The Undertones

The Profile

The Undertones are a Northern Irish punk/new wave band from Derry, formed in 1975. Celebrated for the single “Teenage Kicks” (championed by John Peel) and early albums like The Undertones (1979) and Hypnotised (1980), they split in 1983 and reformed in 1999.

Original classic lineup: Feargal Sharkey (vocals), John and Damian O’Neill (guitars), Michael Bradley (bass), Billy Doherty (drums). “Teenage Kicks” was famously played twice in a row by BBC DJ John Peel. The band reformed in 1999 with Paul McLoone on vocals.

These reviews praise The Undertones’ punchy punk/power pop, centering on the 1979 debut and the epochal single “Teenage Kicks.” John Peel’s championing looms large, with themes of teen life, suburbia, and melody-over-politics. The mood is celebratory and nostalgic, hailing concise riffs and sing-along hooks.