The band were formed in 1976 by T.V. Smith and Gaye Advert. Smith and Advert were both from Bideford, a small coastal town in Devon, and were later married. After relocating to London the two young punks recruited guitarist Pickup and drummer Driver and The Adverts were born.

The Roxy, London's first live punk venue, played a crucial role in The Adverts’ early career. They were one of the pioneering bands who played at the club during its first 100 days.

The Adverts played at the club no less than nine times between January and April 1977. In January 1977, after their first gig supporting Generation X, the band impressed Michael Dempsey so much that he became their manager.

Their second gig supporting Slaughter & the Dogs was recorded, and their anthem "Bored Teenagers" was included on the UK Top 30 album Live at the Roxy WC2. In February, shortly after the band's third gig supporting The Damned, they signed a recording contract with Stiff Records. In March, the band supported The Jam at the Roxy.

In April, The Adverts recorded the first of four sessions for John Peel at BBC Radio 1. Days later, their debut single, "One Chord Wonders", was released. The single, "a headlong rush of energy", was recommended by both Melody Maker and Sounds.

Understanding the band's limitations, the song's lyrics, composed by TV Smith, were likeably self-depreciating.