John Joseph O'Neill (born 26 August 1957, Derry, Northern Ireland) is the rhythm guitarist and principal songwriter within the punk/New Wave band The Undertones. O'Neill, along with his younger brother Vincent and friends Feargal Sharkey, Michael Bradley and Billy Doherty, founded The Undertones in 1975, although Vincent O'Neill was replaced the following year with his younger brother, Damian O'Neill, who became the lead guitarist within the band.
John O'Neill was the principal songwriter in The Undertones: writing the majority of the band's singles and a number of album tracks (occasionally collaborating with his brother Damian or Michael Bradley). Songs written by John O'Neill include the singles "Teenage Kicks", "Jimmy Jimmy", "Here Comes The Summer","You've Got My Number (Why Don't You Use It?)" and notable album tracks such as "When Saturday Comes" and "You're Welcome".
After releasing four albums and thirteen singles, The Undertones disbanded in 1983, although they reformed in 1999. Since this date, the band (who have a new lead singer) have released two further albums and performed a number of gigs in both the U.K., Ireland, Europe and North America.
In 1985, the O'Neill brothers formed That Petrol Emotion, an acclaimed rock act who disbanded in 1994.
Famous quotes containing the word john:
“Look Johnny, Spig just joined the Navy. I’m married to it. I run the mess hall. I swab the deck. I chip the rust. You’re afraid that they’ll kick Spig out of the Navy. I’m afraid that they won’t.”
—Frank Fenton, William Wister Haines, co-scenarist, and John Ford. Minne Wead (Maureen O’Hara)