THE UNDERTONES

The Undertones are a rock band formed in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1974. The band consisted of Feargal Sharkey (vocals), John O'Neill (rhythm guitar, vocals), Damian O'Neill (lead guitar, vocals), Michael Bradley (bass, vocals), and Billy Doherty (drums) from 1975 to 1983. Their early material was influenced by punk rock and new wave, and later incorporated elements of rock, glam rock, and post-punk, before citing soul and Motown as influences on their final album. The band released thirteen singles and four studio albums between 1978 and 1983. Sharkey left the band in May 1983, citing musical differences, leading to their breakup. Despite the context of the Troubles in Derry and Northern Ireland, most of their songs focused on themes such as adolescence, teenage angst, and heartbreak. AllMusic described the O'Neill brothers' guitar work as combining infectious hooks with influences from 1960s garage, 1970s glam rock, and Sharkey's vocal style. The Undertones reformed in 1999 with Paul McLoone replacing Sharkey as lead singer.