Celebrating 50 years of the Undertones: Damian O'Neill in conversation

Damian O’Neill of The Undertones in conversation with Ann Scanlon on 50 years of the band & “Teenage Kicks”, John Peel’s all-time favourite

Join us for a special evening with Damian O’Neill, lead guitarist of The Undertones, in conversation with music journalist Ann Scanlon, as the band approach their 50th Anniversary in 2026.

Formed in Derry in the late 1970s, The Undertones emerged from a divided city to create music that felt immediate, joyous and utterly universal. Blending punk’s urgency with irresistible pop melody, they stood apart from their peers. As Paul Morley once wrote, they were “the sound of innocence discovering electricity”.

At the heart of their story is “Teenage Kicks”, a song whose impact still reverberates. BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel famously described it as his all-time favourite song, played it twice in a row on his show, and later had its opening lyrics engraved on his headstone. As Peel put it, it was simply “perfect”.

In this intimate conversation, Damian O’Neill reflects on life inside one of Ireland’s most influential bands. From early rehearsals and sudden attention to recording classic albums and navigating the realities of touring, Damian will share first-hand stories from a career that helped define a generation.

Expect sharp insight, humour and warmth, alongside reflections on legacy, longevity and why The Undertones’ songs still connect so powerfully today. An essential event for fans of punk, pop and anyone who believes great music can change lives.

Presented as part of Independent Venue Week