X-RAY-Z is recognized as one of Australia's pioneering new wave outfits. The band had its roots in Adelaide pub band Rufus Red, but sensing a change in the musical climate the band adopted a 'poor image', renamed themselves X-Ray-Z and moved to Melbourne in early 1977. Here they set about establishing an identity on the inner-city pub circuit. The first single put out by X-Ray-Z in 1978 had three songs, 'Poor Image', 'Sledgehammer Hit' and 'Citizen John'. These tracks plus one other titled 'Kodak Moments' were recorded as demos and released as a Maxi-Single in 1978. ('Kodak Moments' was omitted and therefore not mastered.) 

In early 1978, X-Ray-Z had signed to Suicide Records and contributed 'Three More Glorious Years' (vintage diatribe against the Fraser Government) and 'Valium' to the 'Lethal Weapons' album (1978). By the end of 1978 X-Ray-Z had mutated into Popgun Men.

X-RAY-Z line-up included: Peter Rich - Vocals/Sax (real name Peter Doley), Mike D'Art - Guitar/Keyboard (real name Martin Doley), James Wave - Bass (real name James Lloyd), Jon Ray - Drums (real name Jon Wilkinson).