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Choir gets Teenage Kicks as Undertones recording hits big screen

Keiron Tourish
BBC News NI north west reporter
BBC Logan is seen smiling from ear to ear inside a cinema. He has short hair and is wearing a Derry City jacket. A number of empty seats are seen behind him. BBC
Ardnashee School and College pupil Logan said he was very proud after seeing himself on the big screen

Teenage Kicks, so hard to beat - so the classic hit by The Undertones goes and so too it proved for choir members from a Londonderry special education school who have recorded a new version with the legendary punk band.

Choir members from Ardnashee School and College attended a special cinema screening of the performance on Wednesday, which was filmed last December at the home of Derry City FC, the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Widely regarded as one of the band's best-known songs, the 1978 hit has also become an unofficial anthem for Derry City supporters.

The recorded performance was part of the club's outreach initiative to promote inclusion through music and community engagement.

A number of people are seen in Derry City's stadium hospitality suite. They are predominantly wearing red and white Derry City jerseys. A fla with Derry City's club crest can be seen near the front of the group.
The choir, which is made up of about 50 pupils, recorded the Undertones hit at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in December

Unofficial Candystripes' anthem

About 50 pupils formed the choir to record the song, bringing new energy to a much-loved Candystripes' anthem.

"It was very good. I'm very proud of myself," said pupil Logan after seeing himself on the big screen at the Brunswick Moviebowl.

The school choir's rendition had previously caught the attention of the band after an earlier version was shared online, prompting The Undertones to want to collaborate on the special recording.

Mickey Bradley is wearing a blue jacket and chequered shirt. He is standing in front of a large cinema screen that reads: Derry City Football Club welcomes you to the premiere Teenage Kicks - Ardnashee School & College FT The Undertones'.
The Undertones' bass player Mickey Bradley said it was a joy to perform their hit song with the choir

Bass guitarist Mickey Bradley, who attended Tuesday's screening, praised the students' energy and musical ability.

"To see all those children who are getting great pleasure out of singing a song that you were involved in, you know it's hard to beat," he said.

"The joy and the enthusiasm that they had for it, kind of reminded me of the way we were whenever we were teenagers—whenever we made the record, you know."

A number of pupils and staff from Ardnashee School & College, as well as members of The Undertones, are outside the movie theatre. Some are waving their hands, while others are holding a Derry City flag.
It was a packed house at the Brunswick Moviebowl on Tuesday for the screening

Derry City supporters

Guitarist Damian O'Neill said it was a really enjoyable project to be a part of and praised the choir's performance.

"Watching the kids when they were singing it and the joy that they were getting, they were obviously having fun," he said.

"We get that same feeling," he added

Karen Pyne, Derry City FC's supporters liaison officer, said the project has been a fantastic initiative, and everyone loves the new recording.

"Three years ago we set up Different Together in conjunction with Ardnashee School and College to bring inclusion and diversity to the club."

Tuesday's event also included tributes to filmmaker Vinny Cunningham, who directed the original video in December and passed away in February at the age of 58.

Mr Cunningham, a dedicated Derry City fan, was well known for his work on Mahon's Way, Lesser Spotted Ulster, and documentaries about both the Troubles and The Undertones.

A black and white mural of five men, dressed in 1970s gear. They are sitting on a bench. The two to the left of the picture are looking into the camera. The other three are pointing at the camera.
A mural of The Undertones featuring the original line-up is prominent on the city walls in Derry

An encore due to popular demand

Ardnashee principal Raymond McFeeters described the experience as "magnificent" for the children involved.

"I think they thought that they were the stars," he said.

Newly-appointed deputy mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Niree McMorris said the pupils should be incredibly proud of everything they have achieved.

"It's wonderful to see this school being recognised for the special children that are within it. To be involved in the project with Teenage Kicks is amazing."

Two adults and a small child are seen in a movie theatre. Faye is wearing a bright pink Derry City top and black club hat. Her two parents stand either side of her and are both smiling.
Faye said the video was so well received in the theatre, they had to watch it twice

The screening ended with loud applause and cheers — and an encore by popular demand from those in attendance.

"It was so amazing that we had it on twice," said pupil Faye.

Cian has bright red hair and is seen smiling while wearing red ear protectors. He is in a Derry City shirt and his parents are standing either side of him. They are pictured in the movie theatre as a number of people are taking their seats.
Derry City fan Cian attended the screening with his parents and said it was a great experience to see himself and friends on the big screen

Cian, another pupil and choir member, attended the screening with his parents and said he could hardly believe his eyes when he saw himself and his friends on the big screen.

"I was like: 'No way, is that actually real?' I loved it."