The Undertones

Associated with punk rock, power pop, and new wave, The Undertones became one of Northern Ireland’s leading musical acts, landing hits such as “Teenage Kicks,” “Here Comes the Summer,” “Jimmy Jimmy,” and “My Perfect Cousin” on the British charts. The band’s origins date back to 1974 in Derry, when Michael Bradley (bass), Billy Doherty (drums), brothers John and Vincent O’Neill (guitars), and Feargal Sharkey (vocals) began playing together. In 1976, Vincent left the group and was replaced by his younger brother, Damian O’Neill, solidifying the band’s classic lineup.

Also in 1976, the quintet adopted the name The Undertones, which Doherty found in a history book. Initially influenced by rock ’n’ roll, R&B, glam rock, and garage bands, the group incorporated the energy of punk into their compositions, particularly drawing on the influence of the Ramones. Their short, melodic songs primarily addressed the passions, frustrations, and everyday life of adolescence.

Recognition came in 1978 with the release of the EP Teenage Kicks on Terri Hooley’s independent label, Good Vibrations, in Belfast. Written by John O’Neill, the title track won over DJ John Peel of BBC Radio 1, who even played it twice in a row on his show. The buzz paved the way for a contract with Sire Records, which re-released the EP and helped introduce the band to a wider audience.

Between 1979 and 1983, the band released four studio albums: The Undertones (1979), Hypnotised (1980), Positive Touch (1981), and The Sin of Pride (1983). These albums chronicled the group’s evolution as they gradually expanded their repertoire beyond the punk-pop of their early work. The first phase ended in 1983, and Sharkey pursued a solo career.

The band resumed activities in 1999, with Paul McLoone on vocals, alongside John and Damian O’Neill, Michael Bradley, and Billy Doherty. With this lineup, they released the albums Get What You Need (2003) and Dig Yourself Deep (2007), maintaining the guitar-driven sound and melodic style that defined their career. In 2013, The Undertones released the single “Much Too Late,” released in conjunction with Record Store Day.