The Undertones

THE UNDERTONES

Plus very special guests
SOMETHING HAPPENS

3Olympia Theatre, Dublin
Saturday 7th December 2024
Doors: 7.00pm | Under 14’s accompanied

Tickets from €41.70 including booking fees

 

Ahead of the release of their very first live album, The Undertones have come roaring back with an extensive UK and European tour, which includes a show in Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre on Saturday December 7th 2024. The band will be joined on the night by very special guests Something Happens.

The Undertones emerged from Derry in 1976, the result of five friends (John O’Neill, Damian O’Neill, 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 O’Neill’s ‘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`, `You’ve Got My Number (Why Don’t You Use It)’ and ‘Wednesday Week’ whilst Damian O’Neill and Michael Bradley contributed ‘My 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 it’s about time they record and release a first ever live album. 

The Undertones will be joined on the night by very special guests Something Happens, who are celebrating 40 years. 

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 Ramone–the 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 God’s 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 Jackie’s army and Feile’90 captured a nation in full swing, the ‘Hello Hello’, ‘Parachute’, ‘What Now’ and ‘Kill the Roses’ soundtracked Ireland’s 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, Nirvana’s ‘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.

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