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Formed of quavering singer Fearful Sharkey, guitarist brothers John and Damian O’Neil, and bassist Michael Bradley, The Undertones’ early inspiration came from the likes of the Beatles, Small Faces and Lindisfarne. That was until the advent of artists such as the Sex Pistols and the Buzzcocks and the band began playing their original three-chord pop punk material at local venues including The Casbah. With a lack of attention the Undertones were tempted to call it quits until Belfast record store owner Terry Hooley released the band’s debut EP “Teenage Kicks” on his Good Vibrations label in 1978.
The record caught the attention of esteemed radio DJ John Peele, which led the band to give up their day jobs and sign with Sire Records in 1978. A year later the label issued the Undertones’ self-titled debut album, which spawned the acclaimed singles “Jimmy Jimmy”, “Here Comes the Summer”, and “You’ve Got My Number (Why Don’t You Use It?)". The band supported the album with a UK tour and as the opening act on the Clash’s American tour.
The Undertones’ sophomore album “Hypnotised” reached No. 6 in the UK Albums chart, led by the single “My Perfect Cousin”. The band subsequently headlined their own US tour, and played an impressive 25 UK gigs over a three month period, following the album release. Unhappy with Sire Records’ US promotion of their material, the band signed with EMI in 1981 and recorded 11 songs in three days to complete their third full-length album.
“Positive Touch” arrived later in 1981 and marked the band’s introduction into social commentary, with singles “Crisis of Mine”, “You’re Welcome” and “It’s Going To Happen” discussing the tumultuous troubles in Northern Ireland. Peaking at No. 17 in the UK charts, the band upped their touring schedule, playing a whopping 36 shows over a two month period.
In 1982 the Undertone’s took a break from the intensive touring to focus on writing and recording their fourth full-length “The Sin of Pride”. Released in 1983, with a new musical direction geared towards soul and Motown, the album again earned critical acclaim though failed to reach the commercial success of any of its predecessors. After the subsequent Sin of Pride tour, tensions were running high within the band and with additional pressure from EMI the band split up in 1983.
Following Sharkey’s solo career and the O’Neil brothers’ rock band That Petrol Emotion, the Undertones returned in 1999, however without the original lead singer Sharkey. With Paul McLoone filling the vocalist role, the band played a number of high-profile gigs including 2005’s Glastonbury Festival, providing the pre-match entertainment for a UEFA Champions League match in 2009, as well as shows in Europe, Japan and North America.
The Undertone’s have subsequently released the albums “Get What You Need” in 2003 and “Dig Yourself Deep” in 2007, and the double A-side single “Much Too Late / Another Girl” in 2013.
Avis
The Undertones are a long running Irish punk/new wave group that are still going strong today. As you'd expect from this genre, the music is fast and melodic but the vocals take center stage. Whether in a large arena or a small venue, they are a great act to catch live although I think the preference should be for the smaller stage if possible as it allows a closer and more intimate experience.
Current singer Paul McLoone does a great job of keeping the new wave sound alive and replacing original singer, Feargal Sharkey's voice. The music is great and does a great job of mixing punk and new wave. You can often hear a transition from something that sounds like the Sex Pistols to New Order or the Cure, all in the same song. Over time the band has slowed and traded punk for more of a new wave but they are still true to their original vision of the marrying of the two. The new wave, pop-punk British Invasion of the 70s and 80s were an important time in music and have helped shape and influence artists ever since.
Anyone who was not around at the time to experience these magic times owes it to themselves to check out The Undertones to get a feel for this upbeat, melodic, and popular genre that, below the surface, is still as complex and fulfilling as other genres.
Went with brother Mick & we agreed it was a fantastic gig, starting with Neville Staples Band who performed mostly Specials hits, but also some of their own (and Christines) songs excellently. A great pleasure to see Neol Davies of The Selecter making an appearance, leading in a rendition of "The Selecter" and playing along with another couple of tracks, brill Neol, Thanks. Could easily have been a headline act.
Which brings us to the headline act. The Undertones were great from start to finish, playing all the hits and some lesser known (to unfamiliar people) songs. Lead singer is now one Paul McLoone who sang all songs as if they were his own. He could so easily be mistaken vocally for the original singer.
A cracking gig which I so nearly didn't bother with, hell am I glad I did bother.
Only downside was the poor pint of Guinness at the beginning of the gig LOL.
ralph60tree
These guys do not disappoint! It's almost a best kept secret you want to keep to yourself, but then you can't share the brilliance and joy of seeing The Undertones live! 40 years and still just as awesome today as they were back in 79. Power Pop at it's best and a debut album "The Undertones" that stands up with The Buzzcocks "Another Music In A Different Kitchen" in my list of greatest albums ever! They evolved and grew and some just did not get it, but they produced hits throughout their days together. Adding some of their more recent recordings along with most of their many classics doesn't even sound out of place. Still as raw and energetic and performed as only The Undertones can! A great rock n roll performance by a great rock n roll band no matter which genre you want to put them in.
neil-shafton
Saw them for the first time at Norwich Open and loved every minute of the show - liked the fact that they sung all the hits without trying to imitate Fergal’s singing style, Paul did it in his own indomitable way ( think a cross between Greg Davies and Mick Jagger )
Plenty of energy and gusto in the performance keeping the crowd happy and entertained
stuart-lincoln-1
You won't beat The Undertones for a fun loved evening out! I've seen them twice, Glasgow and London but will see them in Glasgow and hopefully Edinburgh very soon! Billy Doherty is a class act on drums and also a great guy, as are all the Undertones so don't miss them!!!!!!!!!
jambostu
Unfortunatley I broke one finger lately and had to cancel my trip from Sweden. I hope to get another chance to explore Teenage Kicks live... And it is a pity I did not get a chance to let someone else see the concert for free, by forwarding my e-ticket.
stefan66eriksson
Great show last night in Somerville. The Untertones played all my favorites and the openers -- Dot-Dash -- were really good too. Happy to see people my age still rocking and they looked like they were having fun.
mark-alston-follansb
Classic after classic and top banter too. One of the best gigs I've been to for years. Roll on another 40 years! If you get the chance to see The Undertones on tour - do it; you won't be disappointed.
fs1e
Great Energy! Great vibes! What a fun night at KOKO!!!! And gotta say - they are just as good (if not better?) without Feargal Sharkey - so that shouldn't stop anyone seeing them! Brilliant night!!!
marcella3708
Amazing gig, top draw security and bar staff
Apart from closing cloak room early and insisting there were no coats left( which was bollox) but persistance got my coat.such a showman
chris-kaneen
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