The Undertones Tickets

The Undertones: Teenage Dreams Aren't So Hard to Relive

Seventies punk/new wave band The Undertones reformed in 1999 and they're still going strong. This Northern Ireland five-piece has plenty of classic and new material to offer.

Schedule

The Undertones regularly perform in Ireland and the UK, as well as travelling farther afield to venues in continental Europe. You'll find these rockers at venues like Dublin's The Button Club and London's Clapham Grand. If you're feeling nostalgic for seventies punk/new wave make sure to get The Undertones tickets next time they're playing in your town.

Trivia

Many people remember The Undertones for the 1978 song "Teenage Kicks". In the years since "Teenage Kicks" was first released it has become a classic covered by many bands including big names the Buzzcocks, Ash, Greenday and Snow Patrol. BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel loved the song so much that a quote from it was carved onto his gravestone.

Band/Singer

Five friends from the Bogside and Creggan areas of Derry, Northern Ireland, formed The Undertones in 1975. They were singer Feargal Sharkey, guitarist Vincent O'Neill, bass player Michael Bradley, and drummer Billy Doherty. Vincent O'Neill didn't spend long with the band and was replaced by his brother Damien in 1976. This line-up was active until 1983 when Sharkey decided to leave the band due to musical differences. Originally the young men who formed The Undertones were influenced by artists like The Beatles and Small Faces and started out playing covers. But the advent of Punk rock changed their focus and bands like the Sex Pistols and the Ramones became important influences on their sound. Though they were formed during The Troubles the politics and violence of Northern Ireland did not play a strong role in their early music. Most The Undertones' songs had more to do with standard teenage preoccupations like love and longing. After a long hiatus The Undertones reformed in 1999 with Paul McLoone taking Sharkey's place as lead singer.

Breakthrough

In early 1978 they recorded a demo, which came to the attention of BBC DJ John Peel. He loved it and offered to fund a recording session for them. They recorded the four song EP "Teenage Kicks" in Belfast, and the title track became their first hit. A few months after the band signed a contract with Sire Records.

Hit Albums

The Undertones eponymous first album was recorded and released in 1979 and featured songs including "Get Over You" and "Here Comes the Summer". The album and associated singles did well with both fans and critics. Their building success led to a US tour supporting The Clash. The Undertones released their highly successful second album "Hypnotised" in 1980. It included the bands highest charting single "My Perfect Cousin", which reached number 9. Their third album "Positive Touch" was released by EMI. This album included some songs that delved into The Troubles in Northern Ireland, such as "Crisis of Mine" and "You're Welcome". NME called "Positive Touch" one of the best albums of 1981 and it spent four weeks in the UK Top 40.

Show Experience

Whether you're reliving the heyday of new wave/punk or discovering it for the first time The Undertones can provide a great night out. Though much time has passed since they were first formed The Undertones are still full of energy on stage. The guys have moved on from their trendy, colourful '80s look, these days their style is understated but cool, dark jeans, leather jackets, black t-shirts. Their current front man John McLoon sings their classic hits as well as their post 1999 material with gusto. McLoon's passion for the music is absolutely contagious, he really gets a crowd going. You'll be jumping up and down all night while McLoon belts out vibrant punk numbers.