Born in Bolton, Lancashire, in the early 1970s, John is a father of three, long-suffering supporter of Bolton Wanderers and Chorley FC, an enthusiastic drinker of tea, and a school leader in special education.

John's musical memoir 'Capturing the Wry' was first published by i40Publishing in 2018 and his authorised biography of the indie band BOB is published by i40Publishing in February 2023. He has written extensively for the Neo-Tokyo online magazine, Dukla Prague Away Kit blog, Toppermost and Everything Indie Over 40 websites.

John's favourite authors are Robert Westall, Magnus Mills, Roddy Doyle, Stan Barstow and Peter Tinniswood.