Phoenix Press’ played the length and breadth of the Country including such famous venue’s as The Marquee Club in London where they were spotted, which later lead to the band being signed to WEA Records.  ‘Phoenix Press’ found themselves up against stiff opposition, they were 1 of 2 new signings fighting for fame in the tough music industry, the rival band was ‘America’, unfortunately for ‘Phoenix Press’, ‘America’ won the deal.

Clive was so determined not to fail knowing the talent the group had, he persisted until he got another recording deal with E.M.I. Records. A single ‘ Jerusalem’ was recorded and released but again sadly ‘Phoenix Press’ seemed fated, the single was deemed as inappropriate for radio air play due to the 7 day Arab Israeli war in the Middle East. After these disappointments the band members went in different musical directions but Clive and Phil stayed faithful to ‘Phoenix Press’. They were later joined by Harvey Coles on bass and Gary Coombes on keyboards. Times were hard for the band, Gary Coombes eventually left to work on a cruise liner so auditions were held and thus Keyboard player Gary was replaced by Richard Gower.