The Undertones are a revered punk-rock and new wave band hailing from Derry, Northern Ireland, that initially rose to prominence in the late 1970s. Formed in 1974, the group consisted of siblings John and Damian O'Neill on guitars, Michael Bradley on bass, Billy Doherty on drums, and Feargal Sharkey as the lead vocalist. They captured the frenetic energy of youth with their raw, exuberant sound, exemplified in their seminal debut single "Teenage Kicks," which legendary BBC DJ John Peel famously championed as one of his all-time favorite records.

The band's music evolved over time, from the raucous punk of their early years to a more polished power pop sound. Despite internal tensions and the evolving music scene, The Undertones released several albums including "The Undertones" (1979), "Hypnotised" (1980), and "Positive Touch" (1981). After Sharkey's departure in 1983 to pursue a solo career, the band briefly dissolved. However, The Undertones reunited in 1999 (with Paul McLoone taking over vocal duties) and have since been recording and performing, maintaining a loyal fan base. Their later work, like the energetic "Dig Yourself Deep" (2007) and "Dig What You Need" (an amalgamation of their best post-reformation material), reflects the band's enduring talent and ability to craft catchy and relevant music. The Undertones remain a cherished band in the punk and new wave pantheon, admired for their infectious rhythms and relatable, spirited lyrics.

Genres

Irish Punk

Mod Revival

New Wave

Northern Irish Punk

Punk

Related Artists

Stiff Little Fingers

Buzzcocks

Sham 69

The Ruts

The Rezillos

The Beat

The Vibrators

The Jam

Eddie & The Hot Rods

Ian Dury

The Boomtown Rats

The Stranglers

Latest Release

Dig What You Need

The Undertones

Album - 13 Tracks - Released March 11, 2022