In 1989, McArtney returned to university, completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature, majoring in Renaissance poetry.
McArtney started studying law before forming Hello Sailor with Harry Lyon and Graham Brazier.
Paul Hewson left the band, which then released the EP Remember The Alamo and extensively toured New Zealand.
The band then relocated to Sydney and signed to Polygram Australia, releasing their second album We Never Close in 1982.
Returning to New Zealand in 1984, McArtney recorded the Pink Flamingos' third album, The Catch, released under CBS.