The band formed in New Orleans in 1979 as a punk act, influenced by groups such as The Clash and The Dils. In fact, Red Rockers (the band) is named after "Red Rockers" (the 1979 Dils' song). However, after their first LP (1981's Guns of Revolution), they swung wildly from punk to pop/new wave on 1983's Good as Gold album. This resulted in a MTV hit with "China," and set off a series of internal conflicts within the band (not to mention alienating their early punk fans).
In spite of some serious MTV airplay, "China" peaked at #53, leaving Red Rockers one hit short of being a one hit wonder. Internal conflicts and some personnel changes continued through 1985's Schizophrenic Circus, and the band broke up later that year.
