In January 1976 Shakespeare left the band citing dissatisfaction with touring, pressures of writing and concerns over the group's finances.

[5] See left in October 1970 to join the Flying Circus and was replaced by New Zealand-born Garth Porter (Samael Lilith, Toby Jugg) who provided Hammond organ and electric piano.

[7] From 1972 to 1976, Sherbet's main song writing team of Porter and Shakespeare were responsible for co-writing the lion's share of the band's original tracks,[3] which combined British pop and American soul influences.

For their debut album, Time Change... A Natural Progression (December 1972), Shakespeare co-wrote five tracks including the top 30 single, "You've Got the Gun".

[10] Shakespeare set up Silverwood Studios and worked in record production, including co-producing Paul Kelly's debut solo album, Post (1985).

[11] Shakespeare rejoined Sherbet for reunion concerts including the Countdown Spectacular tour throughout Australia during September and October 2006.

[12][13] Shakespeare married Slava Maksymenko in 1969, however their relationship was kept low-profile due to Sherbet's fan-base consisting of young females.