After leaving school at the age of fifteen, Cussick formed several local bands, with moderate success.

In 1973, he answered an advertisement in Melody Maker for a "singer wanted", and flew to Germany to work with the popular showband Lake.

He also worked extensively on other productions, including the orchestral Beatles tribute album Norwegian Wood by Rainer "R.A.M."

He is a prolific songwriter, and has written hits for other artists, including "Call Me Up" ("Talisman" in the Spanish version) for the female duo Baccara in 1987.

At present, Ian Cussick is part owner in IceBerg Media & Records based in Austin, Texas, USA – from where he works exclusively.