Inside The Song: Alternative Ulster | Henry Cluney (Stiff Little Fingers)

How was one of punk's greatest songs written and recorded? In this episode of Inside The Song, founding member and guitarist Henry Cluney takes us inside Alternative Ulster - the iconic Stiff Little Fingers single that captured the frustrations of a generation growing up in Belfast during the Troubles. Henry discusses his recollections of the songwriting process, recording sessions, guitar tones, studio techniques, working with Jake Burns, Ali McMordie and Brian Faloon, manager Gordon Ogilvie, and the circumstances that led to Alternative Ulster being recorded. This is a detailed conversation for music fans, guitarists, producers, songwriters and anyone interested in the history of Irish music. Editor's Note: During the conversation, Henry Cluney discusses his recollection of the writing of Alternative Ulster and Gordon Ogilvie's contribution to the lyrics. The original 1978 Rough Trade release credits the song to “Fingers/Ogilvie”. Jake Burns has subsequently said publicly that he wrote the song largely himself, with Gordon Ogilvie contributing one line. These differing accounts are noted here for context. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Discovering punk 02:45 How Henry Cluney met Jake Burns 06:25 Inside the Song: Alternative Ulster 07:05 How Alternative Ulster was written 09:00 Belfast, the Troubles & “street politics” 10:57 Who wrote Alternative Ulster? 14:24 Building the song 14:46 The iconic guitar intro 15:47 Alternative Ulster & the uilleann pipes 17:06 Recording Alternative Ulster 20:11 Breaking down the recording 48:53 Ali McMordie’s bass playing 50:29 SLF at the Ulster Hall 50:41 When Stiff Little Fingers changed 52:26 The Undertones 55:48 Henry’s favourite Undertones song 1:08:48 Alternative Ulster & U2’s With or Without You 1:20:36 Songwriting, Jake Burns & life after SLF with XSLF 1:27:10 Leaving Stiff Little Fingers 1:30:59 Songwriting & musical influences 1:34:40 Ali McMordie’s bass playing 1:36:30 Releasing Alternative Ulster 1:40:57 Green Day & Stiff Little Fingers 1:41:41 Final thoughts