Originally a hardcore outfit named Next in Line, they are influenced by punk rock and Britpop music, as well as the bands the Clash, the Specials, the Jam, the Kinks and the Smiths.

The single become a hit the following year, when the band's popularity grew while Preston participated in Celebrity Big Brother UK.

In October 2006, they released their third album, How to Get Everything You Ever Wanted in Ten Easy Steps, which marked a change of sound, with more of a commercial pop feel, featuring synthesisers and samples.

The Ordinary Boys' final live performance was at the Ben and Jerry's Summer Sundae outdoor event on Clapham Common on 27 July 2008.

The Ordinary Boys reunited on 13 December 2013 to play a one-off gig at the Hoxton Bar and Grill in Shoreditch, London.

On 28 December 2013, Preston announced that the Ordinary Boys were to officially reform, this time with Louis Jones from Spectrals on lead guitar, with original drummer Charlie Stanley replacing Goldring.

On 19 August 2014, the Ordinary Boys new lineup played a sold-out first show at Birthdays in Dalston as a warm up for their UK tour that November.

In July 2015, the band announced that they would release their fourth album, the eponymously titled The Ordinary Boys, on 2 October 2015 via their own imprint label, Treat Yourself.