The band had come in for a sideswipe from their former frontman - who sarkily declared his "healthy disrespect for ageing pop stars". But the thousands of fans packed into Finsbury Park certainly didn't share his opinion.

Speaking to NME.com after the gig - substitute singer Paul McCloone - lead singer with Derry band The Carolines responded to Feargal's comments: "That's his opinion and I respect that. They [the original band members] wanted to do it and he doesn't. We are here to prove there is life in The Undertones yet."

McCloone defended his warbling - Sharkey-esque singing style: "I'm not trying to sound like Feargal. If I do sound similar - it's because we're from the same place and I'm singing the same songs."

Adding that he would love to do more of the festivals and gig throughout the summer - McCloone said: "It's not a hobby as such - but we're not giving up the day jobs. We'll just wait and see."

Prior to The Undertones' set - Prefab Sprout's Paddy McAloon charmed the laid-back mid-afternoon crowd - quipping that they had wanted a helicopter to bring them in but headliners The Corrs and The Undertones had nabbed the best ones - so his stealth bomber was parked out the back. His announcement that it was his 43rd birthday last week "and not one of you sent me a card" was greeted with a chorus of "Happy Birthday To You" from the faithful - and the band responded with a warm - banter-strewn set.