They formed part of the first wave of Belfast punk bands along with label-mates The Undertones and Rudi.
The original line-up was Paul Maxwell (bass/vocals), Owen McFadden (drums), David McMaster (guitar/vocals), Aidan Murtagh (guitar/vocals).
Protex formed in 1978, inspired by the band members experiencing first-hand The Clash’s landmark visit to Belfast in 1977, when their gig was cancelled at the last minute due to insurance problems.
The Clash’s Belfast visit in 1977 is considered by many, including Good Vibrations' Terri Hooley, to be the catalyst for the punk movement in Northern Ireland.
The band were all still in sixth form at school when A&R men came over from London to see them play live at Chester’s in Portrush.
At Easter 1979, Protex went to London to record their debut single for Polydor, "I Can't Cope".
The band members then moved to London and set up base at the Chessington house, once the residence of Genesis and the Boomtown Rats.