The Undertones emerged from Derry in 1976, the result of five friends learning how to play basic rock and roll. Even by the standards of that decade Derry was not the rock and roll capital of anywhere. With no live bands worth watching, they learned by listening to mail-order records, reading one of the few copies of NME that made it to Derry but most of all from listening to John Peel’s radio show on BBC Radio One. Practicing in their bedrooms eventually led to the band recording ‘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.
From 1975 to 1983, the Undertones 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). Much of the earlier Undertones material drew on influences from punk rock and new wave; the Undertones also incorporated elements of rock, glam rock and post-punk into material released after 1979, before citing soul and Motown as the influence for the material released upon their final album.
In 1983 Feargal Sharkey left the band to pursue a solo career and the remaining members decided to call it a day. The Undertones were to remain silent for the next sixteen years.
Shot during a tour of Ireland, "I loved their 'Derry' style which was short jeans and Doc Martin boots - a throw back to the skinhead era"
This was a pub gig in Chester for 'Sounds'. I remember it was complete mayhem and I had to physically fight to get any shots at all.
Joe Strummer (lying on floor) & Mick Jones performing live onstage on their 'Sort It Out' Tour at the Paradiso, Amsterdam.
Official contact sheet print from the acclaimed Duffy archive of David Bowie in his Scary Monsters Pierrot costume in 1980.
Bruce Springsteen captured during The River Tour in 1981 at the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam
Fats Domino performing at the Texas Opry House, Houston in November 1975
Oasis were an English rock music band formed in Manchester in 1991, to date the band have sold over 70 million records worldwide.
Over their career the Manic Street Preachers have headlined several festivals including Glastonbury, T in the Park, V Festival and Reading.
David Bowie was a leading figure in popular music for over five decades & regarded by critics & musicians as a true innovator.
Pink Floyd are currently getting set for the 'Their Mortal Remains' exhibition at the V&A - Check out our range of images for sale.
Welcome to our Folk & Country Print Collection - iconic images of the world's greatest artists from the past 50 years
We are delighted to share our brand new collection of Bob Dylan prints by photographer Arthur Rosato taken in 1980 during the 'Gospel Years'
The USA has given us many of the world's greatest music artists - we celebrate the best of the best
Barrie Wentzell is one of music's most respected photographers his portfolio includes many rock'n'roll greats. Here is our great collection
