This year marks 50 years of live music from The Undertones, as many of you that have caught the band across Europe and on both sides of the Irish Sea since April have been reminded (as will be the case tonight in Glasgow and When Saturday Comes in Edinburgh). And that ties in nicely with a new writing project coming your way, one I’d value your help with, a book idea that’s close to my heart and on my writing wish list a long while.
True Confessions: A People’s History of The Undertones (via those awfully nice people at Spenwood Books) will tell the tale in the words of the fans, the group and many of those close to both the Feargal Sharkey era line-up (to 1983) and from 1999 onwards with Paul McLoone, and will include pieces from my own interviews with and about the group and the musings of an impressive array of contributors, famous and otherwise. But I’ll need help from you, whether it’s on the subject of a particular live show (I daren’t write ‘gig’ in case Mickey Bradley is reading) or specific ’Tones moments in time, such as hearing a song or LP the first time, giving your own personal slant.
I mentioned Mickey, and when we last spoke we talked about this book, him suggesting in trademark understated Undertones style it might be ‘rather thin’ and he couldn’t understand how I could follow books on The Clash, The Jam and Slade with one about his wee group. I guess that’s part of the reason this group of friends from the north of Ireland always appeal to me – there’s nothing pretentious, no grandiose idea of what they’re about, just an ability and desire to deliver great music in the spirit of punk, a wealth of sublime singles and LPs (again, don’t say ‘album’ in their presence – that would be deemed far too self important) behind them down the years.
The idea is to tell the story in a celebratory publication gathering memories, insights and appreciations, from my own interviews with the band, their peers, contemporaries, friends, key insiders and studio personnel who worked with them to the thoughts of a legion of adoring fans across the UK, Ireland, mainland Europe, America, Australasia… you name it.
From early appearances right through, eyewitness accounts and appreciations will include key moments – live and on record – and an abundance of anecdotes, reviews and (let’s face it) love letters to a close-knit group of working class lads inspired to have a crack at the rock ‘n’ roll world on the back of glam and punk, proving themselves time and again on the circuit and as gifted songwriters and players.
My first sighting was at hometown venue Guildford Civic Hall, aged 13, in June 1981, catching them a few more times up to their UK swansong at Crystal Palace FC two summers later and many times since, June ’99’s return at Harlesden’s Mean Fiddler my favourite live show in 45-plus years.
A decade ago we had Mickey’s marvellous Teenage Kicks: My Life as an Undertone (Omnibus Press, 2016), and I’m launching this as Damian O’Neill completes his own keenly anticipated ’Tones book project (more on that soon). But the more the merrier, and True Confessions: A People’s History of The Undertones will follow this feted five-piece from the O’Neill’s back room in Beechwood Avenue, Derry to the wider world (and they never forgot their roots), set out chronologically around live dates, releases, promo events, TV and radio appearances, with added appreciations of key songs and records and tributes to a few of those who helped out along the way and are no longer around.
I envisage as the end result a fitting document of a punk-tinged outfit who quickly ensured coveted Top Twenty status and a darn sight more, and continue to draw in new admirers six decades on. I’m not after warts ‘n’ all revelations or damning indictments. I just feel it’s time to tell their tale from a fresh angle that does this iconic group the credit they deserve.
The live shows are always something to behold, and I’m keen to ensure those moments and encounters are brought to life in accounts perfectly capturing so many halcyon nights. Whether initially pulled in seeing them on Top of the Pops or some other long-lost TV transmission, at a venue near you, or blasting out of your radio or stereo, this book’s for you.
Maybe Feargal’s amazing vocal and stage craft first made you sit up and take note (or Paul’s mastery of the songs and live performances since), or perhaps it was John, Dee, Mickey and Billy’s songs and musicianship or some other aspect of what makes The Undertones tick. Either way, please send your stories (and any copyright-free images or pics of yourself with ‘Tones-related memorabilia), with thedayiwasthere@gmail.com a starting point (I can send prompt questions if it helps get the grey matter going). I look forward to hearing from you.
Anyway, I’ve wittered on far too long, but expect a few more of these posts in the coming days and weeks (and at least I have an excuse to write loads about these fellas now).
P.S. The book’s cover image here is a work in progress. It’s early days at the moment, but keep your eyes John Peeled for updates re publication dates, pre-orders and all that malarkey. And that email address again? Try me via thedayiwasthere@gmail.com. Many thanks. Over and out (for now).
