Formed in 1982 by Ray Gelato (b. Ray Keith Irwin, 25 October 1961, London, England; vocals/saxophone) and Maurice Chevalier (b. Patrice Serapiglia, France; guitar/vocals), this retro jump jive band started off busking on the streets of London. The line-up was quickly expanded to include Roger Beaujolais (b. Roger Downham, 22 November 1942, Harrogate, Yorkshire, England; vibes/vocals), Clark Kent (double bass/vocals), and John Piper (d. 2000; drums). Their reputation was firmly established as a live unit, travelling widely throughout Europe and also touring in Japan and North America. Chevalier left following the release of the 1985 debut Live & Jumping, and although the remaining members carried on touring and recording the spark had gone out of the band. After disbanding in 1988, Gelato and Beaujolais enjoyed the most prominent solo careers.