John O'Neill (guitarist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Joseph O'Neill
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O'Neill in 2022
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | John Joseph O'Neill |
| Also known as | Sean O'Neill |
| Born | 26 August 1957 Derry, Northern Ireland |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Rhythm guitar |
| Years active | 1976–1994, 1999–present |
| Labels |
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John Joseph O'Neill, born on August 26, 1957, is a talented musician from Northern Ireland. He is best known as the rhythm guitarist and a main songwriter for the famous punk rock band, The Undertones. His songs helped make the band very popular.
Contents
John O'Neill and The Undertones
Forming a Band
John O'Neill started The Undertones in 1975. He formed the band with his younger brother Vincent. Their friends Feargal Sharkey, Michael Bradley, and Billy Doherty also joined. The next year, Vincent was replaced by another younger brother, Damian O'Neill. Damian became the band's lead guitarist.
Writing Great Songs
John O'Neill wrote most of The Undertones' hit songs. He also wrote many songs for their albums. Sometimes, he worked with his brother Damian or Michael Bradley on these songs. Some of the well-known songs he wrote include "Teenage Kicks", "Jimmy Jimmy", and "Here Comes the Summer". He also wrote "You've Got My Number". Other popular album songs he wrote are "When Saturday Comes" and "Girls That Don't Talk".
The Undertones' Journey
The Undertones released four albums and 13 singles. The band decided to stop playing together in 1983. However, they got back together in November 1999. Since then, they have continued to make music.
The band has a new lead singer, Paul McLoone, who is also from Derry. Paul is also a radio presenter in Ireland. The Undertones have released two more albums since reforming. They have played many concerts in the UK, Ireland, Europe, and North America.
Other Music Projects
That Petrol Emotion
In 1985, John O'Neill and his brother Damian formed a new band. This band was called That Petrol Emotion. It was a well-known rock group. That Petrol Emotion played together until 1994.
Rare
In the 1990s, John O'Neill started a music group called Rare. He used the stage name Seán Ó'Néill for this project. The group also featured a singer named Mary Gallagher. Rare played a type of music called trip hop. They received some good reviews from music critics. However, they only had one album, released in 1998. The group stopped playing together shortly after that.
