Extreme Noise Terror were formed in Ipswich in 1985, and as a band local to the area were vigorously supported by John. Along with William and Sheila, he was a regular attendee of the gigs they played with Napalm Death at the Caribbean Centre in Ipswich, following a recommendation from the Stupids. They are often credited with turning crust punk into grindcore, but guitarist Pete Hurley disliked the term and stated that they were a hardcore punk band first and foremost. The original second vocalist Phil Vane died in his sleep in 2011.