Mark was born in Melbourne, Australia. He learnt guitar at the age of thirteen and began composing immediately. Although "officially" involved in corporate business management, he founded his first group, Rubicon Crossing, in the 1980's which gigged for several years before reforming with some new members as Zulus On Ice. They enjoyed a good following in Melbourne throughout the 1990's, gigging in many hotels and festivals, with airplay on several radio stations, as well as gaining exposure via interviews on radio, in newspapers and on national TV stations.