The Undertones 

In 1975, five Londonderry friends began playing in local pubs as The Undertones. Remarkably, the line-up of Sharkey, Bradley, Doherty and the O'Neill's would not change throughout the group's subsequent eight year career.

Feargal Sharkey had been a scout master and a regular winner of a traditional Irish singing competition called the Feis when he joined The Undertones. He also worked at Radio Rentals, which came in handy for nicking bubble wrap to use to soundproof Mrs Simms' shed so they could rehearse there.

Originally a pop covers band, The Undertones switched on to punk, adapted their sound accordingly and some of the most joyous music of the whole era followed. 

Teenage Kicks got them both airplay from John Peel and a record contract. And while this debut might have been rushed, its sharp melodies and teen angst (not to mention Feargal's uniquely nasal vocal style) proved an instant hit on Get Over You, Jimmy Jimmy and (She's A) Runaround.

Sadly, The Undertones' story ended far too quickly. Growing up meant too much change too fast, and by the time they released their mediocre fourth album, restlessness and "musical differences" were splitting them apart. 

Their last concert was in Dublin (supporting Dire Straits) on July 17, 1983.

Feargal Sharkey went on to brief solo stardom while guitarist brothers Damian and John O'Neill formed the critically acclaimed That Petrol Emotion.

The band re-formed in 1999 for a reunion show, with a new vocalist, Paul McLoone (also from Derry). 

In 2003, The Undertones - minus Feargal - modestly released a new album (Get What You Need) aiming for the "short, sweet, grungey" feel of their early work while incorporating samples and wider influences. 

A vinyl single, Thrill Me, did thrill their old champion John Peel - but perhaps not Feargal. They released another album (Dig Yourself Deep) in 2007.