THE legacy of one of the world's biggest pop icons has inspired the latest release of a Bolton singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer.

James Holt has been sending his work in the footsteps of John Lennon for his latest single release.

The 24-year-old, who was diagnosed with a bilateral hearing loss at the age of four, has overcome his disability to release rock’n’roll track Whatever Happened to John?

Speaking about its inception, he said: "The inspiration came from a Sky Arts TV programme set in an alternate reality in which John Lennon walked out of the Beatles before their fame in the mid-60s.

"It's a fusion of thoughts and ideas and also bears references to George Orwell's 1984. Some people say that it sounds very Dylan-esque in the verses – especially with the harmonica – but I think the Indian-fused Beatles' Revolver creeps in the bridge.

"It's a fusion of thoughts and ideas and also bears references to George Orwell's 1984. Some people say that it sounds very Dylan-esque in the verses – especially with the harmonica – but I think the Indian-fused Beatles' Revolver creeps in the bridge.

"I recorded it myself then sent it over to Abbey Road Studios and they mastered it. It's the first time I've done something like that and it's been good. Also to sing about John Lennon it is great to have the track mastered where he recorded all those famous songs. It takes it up another level."

James - who graduated with a BA Music 1st class honours and MA in Music Composition (distinction), despite doubt in his early years from his teachers - provides lead and backing vocals and plays all instruments on the track.

Music legend, Brian Eno - who has long championed James - has praised the track as "brisk, funny, exciting".

He has previously invited the young luminary to meet him at his John Peel Lecture for BBC Radio 6 Music and the former Roxy Music keyboard player, record producer and revered ambient pioneer also chose James’s song to use as part of an arts festival last year.

James added: "The reaction to the track has been great. I've been on a few big Spotify playlists and had radio play from XS Manchester and BBC Radio 2.

"With Brian's name attached as championing it I figured it should do well.

"It should be exciting summer."

James is looking forward to a summer of gigging, including taking to the stage at the Alma Inn in Bradshawgate on July 27 alongside Tom Hingley, frontman of Manchester's Inspiral Carpets.

Whatever Happened to John? follows several well-received releases from James, including Butterfly – a charity single for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, which has raised over £1K since its release in July of last year.