In 1981, Ian formed The Icicle Works with Chris Sharrock (drums) and Chris Layhe (bass/vocals). They quickly gained attention through their debut single Nirvana and extensive live performances.

The band became part of Liverpool’s 1980s music renaissance and signed to Beggars Banquet Records. They achieved a UK Top 20 hit with Love Is A Wonderful Colour and international success with Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream) from their debut album.

Ian later collaborated with former Icicle Works producer Ian Broudie, contributing songs to the successful Lightning Seeds records.

In 2009 he released his autobiography Merseybeast, which gained cult status and was later released as an audiobook narrated by Ian.

In recent years Ian has released several albums including Little Episodes, Eclectic Warrior, Kruggerands, Respectfully Yours, Star, Smile, Strong (featuring collaborations with Prof. Brian Cox and Ralph Molina, and the return of drummer Chris Sharrock), and Our Future In Space, which includes the song Aquamarine co-written with Peter Buck.