In 1978 4 'A' level students formed a pop/punk band in Belfast called Protex, which 18 months later would land the support slot on the Rats biggest UK tour to date, supporting the release of The Fine Art of Surfacing. Aidan tells me about those days, and how 30 years later a chance phone call ultimately led to the band reforming.
The chats are split into 'Then' and 'Now' and Aidan will answer any question you post on this page.
You can find out more about what the band are currently doing from their 'Protex Band Facebook' page. They are headlining a two day festival at the Lexington Angel, London on Sunday 26th September 2021.
The Belfast scene was small but active, only a few bands around in 77, 78 - The Outcasts , Rudi,Protex Slf, Rhesis Negetive and ShockTreatment…These were Belfast bands , The Undertones lived in Derry. Protex shared many gigs with these bands,mostly in The Harp bar and The Pound Club.In general bands got on well ,
Thanks Mr Mayor and Aidan for a very interesting discussion of things old and new. Amazing just how many bands from that time are still able to get gigs and secure new audiences, testimony to people both older and younger still really wanting to see and hear genuine musicians as opposed to technically enhanced auto-tuned manufactured bands only.
I'd be interested to know what the Belfast scene was like around 77-78 and specifically if the likes of Undertones and SLF were friendly and supportive or if there was great rivalry and competition between all the upcoming bands, and their fans?
Plenty of views but no questions!! So to kick things off……….
Aidan, you shared this photo with me. What is the significance and any comments on the previous residents?!
And please, if you have a follow up question please ask👍
Dat was good...now let's c u have a chat wit some of the rats...& don't 4get Darren & the man in the hat..
And the second part of the chat, Protex Now.