This video shows footage of The Undertones performing in “The Casbah Bar”, the famous Derry venue. The Casbah Bar, located on Orchard Street, was a key part of the city’s music history and youth culture.  The Casbah was seen as a bit of a dive bar. This only made the place an attractive alternative to the predictable showbands that performed the hits of the day that other pubs played host to. Many bands performed there over the years, but the bar’s most famous act was The Undertones. The venue was the first location that paid the group a regular fee. Their regular spot, as well as the growing fanbase that came to see them, encouraged the young band and gave them the confidence to create more of their own material. 

This gig was recorded in 1978, their breakout year. In March, they recorded a demo tape that paved the way for their most famous song, “Teenage Kicks”. Unfortunately, you can only imagine what songs they were playing as no audio exists. Despite this, the footage provides a great insight into the atmosphere of the Casbah Bar and a young band bursting with energy and potential. Catch a glimpse of Derry’s most famous band on the cusp of stardom.

Vinny Cunningham is a filmmaker based in Derry.

This footage was donated to the Tower Museum and the Digital Film Archive by Vinny Cunningham.

• Derry City & Strabane District Council