In 1978, Saunders joined Dexys Midnight Runners in response to an advertisement in his local newspaper.
After briefly separating from the band in 1979, he returned in 1980 for the writing and recording of Searching for the Young Soul Rebels,[1] which peaked in the UK charts at number 6.
[2] After leaving the band for a protracted period of time, Saunders returned to Dexys in 2003 to perform on the tracks "Manhood" and "My Life in England Part One".
Inspired by the single "Bad Day", Saunders auditioned in Manchester and joined Carmel on their first album, writing the tune for the song "More More More".
Thereafter, he started playing some dinner jazz in hotels and bars and gigs with The Fallen Heroes.
In 2005, he started working at a London burlesque/cabaret venue in Holborn, playing the piano before shows and introducing acts.