The Red Guitars were a product of the vibrant music scene which existed in Hull in the late 1970's and early 80's. Encouraged by good reviews of their demo tape in the national music press the band decided to record and release a single, Good Technology, on their own Self Drive record label. The late, great John Peel played it on Radio One and, as a result, Tyne Tees Television filmed them for the Tube and Johnny Marr invited them to tour with the Smiths. They were up and running.