here comes the summer: the undertones story tonight at 9.45pm on bbc4

[Oldrottenhead]

yeah baby

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01mhqnr

Duration: 1 hour

In 1978 the Undertones released Teenage Kicks, one of the most perfect and enduring pop records of all time - an adolescent anthem that spoke to teenagers all over the globe. It was the first in a string of hits that created a timeless soundtrack to growing up, making the Undertones one of punk rock's most prolific and popular bands.

Unlike the anarchic ragings of the Sex Pistols or the overt politics of the Clash, the Undertones sang of mummy's boys, girls - or the lack of them - and their irritating cousin Kevin. But their gems of pop music were revolutionary nonetheless - startlingly positive protest songs that demanded a life more ordinary. Because The Undertones came from Derry, epicentre of the violent troubles that tore Northern Ireland apart during the 1970s.

Featuring interviews with band members, their friends, family, colleagues and contemporaries, alongside archive and music, this documentary is the remarkable, funny and moving story of one of Britain's favourite bands - the most improbable pop stars who emerged from one of the darkest, most violent places on the planet.

[Hilary]

Oooh fab, thanks James.

[Hilary]

I watched it, 'twas fab indeed.

Here's a great version of Teenage Kicks by Kari

https://songcrafters.org/community/index.php?topic=5941.msg74381#msg74381

[Oldrottenhead]

yeah was a fab documentary, a pity feargal didnt take part, i never realised until watching the doc that he had no writing input into the band. catch it on the iplayer it will fill your heart with joy.

yup kari's version is awesome too.

[Hilary]

Yeah, he just turned up, sang and then cleared off. Wasn't it amazing, just a bunch of kids from school forming a band like everyone else does only they have a genius songwriter in their midst and found a brilliant singer.