For live performances he is accompanied by Paul Seegers on keyboards and Kevin Choby on electronic drums.

Although he had previously written music, it wasn't until 1988, when, at a concert by Depeche Mode, Shear was inspired by the industrial sounds spun by the opening DJ. He soon shifted from instrumental synth-pop (under the name Man on a Stage) to a combination of his punk, synth-pop, and industrial influences. Changing the name to Assemblage 23, Shear self-released Wires in 1992, with little interest from record labels. In the mid-'90s, he produced tracks for a side project called Nerve Filter, exploring dark, instrumental techno (previous endeavors included playing bass for the Advocates, as well as the short-lived synth-pop project Procession). Finally, in 1995, Arts Industria released the first Assemblage 23 track, "Graverobber," on a compilation. In 1998, Canadian label Gashed signed Assemblage 23 and the following year released its first full-length, Contempt. In 2001, the follow-up, Failure, a mature recording of electro and industrial dance, was issued and found popularity in dance clubs. After difficulties with Gashed, Assemblage 23 signed with Metropolis in 2001, re-releasing Contempt and Failure. ~ Kenyon Hopkin