It seems incredible but The Undertones’ legendary debut single ‘Teenage Kicks’ is 45-years-old this year. Initially put out by indie label Good Vibrations and then by Seymour Stein’s huge Sire label, this fresh-faced ode to youthful exuberance quickly became famous when John Peel gave it its first radio play, then played it again straight after and named it his favourite ever song.

A string of catchy pop punk singles and four albums followed until The Undertones split in 1983. Singer Feargal Sharkey launched a solo career, while brothers John and Damian O’Neill formed That Petrol Emotion in 1984. The original members, minus Sharkey, reformed in 1999 with Paul McLoone doing a superb job of replacing that distinctive warble. This line-up has remained in place to this day and the band continues to release exciting new music.

For this anniversary tour they have invited heavyweight support acts including Tom Robinson and Neville Staple. For their opening show at Brighton’s Chalk they’ve chosen another long-standing new wave band and Sire labelmates, Edinburgh’s Rezillos. Still fronted by Eugene Reynolds and Fay Fife, their catchy, kitschy sound remains a joy to experience live.

Chalk, Thursday 28th September 2023
For further details and tickets click here.