Seán Feargal Sharkey, born in Derry, Northern Ireland, first rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the punk band The Undertones, which he joined shortly after its formation in 1975. The band achieved several UK hits, including "Teenage Kicks," "Here Comes The Summer," and "My Perfect Cousin," before splitting in 1983. Following this, Sharkey briefly sang with The Assembly, achieving a No. 4 UK hit with "Never Never" in 1983.