Shirley spent his early years producing and engineering records for South African artists including
Robin Auld,
Juluka, Jonathan Butler,
Lesley Rae Dowling,
Steve Louw, and Sweatband, as well as performing and recording with his own band The council, whose singer was Brian Davidson (from
Freedoms Children). In March 2023,
Jimmy Barnes announced the formation of supergroup The Barnestormers, featuring Barnes,
Chris Cheney,
Slim Jim Phantom,
Jools Holland, and Kevin Shirley. A
self-titled album was released on 26 May 2023. Shirley produced
Elly-May Barnes' first solo single, He is described as a "dear friend", and is credited as a musician on her first album,
No Good, released in April 2024.
Other groups Shirley has also produced music for
The Black Crowes,
Journey,
Iron Maiden,
Led Zeppelin,
Rush,
Joe Bonamassa,
Beth Hart,
Dream Theater,
Jimmy Barnes,
Cold Chisel,
Joanne Shaw Taylor,
The Springbok Nude Girls,
All Night Radio,
Mr. Big, and
Europe. ==Selected discography==