 On returning to Manchester he studied and qualified to become a chef, working in the Shetland Islands in 1980.In 1981 he joined the Bully Wee Band, a Celtic folk group, which led to an 11-year stint as lead guitarist with British folk rock band Fairport Convention from October 1985 to December 1996, and concurrently four years as keyboardist with rock band Jethro Tull from January 1988 to December 1991.In summer 1991 he also played keyboards for The Mission.