The Undertones in Birmingham

The Undertones are a Northern Irish punk band formed in Derry in 1974. Their concise, melodic guitar songs found a wider audience through “Teenage Kicks,” followed by records including the self-titled debut, Hypnotised and the single “My Perfect Cousin.” The Undertones toured the United States supporting The Clash in 1979 and played extensively around Britain during the run of their first two albums. They broke up in 1983; reunion concerts followed in 1999, when Paul McLoone became lead singer. The reunited group has since returned to theatres and festivals, including Glastonbury Festival.

The English Beat is the North American billing of The Beat, a British ska and new-wave band formed in Birmingham in 1978. The group is known for the albums I Just Can’t Stop It, Wha’ppen? and Special Beat Service, and for songs including “Mirror in the Bathroom,” “Save It for Later,” “Too Nice to Talk To” and “Can’t Get Used to Losing You.” During its original run, the band toured Britain and North America and performed at the US Festival in San Bernardino in 1982. The original group split in 1983; since the 2000s, Dave Wakeling has led a US-based touring lineup under The English Beat name at clubs, theatres and festivals across North America.