Mike Rudd and the Heaters played a mix of pub rock and pop (with quasi-new wave overtones) and was popular on the Melbourne scene. The band signed to Mushroom Records and issued its debut single, `Australian Girl'/`Talking to the TV' (February 1980). In June 1980, The Heaters line-up became Mike Rudd, Bill Putt, Tony Fossey (keyboards) and Robert Dillon (drums; ex-Kid Gloves). The band's debut album, The Unrealist (January 1982), produced three singles, `I'm an Animal'/`Head Job' (October 1981), `Laser Love'/ `Keeping Your Distance' (January 1982) and `Love Comes and Goes'/`Models' (April 1982). The records were not successful and The Heaters broke up in June 1982.