A FORMER Wirral schoolboy returns to the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton next month with a tribute to American music icon Neil Diamond.

John Hylton and his band bring The Neil Diamond Rocks show to the seaside venue on January 22. The band features his sons Allen and Harrison.

Raised in Toronto, Canada, John moved to Bebington when he was young and was educated at Wirral Grammar School.

He played in bands and duets with friends and family and realised at the age of 14 that he loved performing on stage.

A former trainee accountant, he was also director of an IBM computer dealership.

When made redundant in the early 1980s, he took up music full-time.

His repertoire featured songs by The Beatles, John Denver, Bob Dylan, before turning his attention full-time to Neil Diamond and Simon & Garfunkel.

Looking forward to the show, John told the Globe: "It's been a while, but I'm looking forward to a long overdue return to the Floral Pavilion.

"Wirral is my old stomping ground. I was born in Liverpool and raised on a Canadian Air Force base.

"My parents, both from Wirral, had emigrated to Canada and returned to Wirral in the late 60s.

"I have been a professional 'Neil' now for 22 years and performed over 4,000 Diamond Tribute shows.

"I like to make the tours different, not just the same songs in the same way every time."

Neil Diamond’s iconic career stretches from 1965.

With chart and album hits in every decade, Neil has earned legend status.

On his tribute show, John Hylton continued: "I do include the great ballad hits, but I believe people sometimes think Neil image is just as a great romantic ballad singer / songwriter.

“So, this tour will have an emphasis on the rockier side of Neil.”

Tickets for his show on January 22, which starts at 7.30pm, are from the box office on 666 0000.