Born in Manchester, Gordon began his music career playing bass guitar and singing in local bands in clubs and pubs around the north of England. Later, after turning professional, he went on to tour throughout Europe.

Returning to England he joined a show band called Sweetvine, which played theatre tours, playing many of the major venues in the U.K. including the prestigious London Palladium.

After his move to Birmingham he set up his own band called Sticky, writing and recording his own music. During this time he also worked as a session musician on various projects for studios in Birmingham and Manchester.

After this, Gordon joined a Birmingham band called Steel Water Gang which is where he met Phil Tree and this has lead to him joining The Move.