By 1978 Omagh's original punk band Straitjacket had imploded and there were only two punk bands left playing live music in the town, Control Zone and RU12. Formed by youngsters Frank McLaughlin, guitar, Paul Devlin guitar, Adrian Mullan drums, Paul Martin bass and Marty Donnelly lead vocals. Band member’s ages ranged from 13 to 15 years old. The band formed, not specifically to play punk as each member of the band were into different genres, but essentially just to be in a band, play live music and to be an example to other young teenagers in the area. This said, RU12's live set included covers of Justa Nother Teenage Rebel and The Cops Are Comin' by The Outcasts, Strange Thing By Night by Victim, Bus Stop by The Tearjerkers and the obligatory rendition of The Undertones Teenage Kicks!

Gigs followed at local community centres, youth clubs and at street parties in the area. RU12’s first “high profile” gig happened at Omagh Showground’s in 1978 at a protest to help save the local hospital where they played in front of their biggest crowd to that point. Less than a year later the band were treading the boards at Omagh Town hall for a gig specifically arranged as an alternative to the Pope’s visit to Ireland. Ten local bands played and the kids came to pogo at the altar of rawk ‘n’ roll!

RU12 split in 1979. Frank went on to play in other local bands such as The Anarchists and Headlines. Both Frank and Paul Martin later formed a band called Tiger Bell. Frankie is still involved in music making and hopes to get his music out there to the masses soon. Marty was approached by local punkpopsters The Rejects and he became their lead singer. The band eventually evolved into the fondly remembered The Excellerators. Martin has since played in local bands like Sunset Sunday and The Muldoons. He is currently recording new material under the moniker The Thunderbolt Chorus. Sadly bass player Paul "Martian" Martin passed away in 1999.