their hard r&b sound was good enough to get them into a battle-of-the-bands contest held under the show "ready steady go!". when the band made their first television appearance, they caught the eye of decca record company executives. the ensuing recording contract resulted in their first two singles, "you don't love me" and "leaving here". the birds seemed destined for stardom with their loud rhythm-and-blues based music, receiving equal billing with the who at some concerts.