He has produced music for many artists, including Silverchair, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, The Hoodoo Gurus, The Angels, and Cold Chisel.
[2] Shirley spent his early years producing and engineering records for South African artists including Robin Auld, Juluka, Jonathan Butler, Lesley Rae Dowling, Steve Louw, and Sweatband, as well as performing and recording with his own band The Council,[2][3] whose singer was Brian Davidson (from Freedoms Children).
[3] He moved to Australia in 1986, where he continued working with Australian artists, such as The Hoodoo Gurus, The Angels, Cold Chisel, Girl Monstar, Tina Arena, The Screaming Jets, Baby Animals.
[5] Shirley produced Elly-May Barnes' first solo single,[6] a cover of the Radiohead song "Creep", released on 20 November 2023.
[6] Shirley has also produced music for The Black Crowes, Journey, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Rush, Joe Bonamassa, Beth Hart, Dream Theater, Jimmy Barnes, Cold Chisel, Joanne Shaw Taylor, The Springbok Nude Girls, All Night Radio,[8][9] Steve Louw & Big Sky,[10][11][12] HIM,[13] Mr. Big,[14] and Europe.