In 1973, Banks tried to form a new band, with singer and soon-to-be-wife, Sidney Foxx (real name Sidonie Jordan). Named Empire, Banks, Foxx, and various other band members recorded three albums up to 1979 which were unreleased. Phil Collins played drums on one track and Preston Heyman (later to join Kate Bush) played drums on the rest (after a recommendation from Collins), John Giblin from Brand X played bass, and Jakob Magnusson played organ on the first album, "Mark I". Ray Bennett of Flash was asked to join the band and initially agreed, but due to continuing tensions, declined. Banks and Foxx divorced, although Empire remained together as a band for some time after.