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Fifty years after forming, Northern Ireland’s finest The Undertones are in the mood to celebrate
The Undertones are marking 50 years since forming in Derry with a UK and Ireland anniversary tour, a milestone for a band that split in 1983 and reunited 16 years later. Original rhythm guitarist John O’Neil says he enjoys performing but dislikes travelling, and is unsure how long he will continue touring.
O’Neil recalled the band’s early hits, their shift towards a more soulful sound on 1983’s *The Sin Of Pride*, and Feargal Sharkey’s departure before the split. The reunited group features singer Paul McLoone and has released two albums with him; O’Neil says they now have six or seven new songs that may come out as EPs. The tour starts in Torquay on 12 November, and the band continues to play familiar songs including “Teenage Kicks” and “My Perfect Cousin”.
In short
- The Undertones are celebrating 50 years with a UK and Ireland tour.
- John O’Neil says the band has six or seven new songs.
- The reunited group performs with singer Paul McLoone.
Explained simply
The Undertones formed in Derry in 1976, during a period when Northern Ireland was affected by conflict known as the Troubles. The band became known for energetic guitar songs, including “Teenage Kicks” and “My Perfect Cousin”, which helped them reach listeners beyond the city.
Singer Feargal Sharkey left in 1983, and the band split that year. The other members reunited in 1999 with singer Paul McLoone, and have since made two albums with him. John O’Neil, an original member who played rhythm guitar, has also spoken about the demands of touring.
The band’s history connects several stages of popular music, from their early punk-influenced songs to the more soulful direction of their 1983 album *The Sin Of Pride*. Their continued performances bring those songs to new audiences while reflecting the changing line-up and long career.