[2][3] He also worked with Ian Dury, Graham Parker, Gnidrolog, Rory Gallagher, The Boomtown Rats, Randy Crawford, Shakin' Stevens and many others[4][5] Earle went to school at Synge Street CBS,[6] and started playing the clarinet as a young boy, and later graduated to saxophone.
Towards the end of the decade, he joined the Krautrock band Nine Days Wonder,[7] performing in clubs across Europe and recording his first album with them.
While attending various auditions and jam sessions, he met Ian Dury by chance in the Hope and Anchor, Islington, which led to him becoming a member of his backing band Kilburn and the High Roads.
He also worked at the newly reopened Rainbow Theatre as a member of the stage crew during 1977.
He frequently played with local blues and jazz musicians including Tam White and Ben Prevo.