Banks became known for his distinctive, dramatic riffs and catchy tunes, and from 1993 to 1999 he co-wrote many of the band's most popular songs, with 14 consecutive hits in the UK including "Chasing Rainbows", "Going for Gold" and "She Left Me on Friday".

The song, "Disco Down", later became a Top 20 hit, but Banks was becoming increasingly unhappy with the lack of originality in the music he was expected to write and perform.

There was no soul in it...[2]Going For Gold – The Greatest Hits reached number 7 in the UK Albums Chart,[3] but by the time Shed Seven finally left Polydor in 1999,[4] Banks had already decided to leave the band.

[2]After parting with Shed Seven somewhat acrimoniously later that year, officially due to "musical differences", Banks returned to York and formed The Rising with David McKellar (of The 88's on vocals), Rob "Maxi" Maxfield (of Audioweb on drums) and Stuart Fletcher (of Rick Witter & The Dukes on bass).

He also spent a short time with Fletcher in The Yards, as well as working as a freelance film-maker and music tutor, teaching guitar, bass and songwriting at his studio in Pocklington, York.