He became known for his eccentric behaviour at local rock gigs during the late 1970s, including those of acts such as Joy Division and The Fall. He first became known for waiting until headline bands had finished their set (sometimes before they had finished) before mounting the stage in a drunken state, grabbing the microphone, and performing his own versions of rock 'n' roll classics such as "Louie Louie".
During the late 1970s at local rock gigs featuring acts like Joy Division and The Fall, he became well-known for his eccentric behavior. Specifically, he gained fame by waiting until headlining bands had finished their sets (sometimes before they were done) to perform on stage in a drunken state, taking the microphone and singing his own renditions of classic rock tunes such as "Louie Louie".