Gary McGrade was the first Divine Comedy manager in 1989. As the son of a music promoter he convinced the band to use his services. He managed to get the band playing several concerts in Ireland, as was as being interviewed for the legendary shows of Johnny Hero and Dave Fanning.

He is also responsible of getting the band signed to Setanta Records. Although he did not sent anything to them, but the label received from Rough Trade the copy of the Active Studio demo he sent them.