Paul McLoone facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Paul McLoone
Paul McLoone performing on stage with The Undertones in Dublin, Ireland, on 26 November 2023
Background information
Birth name	Paul Martin McLoone
Born	(1967-02-11) 11 February 1967 (age 58) Derry, Northern Ireland
Genres	Punk rock pop punk
Occupation(s)	Musician radio producer voice actor radio presenter
Instruments	Vocals acoustic guitar
Years active	1985–present
Labels	Cooking Vinyl

Paul Martin McLoone (born 11 February 1967) is a musician, radio presenter, and voice actor from Derry, Northern Ireland. He is well-known as the lead singer of the famous pop-punk band The Undertones. He joined the band in 1999, taking over from their original singer, Feargal Sharkey.

Paul McLoone also helped create and write the Irish comedy show Gift Grub. For many years, he hosted his own radio show, The Paul McLoone Show, on Today FM. This show played music from new and alternative bands from Ireland and around the world. He also presented Another Side on TXFM, which focused on the careers of major musicians.

From 2012 to 2016, Paul was the main host for the Choice Music Prize awards in Dublin. This event celebrates the best Irish albums each year.

Paul McLoone's Career Journey

Starting in Radio

Paul McLoone grew up in Bogside, Derry. He began his radio career in the late 1980s. His first appearance was on Gerry Anderson's show on BBC Radio Foyle in 1985. Paul impressed everyone by successfully pretending to be Prince Charles in an interview! This helped kick-start his career in radio.

Paul also played in a band called The Carrellines in the late 1980s. He was the lead singer and guitarist. Another member of The Carrellines was Billy Doherty, who later became the drummer for The Undertones. The Carrellines released two singles, but then broke up. After that, Paul managed another band called Schtum.

Paul later became a radio producer. He worked on many shows for the BBC, including his own comedy series called McLoone in the early 1990s.

Moving to Dublin and Today FM

In March 1999, Paul moved to Dublin, Republic of Ireland. He joined Today FM, a national radio station. He became a producer for The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show. While working there, Paul helped create and write the popular Irish comedy show Gift Grub with comedian Mario Rosenstock. They even performed in some of the sketches together.

After five years, Paul left The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show in 2004. He then worked as a freelance producer for various TV and radio stations, including RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ 2fm.

Hosting His Own Radio Show

In late 2005, Paul was asked to produce a music show called Pet Sounds for Tom Dunne on Today FM. When Tom Dunne left in 2008, Paul took over the show. His role was meant to be temporary, but his show became very popular. So, in September 2008, The Paul McLoone Show officially began. It became a well-loved show for many years.

Paul won several awards for his radio work. In 2012, he won a gold award for "Specialist Music Broadcaster Of The Year". He also won awards for his work on the Choice Music Prize. People often recognized his voice on Irish radio.

Paul's Work in Television

Paul McLoone has also worked behind the scenes in television. He was a writer and creative consultant for the TV shows Funky Fables and Roy for CBBC.

He also used his voice acting skills for cartoons. Paul was the voice of Baboon, a character in the Irish cartoon series Skunk Fu!, which aired from 2007 to 2008. In 2012, he voiced a father character in the animated film Moon Man.

Paul also appeared in the movie Sunset Heights in 2002. He played a character named Dingo Green. In 2014, he starred in a music video for the Irish rock band The Minutes. In the video for their song Cherry Bomb, he played an Elvis impersonator.

Paul McLoone and The Undertones

The famous band The Undertones broke up in 1983. But in November 1999, they decided to get back together. Their original singer, Feargal Sharkey, did not want to rejoin. So, the band asked Paul McLoone to become their new lead singer.

Paul's first concert with The Undertones was in Derry on 19 November 1999. Before joining The Undertones, Paul had already worked with their drummer, Billy Doherty, in The Carrellines. They also worked together as producers at their recording studio, Big River Records.

With Paul as their frontman, The Undertones recorded two studio albums: Get What You Need (2003) and Dig Yourself Deep (2007). They also released new singles and went on tours in Europe. In 2016, the band celebrated their 40th anniversary with more live shows.

Since 1999, The Undertones have played many concerts all over the world with Paul McLoone as their singer. They still have a large number of fans who come to their shows. Paul has successfully become a permanent and popular part of the band.

Film and TV Appearances