John Allen was Neil Hannon’s best mate as a teenager. Although he wasn’t directly involved with October, he contributed by filming the video documentary The Making Of Exposition in 1988.

Later, in 1991, when Neil Hannon lost confidence as a singer and wanted to become a guitarist, he was asked to join The Divine Comedy on lead vocals. He recorded the Europop EP with the band, and also performed live. He still provided vocals during for the earliest Liberation demos until he convinced Neil Hannon he could sing like Scott Walker [1].

Later he was still in touch with Neil Hannon and joined The Divine Comedy again on Casanova playing celesta and whistling. He also helped to set up the fan club in late 1996, early 1997.

[1] Muse Magazine biography.