In the summer of 1974, Sargeant began working on a solo album, First Starring Role, and met Mick Ronson who "was immediately impressed with Bob as both a songwriter and a performer".
[3] The soft rock album was recorded at Trident Studios, with Ronson co-producing it with Sargeant and Dennis Mackay.
It features a number of well-known musicians such as Herbie Flowers, Walt Monaghan, Mike Garson and Cozy Powell.
He also produced several successful records for bands including the Fall (Live at the Witch Trials), the Ruts, the Monochrome Set, and the Beat.
For the Beat, he produced three successful albums and several hit singles including "Tears of a Clown", "Mirror in the Bathroom", and "Can't Get Used to Losing You".