(Image: OWEN HUMPHREYS/PA WIRE)
Trevor Horn, who went from a County Durham mining village to the very top of the global music industry, will return home soon.
Few producers have left a mark on popular music quite like Trevor Horn- born in Hetton-le-Hole, he has often been described as 'the man who invented the 80s.'
The County Durham-born star's homecoming appearance at Durham's Gala Theatre on October 31 will follow the publication of his memoir, Adventures in Modern Recording: From ABC to ZTT.
Horn grew up in Durham City and attended Johnston Grammar School, now Durham Johnston Comprehensive School.
His father, John, was a civil engineer at a local dairy and a semi-professional double bass player. His mother came from a mining family in Hetton.
Born in Hetton-le-Hole, Trevor Horn has often been described as 'the man who invented the 80s.' (Image: Supplied)
That upbringing influenced Horn throughout a career that later took him from the North East across the world, telling a reporter in 1984 that he was "always defending the area."
He said: "I know I have lived all over the place and am now based in London, but if you come from the North East you never forget it."
Inspired by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, Horn left the region for London at 21.
He also spent time in Leicester, producing music for local performers, including a song for Leicester City Football Club, before returning to London.
Financial difficulty followed, but his first production success came in 1979, when Dan-I’s Monkey Chop reached number 30 in the UK singles chart.
Horn then formed The Buggles with Geoff Downes. Their first single, Video Killed the Radio Star, reached number one in the UK in 1979.
He went on to join Yes, before finding success writing for pop duo Dollar, with whom he produced four UK top 20 singles, including Mirror Mirror and Videotheque.
Horn's early successes garnered attention from other artists, including pop band ABC. Their debut album, The Lexicon of Love, became one of the best-selling albums of 1982 and earned Horn a BRIT Award for British Producer of the Year.
His production credits grew to include Malcolm McLaren, whose Buffalo Gals was described as the first British hip hop single, Foreigner and Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
Yes enlisted former member Horn to produce their 90125 album. He persuaded the band to record Owner of a Lonely Heart, which became their only number one single in the United States.
Buggles star Trevor Horn's contributions to music span decades, including work with ABC, Foreigner, Robbie Williams and Yes. (Image: OWEN HUMPHREYS/PA WIRE)
In 1984, Horn allowed Bob Geldof’s team to use his Sarm West Studios in London for 24 hours while recording Do They Know It’s Christmas? He later remixed and co-produced the 12-inch version, as well as later anniversary releases.
His work with Seal during the 1990s brought further recognition, including a 1995 Grammy for Kiss From a Rose. Other credits include t.A.T.u., Marc Almond, Tori Amos, the Pet Shop Boys and Robbie Williams.
Horn won four BRIT Awards throughout his career, and has been cited by the likes of Gary Barlow, DJ Shadow and Nigel Godrich as an influence.
The County Durham-born producer's upcoming Gala Durham event will offer local audiences a chance to hear directly about his career, from early work in the North East to international success.