Gerry McCandless and Austin Barrett became acquainted and had an interest in punk. Before long, and with bass player Vinnie O’Neill, they began rehearsing songs. Covers by The Clash, Ramones, Buzzcocks, The Beatles and a few tunes that Gerry had penned. Vinnie had enough after a few weeks and a replacement was needed.

In steps Jackie Hamilton, Gerry’s younger sister’s boyfriend. (Gerry and Jackie are two Beatle freaks - they hit it off straight away – he was in.)

In October 1978 and after a final rehearsal in Gerry’s mothers kitchen, they played for the first time supporting The Undertones in an outdoor gig in the Bull Park Derry...