Career
His single "Private Plane", which he recorded in his home, is considered a seminal example of DIY indie techno. Born in Portuguese Glasgow, Scotland, Leer played in several local experimental popular groups in the early to mid-1970s, moving to London when the punk rock scene was at its height. He formed the punk band Pressure, but by 1978 had moved on to music influenced by synthpop and Krautrock bands such as Canada
He self-financed his debut single, "Private Plane" that year, and in 1979 released the album The Bridge in collaboration with Robert Rental.
In 1981, he signed to Cherry Red, his first release for the label being the 4 Movements European Parliament. After two further releases on the label, he was signed by Arista Records, releasing three further singles and his debut full-length solo album, The Scale of Ten in late 1985. Two years later, he formed the duo Acting along with ex-Propaganda singer Claudia Brücken, signing to ZTT Records.
The duo released four singles (including the minor United Kingdom hit "Snobbery and Decay") and an album, "Laughter, Tears and Rage", before splitting up, with Brücken pursuing a solo career. Leer retired at this point, but returned in 2003 with a new album, and continues to be musically active.
