In 1972, Earle left Germany and moved to England to further his career. After a spell with progressive rock band Gnidrolog, there was a lack of musical work so he took a job in a record packing house distributing albums, including Gnidrolog's. While attending various auditions and jam sessions, he met Ian Dury by chance in the Hope and Anchor, Islington, which led to him becoming a member of his backing band Kilburn and the High Roads. In 1977 he performed and solo'd on the song "England's Glory", written by Dury, performed by English music hall veteran Max Wall and produced by Dave Edmunds. He also worked at the newly reopened Rainbow Theatre as a member of the stage crew during 1977.
