He was a booking agent and promoter who helped launch New Wave alt-rock
in the 1970s and 80s. At first he had difficulty getting US concert
venues to book the new bands he discovered in the UK. He arranged to
have the bands build up a following by touring small clubs in the US.
This strategy worked for The Police and the B-52s. His talent agency
represented Adam Ant, the Bangles, the Smiths, Joan Jett and the
Blackhearts, and the Dead Kennedys.