McCartney, and Queen all hanging about. I’ll never forget that. I don’t think I would feel quite as nervous now, because I would feel a bit more confident, but in 1985 I was meeting my heroes and people I’d idolised growing up.

“I was actually going to do Life In One Day, an acapella version with my backing singers, but it ended up being cut. We were rehearsing backstage, and David Bowie and Pete Townshend came out and were watching us rehearse – moments that like that were priceless memories.”

Howard Jones, Oran Mor, Sunday, sold out, and O2 ABC, November 23, £30

Jonathan Geddes