Formed in Belfast in 1978, Protex were one of the pioneers of the Belfast Punk Movement. They were soon signed to the famous Good Vibrations label, their debut release receiving great reviews and enjoying widespread airplay on the UK's national Radio 1 station. They quickly came to the attention of Rough Trade Records, who released Don't Ring Me Up to wide acclaim. This in turn led to the band signing for Polydor Records, who released the singles I Can't Cope, followed by I Can Only Dream.
The 1980s saw the band take to the road with the Boomtown Rats, as well as embark on two extensive tours of their own throughout the US and Canada.
An album was recorded with legendary producer Chas Chandler, who'd worked with, among others, Hendrix, The Animals and Slade. However, the band weren't happy with the result and after a final release, A Place in Your Heart, the band and label parted ways, Protex splitting soon after.
Fast Forward to 2010, when New York's Sing Sing Records located the Polydor recordings and released 'Strange Obsessions' on vinyl, igniting renewed interest in the band. Founders Aidan Murtagh and Dave McMaster reformed the band and shows followed in Ireland, Spain and Japan.
2014 saw Protex play shows in the UK, including London's famous 100 Club, before being invited to play what were to become two of their most memorable shows at Hotel Vegas in Austin, at the South By South West festival. More European dates followed and this year sees Protex return to SXSW and Hotel Vegas for what should be two very special gigs on St. Patrick's night, March 17th, and March 18th. The current line up comprises of Aidan Murtagh, Norman Boyd, John Rossi and Gordie Walker, and the band are looking forward to playing to the superb Austin crowd once again.