HERE COMES THE SUMMER: THE STORY OF THE UNDERTONES

BBC4 - 2013

CHRIS WILSON - PRODUCER, DIRECTOR & EDITOR

In 1978 The Undertones released Teenage Kicks, 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 they were revolutionary nonetheless, because The Undertones came from Derry, epicentre of the violent troubles that tore Northern Ireland apart during the 1970s, and their perfect pop-gems were startlingly positive protest songs that demanded a life more ordinary. Featuring interviews with band members, their friends, family, followers 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

Alleycats Productions for BBC4