Feargal Sharkey Biography: Seán Feargal Sharkey OBE born 13 August 1958 is a singer and environmental advocate from Northern Ireland. He rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the punk band the Undertones during the late 1970s and early 1980s, later achieving solo success in the mid-1980s and early 1990s. His 1985 hit single “A Good Heart” topped the charts in the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Since stepping back from music in the early 1990s, Sharkey has taken on various leadership roles within the UK’s commercial music industry and has received numerous accolades for his contributions. A passionate fly fisherman, Sharkey has been a vocal campaigner against river pollution in the UK, particularly in chalk streams. He serves as Chairman of the Amwell Magna Fishery and has become a leading figure in efforts to stop water.
Feargal Sharkey Biography
Feargal Sharkey, born on August 13, 1958, in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, is an actor and composer best known for his work in Teenage Kicks: The Undertones (2001), Hittimittari (1984), and Insert Name Here (2016). He found success as a solo artist in the late 1980s and early 1990s, releasing two soul-influenced albums: his self-titled debut in 1985 and Wish in 1988.
Feargal Sharkey Biography 2025 Details
| Birth name | Seán Feargal Sharkey |
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| Born | 13 August 1958 Derry, Northern Ireland, UK |
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| Years active | 1975–1991 (as an active performer) 1992–present (within music management) |
| Labels | Virgin Records A&M Records (U.S.) Zarjazz Records |
| Formerly of | The Undertones, The Assembly |
| Category | Singers Bio |
Feargal Sharkey Personal Life
His most successful solo single, “A Good Heart” (1985), was written by Maria McKee, produced by David A. Stewart of Eurythmics fame, and co-arranged by composer Michael Kamen. Sharkey was the lead vocalist of the Irish punk/new wave band The Undertones, which originally disbanded in 1983. The group later reunited in the early 2000s, performing in clubs across Europe. In recognition of his contributions to music, Sharkey was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours.
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About Feargal Sharkey
Seán Feargal Sharkey OBE is a singer and environmentalist from Northern Ireland. He was the lead vocalist of punk band the Undertones in the 1970s and 1980s and a solo artist in the 1980s and 1990s.
Feargal Sharkey Wiki
- Born: 13 August 1958 (age 66 years), Londonderry, United Kingdom
- Spouse: Elizabeth Sharkey
- Music group: The Undertones
- Siblings: Jimmy Sharkey, Ursula Clifford, Diarmuid Sharkey, Michael Sharkey, Patricia Sharkey, Bridgin Sharkey
- Full name: Seán Feargal Sharkey
Early Life
Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, Sharkey joined the Undertones soon after their formation in 1975. The band found success with hits like “Teenage Kicks,” “Here Comes The Summer,” “My Perfect Cousin,” “Wednesday Week,” and “It’s Going to Happen!”. They disbanded in 1983 due to creative differences. Sharkey pursued a solo career, while the remaining members went on to form That Petrol Emotion in 1984.
Before launching his solo career, Sharkey briefly fronted the one-off project The Assembly, collaborating with Vince Clarke (formerly of Yazoo and Depeche Mode, later of Erasure). Their 1983 single “Never Never” reached No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart. Sharkey debuted as a solo artist with the 1984 single “Listen to Your Father,” a collaboration with Cathal Smyth of Madness. Released on Madness’s Zarjazz label, the track reached No. 23 in the UK charts and was performed on Top of the Pops alongside members of Madness.
Feargal Sharkey’s Role in the Music Industry
Feargal Sharkey transitioned from performing to the business side of the music industry. He began by working in Artists and Repertoire (A&R) at Polymer Records and soon after became the manager of EXP Ltd. From 1998 to 2003, Sharkey served as a member of the Radio Authority. In 1999, The Undertones reformed without him, as he chose not to rejoin the band.
A major turning point in his industry career came in 2004 when he was appointed Chairman of the UK Government’s Live Music Forum, established to review the impact of licensing on live performances. In 2008, he took on two significant roles—first as CEO of British Music Rights, and later that same year, as Head of UK Music, a role he held until his resignation in 2011.
Feargal Sharkey’s Solo Career
Feargal Sharkey embarked on his solo career in 1984 with the release of his debut single, “Listen to Your Father,” which reached number 23 on the UK charts and was released on Zarjazz Records. His solo material differed significantly from the punk sound of The Undertones. Notably, his 1985 single “A Good Heart” became a number one hit in multiple countries.
In 1986, his song “You Little Thief” climbed into the UK Top 5. His self-titled debut album also performed well, peaking at number 12 on the UK Albums Chart. Additionally, his album Songs From The Mardi Gras achieved success, reaching the UK Top 30, with one of its tracks hitting number 12 on the singles chart. Sharkey concluded his solo recording career in 1992.
Feargal Sharkey’s Net Worth 2025
Feargal Sharkey has an estimated net worth of $13 million. Over the years, he has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the music industry. In 2004, he was honored with the Scott Piering Award, becoming the only member of the Radio Authority to receive this recognition. Two years later, in 2006, he was presented with the Bottle Award at the International Live Music Conference, acknowledging his exceptional impact on the live music scene. In 2008, the University of Hertfordshire awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Arts for his remarkable achievements in music. The following year, he was listed in The Guardian’s MediaGuardian 100, highlighting influential media figures.
FAQs
What genre of music is Feargal Sharkey known for?
Feargal Sharkey is primarily known for punk rock and new wave music, especially through his role as the frontman of The Undertones. His solo career later incorporated more soulful, pop-influenced sounds.
Who wrote and produced Feargal Sharkey’s hit song “A Good Heart”?
The 1985 hit “A Good Heart” was written by Maria McKee, produced by David A. Stewart of Eurythmics, and featured orchestration by Michael Kamen.
Did Feargal Sharkey have a solo career after The Undertones?
Yes, after The Undertones disbanded in 1983, Sharkey launched a successful solo career, releasing two albums and achieving a number-one hit with “A Good Heart.”
Has Feargal Sharkey received any official honors?
Yes, he was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services to music.
Did The Undertones ever reunite?
Yes, The Undertones reunited in the early 2000s and toured across Europe, performing in various clubs and venues.
Has Feargal Sharkey worked in film or television?
Feargal Sharkey has appeared in and contributed to several film and television projects, including Teenage Kicks: The Undertones, Hittimittari, and the panel show Insert Name Here.