The Undertones and The Men They Couldn't Hang

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.