Although probably best known for his '80s hit "The Salt in My Tears," Martin Briley has had a long and varied career as a backup musician and songwriter. Hailing from the U.K., Briley was a founding member of the band Mandrake Paddlesteamer (later shortened to Mandrake), serving as the act's lead guitarist for four years until 1971. In 1974, he joined the progressive rock outfit Greenslade for a U.S. tour and would remain with them for two years, appearing on 1975's Time & Tide set. When Greenslade disbanded, Briley moved to New York City to seek his fortune. He managed to find work as a session musician, appearing on a number of albums during the late '70s, most notably playing bass on Night Out, a 1979 release by Meat Loaf's "Paradise By the Dashboard Light" duet partner, Ellen Foley. He would also join Ian Hunter's band during this period, appearing on several records and touring with him. When Hunter's output and live schedule lessened in the early '80s, Briley was given an opportunity as a solo artist, releasing Fear of the Unknown in 1981.