TRIBUTE has been paid to a Keighley musician who has died aged 74.

In the 1960s, John Loveday was part of the hugely-successful Keighley band John’s Followers.

He and bandmates Andrew Pickles, John Swain, John Martin and Trevor Tillotson became a popular attraction on the northern club scene. The band also toured Switzerland and Italy and released a single, Crystal Mountain, in Milan.

John was educated at the old Keighley Boys’ Grammar School and then studied engineering at the former Technical College.

He emigrated to New Zealand in 1978, where he ran a business producing car parts but also continued working in the music scene – forming his own band Sax Appeal and the Rock and Roll Allstars, performing at festivals and on TV.

He returned to the UK in 2013 – with Trevor, also living in New Zealand – for a John’s Followers fundraising reunion gig.

John developed multiple myeloma in 2015, but continued in the music scene until he became too ill last year.

In a tribute, his old bandmates said this week: “John was always the perfect frontman and kept his love of music and rock and roll style going throughout his life. He had energy and enthusiasm, and will be deeply missed by all.”

He leaves three daughters – Jayne, Stephanie and Susie – and a granddaughter, Emma.