This pop trio is one of several post-millennial UK acts to enjoy more success overseas than in their native country. Mark Barry (b. 26 October 1978, Manchester, England; vocals), Christian Burns (b. 18 January 1976, Liverpool, England; rhythm guitar), and Ste McNally (b. Stephen Patrick McNally, 4 July 1978, Liverpool, England; guitar/vocals) came together from various under-performing acts based in the north west of England. Fashioning the BBMak title from their respective surnames, the trio recorded a demo before decamping to London to busk for various record companies. Their musical talent and photogenic looks attracted strong interest, with Hollywood Records winning the race for their signatures. The gloriously catchy single "Back Here" went to number 1 in Japan and several other countries, and belatedly broke into the US Top 20 in summer 2000. The trio's debut Sooner Or Later, although aimed at the US teen market, was a refreshingly original take on the desperately stale boy band formul
