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Mention Newcastle and music in the same sentence and there is an inevitable arms-in-the-air response - “Fog on the Tyne, is all mine, all mine...” As grateful as we are to Lindisfarne for putting us on many people's maps, there’s a lot more to Newcastle's nomination as the Most Musical City.

During the 'British Invasion' of 60's America John, Paul, George and Ringo were closely followed by Eric, Alan, Hilton, John and Chas, five lads from Newcastle known as The Animals who had one of the biggest hits of the decade in 'The House of the Rising Sun'. And they wouldn't be the last international stars to emerge from this corner of the north-east.

The Police became the biggest band in the world in the early 80's with album sales going Platinum eight times in the US alone. Three school years below Sting at St. Cuthberts Grammar was Neil Tennant whose The Pet Shop Boys hit the charts in 1986. 39 UK top 30 hits followed with the duo now recognised amongst pop's greatest innovators.

Also hailing from the North-East is AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson who joined the Australian rockers in 1980 and had an immediate impact with 'Back In Black' an album which went on to sell 42 million - the third highest selling album ever. One of the other biggest sellers is Dire Straits' 'Brothers in Arms', a band led by Newcastle raised Mark Knopfler.

The City's mix of musical success stories range from Dubstar’s Britpop to the vast Global Underground 'House' label. The clashing guitars of Maximo Park and The Futureheads are enjoying critical acclaim right now continuing a guitar tradition started by Hank Marvin of The Shadows.

And we may also be the Funniest City. Vic Reeves, Eric Idle, Roy 'Chubby' Brown, Paul Gascoinge, and the slightly less comedic Jimmy Nail have all produced alternative North-East number ones.

Great bands and a good laugh - vote for the North-East.