For the next ten years Riff played in various bands, most notably Alive on Arrival (below) and was also gigging regularly on his own, becoming increasingly influenced by acoustic artists such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Roy Harper.

In the mid nineties Riff moved back to the city of his birth and focused much harder on his musical career. He started to gig solo farther and wider and formed a new band to deliver his songs.

This band was named ‘Little Miracle’ and consisted of Riff – guitar and vocals, Gareth Lewis - lead guitar, Tony Barrett - bass and John Hicks – drums.