Teenage Kicks: The Song John Peel Took to the Grave
In 1979, punk and new wave were dominating the U.K. music scene. When Northern Ireland’s The Undertones sent a demo to legendary BBC DJ John Peel, he was so impressed that he financed their first recording, which was later picked up by local label Good Vibrations.
Peel was so enamoured with the result that he played their signature song and debut single, Teenage Kicks, on air repeatedly, sometimes twice in a row. He famously declared: “It doesn’t get much better than this!” In fact, Peel was so passionate about the track that he even requested some of its lyrics to be inscribed on his gravestone. In 2001, he featured in a documentary, Teenage Kicks: The Undertones, where he visited the band’s hometown of Derry.
Initially, their debut album didn’t include Teenage Kicks due to the single being released by a different label. However, when the album was re-released later that year, the rights to the song had been acquired by the band’s new label, Sire Records, and it was included—proof that having a great song can make all the difference!
Another notable track on the re-release was Casbah Rock, named after a venue the band frequented in their early days (no connection to The Clash’s song). This venue played a key role in nurturing the punk rock movement of the late ’70s in the area, underscoring my belief that one of the most important ingredients to success is a regular gig.
During this period, tensions between the U.K. and Ireland were high, unemployment was rampant, and few venues remained open. The DIY spirit of punk rock thrived in this environment. While many bands used their music to voice political resistance, The Undertones largely stayed away from political themes. Perhaps their relatively calm roots in Derry, as opposed to the turmoil in Belfast, influenced this. Or maybe they simply preferred to sing about teenage angst and girls.
Despite the massive buzz surrounding Teenage Kicks, the band’s initial success was somewhat fleeting. Their follow-up album, Hypnotised, actually charted higher than their debut, thanks largely to the hype surrounding the band. The standout track, My Perfect Cousin, became their only Top 10 single. Strangely, they also recorded a cover of Under The Boardwalk on this album, though both tracks have since faded from public memory.
The Undertones went on to release four more albums before calling it quits in 1983, due to mounting internal conflict and dissatisfaction with their lack of hits, especially after their new label, EMI, raised concerns.
In 1999, The Undertones reformed with some new members and began playing festivals. They were even scheduled to perform at John Peel’s birthday celebration, but cancelled at the last minute. Whether Peel played his favourite tune at the event remains unknown, but it’s hard to imagine he didn’t.
The Undertones Tunes | Related Pages
Teenage Kicks | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Teenage Kicks by The Undertones using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| D | D5 C#5 /A |
Are teenage dreams so hard to beat…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Teenage Kicks (The Undertones) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Under The Boardwalk | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Under The Boardwalk by The Drifters using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, the original recording and covers.
| G | G | D | D |
Oh, when the sun beats down and burns the tar up on the roof…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Under The Boardwalk (The Drifters) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
The Undertones on the web
