He was born in Leeds , West Riding of Yorkshire .
He was was brought up in North Shields , eight miles ( 13 km ) east of Newcastle upon Tyne , before leaving for London at the age of 20 .
He was born in Leeds , West Riding of Yorkshire , but was brought up in North Shields , eight miles ( 13 km ) east of Newcastle upon Tyne , before leaving for London at the age of 20 .