Venue
The Undertones emerged from Derry in 1976, the result of five friends (John OâNeill, Damian OâNeill, Feargal Sharkey, Billy Doherty and Michael Bradley) learning how to play basic rock and roll. Practicing in their bedrooms eventually led to the band recording John OâNeillâs Teenage Kicks in 1978 on Terri Hooley's Good Vibrations label in Belfast. The legendary DJ John Peel received a copy and liked it so much he played it twice in a row on his radio show.
The Undertones signed with Sire Records and Teenage Kicks was re-released, resulting in the band's first appearance on Top Of The Pops. Over the next five years, John O Neill, crafted further pop gems such as Here Comes The Summer, Jimmy Jimmy, Youâve Got My Number (Why Donât You Use It) and âWednesday Weekâ whilst Damian OâNeill and Michael Bradley contributed âMy Perfect Cousin. They also recorded four highly acclaimed LPs. Indeed, they almost enjoyed the life of professional musicians. In 1983 Feargal Sharkey left the band to pursue a solo career and the remaining members decided to call it a day.
In 1999 The Undertones reconvened to once again perform their two-minute, three and a half chord songs to a new generation of fans. Fellow Derryman Paul McLoone replaced Feargal Sharkey and his vocal prowess and electric onstage presence soon convinced any doubters that he was more than capable of doing the job. Over the last 25 years since they reformed, The Undertones have toured around the world and are playing better than ever. This convinced the band that itâs about time they record and release a first ever live album.Â
Formed in Greenhills, schooled in Athens Georgia, the Happens brought glorious guitar edged melodies to audiences the world over. The debut, Been There Seen That Done That, produced in Dublin by punk icon Tommy Ramoneâthe man who formed the Ramones-produced such Irish chart-topping hits as Burn Clear, Beach, Take This with You and Forget Georgia. But it was the follow up, Stuck Together with Godâs Glue, recorded in Los Angeles with Ed Stasium that really caught the wind. It topped the charts as Ireland prepared for its first ever world cup. As Jackieâs army and Feile 90 captured a nation in full swing, the Hello Hello, Parachute, What Now and Kill the Roses soundtracked Irelandâs summer of love.
As the UK pivoted in a Madchester direction the Happens signed to a cool US indie label. Two more albums followed  Planet Fabulous and Alan, Elvis and God, and an incredible 14 US tours. The biggest song there became Momentary Thing, included in the Veronica Mars TV series.
There were many other highlights: numerous Best Live Act accolades, a surprise top three hit in Belgium, tours of Holland and Switzerland, bouncing beach balls, paisley shirts, Nirvanaâs Smells Like Teen Spirit being described as the Something Happens tribute of the Week in NME, an NME single of week, the freedom of San Jose, three nights in the SFX, two mini live albums, opening for Horslips at their comeback show in the 02, it goes on and on
Excellent venue đ hospitality great , toilet facilities clean , sound great & bands excellent. My only issue is with lack of hot drinks. As someone who does not drink alcohol I look forward to having a coffee at gigs I attend , however , nothing available , hopefully this is addressed for next time.
The Undertones were always unique in the 70's punk era by singing joyous songs about girls, summer and quirky relatives where their peers were into nihilism and politics. And they're still performing, go see them, they have energy and great stage presence, loud and guitar driven, but great sound quality last night at the O2 Academy, Edinburgh.
Fantastic gig. All the hits The ruts dc weren't bad either
Gig was excellent ,every song a winner ,who says older people have no energy ! Support band were also amazing ( Ruts DC ) great pick me up concert and sing a long !!
