His first recording, on which he played the saxophone, was with Hull ska band Akrylykz; the second release on York's Red Rhino Records. Although this record was unsuccessful, it did bring him to the attention of Andy Cox and David Steele of the Beat. Akrylykz toured with the Beat, which led to them, in around 1985, asking him to be the lead singer of their new band Fine Young Cannibals after their old band, the Beat, had broken up. He also was a guest Artist on the Ska City Rockers' "Time Is Tight" single.