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The Undertones

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Band Timeline

1974

Formation of The Undertones in Derry, Northern Ireland

The Undertones were formed in 1974 in the city of Derry, Northern Ireland, by five friends from the Creggan and Bogside areas. Originally inspired by bands like The Beatles and Small Faces, the group decided to form a band partially due to their shared passion for music and also because entertainment venues in the city were often closed during late evenings due to the Troubles. The founding lineup included Feargal Sharkey (vocals), John O'Neill (rhythm guitar), Damian O'Neill (lead guitar), Michael Bradley (bass), and Billy Doherty (drums). Initially, they rehearsed at home and local sheds, covering songs before moving towards original material influenced by the emerging punk rock scene.
1976

Naming of the band and embracing punk rock

In 1976, the band went through several unofficial names including 'The Hot Rods' and 'Little Feat', both suggested by lead singer Feargal Sharkey. Eventually, drummer Billy Doherty proposed the name 'The Undertones', taken from a school history book, which the band adopted. During this period, the artistic direction shifted strongly toward punk rock, drawing influence from punk bands like the Sex Pistols, The Adverts, and the Ramones. They began playing local gigs, often at schools, parish halls, and notably the Casbah Bar in Derry, where they regularly performed for pay. This period solidified their identity and sound as energetic three-chord pop punk rooted in teenage themes.
1978

Release of debut album 'The Undertones'

The Undertones released their self-titled debut album in 1978, which quickly gained acclaim for its infectious and straightforward punk rock sound. The album included singles like 'Teenage Kicks', which became an iconic punk anthem. This release established The Undertones as a potent voice in the punk and new wave scene despite coming from a region affected by political conflict, as their lyrics typically focused on adolescence and personal issues rather than politics. The success of this album expanded their audience beyond Northern Ireland and marked the beginning of a prolific period of recording and touring.
1981

Release of 'Positive Touch' showcasing musical evolution

In 1981, The Undertones released their third studio album, 'Positive Touch', which demonstrated a notable growth in their musical style. Moving beyond their initial punk and new wave roots, the album incorporated elements of rock, glam rock, and post-punk soundscapes. The band also began to incorporate more complex songwriting and instrumentation. This album illustrated their artistic versatility and willingness to evolve, setting them apart from many contemporaries who remained strictly punk. 'Positive Touch' received positive critical attention and sustained the band’s relevance during a changing musical landscape.
1983

Band breakup after lead singer Feargal Sharkey's departure

In May 1983, after releasing four studio albums and thirteen singles, Feargal Sharkey announced his intention to leave The Undertones, citing musical differences as the primary reason. His departure effectively led to the band's breakup, ending an influential chapter in Northern Irish and punk rock history. The band members pursued separate projects thereafter. Despite the split, their music continued to be celebrated for its catchy, heartfelt engagement with teenage themes set against the backdrop of the Troubles, making them one of the most enduring bands from Northern Ireland.
1999

Reformation of The Undertones with new lead singer Paul McLoone

The Undertones reformed in 1999 after a 16-year hiatus, with original members John O'Neill, Damian O'Neill, Michael Bradley, and Billy Doherty reuniting. However, original lead singer Feargal Sharkey did not return; instead, Paul McLoone was recruited as the new frontman. This reformation rekindled the band's presence in the music scene, allowing them to perform their classic material to new and old audiences alike and eventually produce new material. This period marked a revival and continuation of The Undertones’ legacy, proving their enduring appeal and relevance.
2009

Release of new album 'Get What You Need' by the reformed lineup

A decade after their reformation, The Undertones released 'Get What You Need' in 2009, their first album of original material since the 1983 breakup. The album reflected the band's matured sound, combining their signature punk rock energy with contemporary influences. This release demonstrated their ability to evolve while maintaining the essence that had originally captivated audiences. It was well received by fans and critics alike, confirming that The Undertones retained their creative vitality two decades after their initial split.
2000s and beyond

The Undertones' lasting legacy and cultural impact

Over the decades, The Undertones have remained one of the most successful and influential bands to emerge from Derry and Northern Ireland. Their music, characterized by catchy guitar riffs, youthful energy, and poignant lyrics about adolescence and angst, has resonated across generations. Especially notable is their avoidance of political themes during the Troubles, focusing instead on universal human experiences. Their songs like 'Teenage Kicks' have become punk and pop culture staples. The band's longevity, periodic reformation, and continued touring underscore their lasting impact on rock and punk music history.

Albums

the-undertones_1st_album
The Undertones
14 tracks
1979
the-undertones_2nd_album
Hypnotised
15 tracks
1980
the-undertones_3rd_album
Positive Touch
14 tracks
1981
the-undertones_4th_album
The Sin of Pride
12 tracks
1983
the-undertones_5th_album
Get What You Need
13 tracks
2003
the-undertones_6th_album
Dig Yourself Deep
14 tracks
2007
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Damian O’Neill

1975

Billy Doherty

1975

Michael Bradley

1975

John O’Neill

N/A

Electric guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Feargal Sharkey

1975
1983

Story of The Undertones

The Undertones, Derry, Northern Irelands most successful band, exploded onto the scene in 1974. For their formative years (1975-1983), the classic lineup featured Feargal Sharkey (vocals), John ONeill (rhythm guitar, vocals), Damian O`Neill (lead guitar, vocals), Michael Bradley (bass, vocals), and Billy Doherty (drums). Their early sound was a potent blend of punk and new wave, evolving after 1979 to incorporate elements of rock, glam rock, and post-punk. By their final album, soul and Motown had become a significant influence. Between 1978 and 1983, the band released thirteen singles and four studio albums, a prolific output that ended abruptly in May 1983 when Sharkey departed, citing musical differences.

Despite the turbulent backdrop of the Troubles, the Undertones largely steered clear of overtly political themes, focusing instead on the universal experiences of adolescence, teenage angst, and heartbreak. As AllMusic noted, the ONeill brothers "infectious guitar hooks," combined with Sharkey`s distinctive vocal style, created a unique sound drawing from 1960s garage rock and 70s glam.

The band reformed in 1999 with Paul McLoone replacing Sharkey on vocals, cementing their legacy as not only Derrys most successful export, but also one of Northern Irelands most enduring musical achievements.

Formation and Early Gigs:

The Undertones, formed in 1974, were five friends from Creggan and the Bogside. Initially inspired by acts like the Beatles, Small Faces, and Lindisfarne, their formation was partly fueled by a shared love of music and the closure of many Derry venues during the Troubles, limiting late-night entertainment options. Early rehearsals involved covering songs in the ONeill brothers (John and Vincent) home and a neighbor`s shed.

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