What a day this was with two joyous events within the space of 24 hours.
Firstly the UK election results came through, showing that finally we’ve gotten rid of those evil Tory robots.
And secondly there was a fabulous gig with EXTC, formed by original XTC drummer Terry Chambers and his two extremely talented chums , Steve Hampton on super guitar duties and Terry Lines on bass and vocals. It is worth noting that Lines has earned his chops playing the Paul McCartney role in a Beatles tribute act, so is used to playing dynamic English pop of the highest quality.
Together this dynamic trio tore through all those classic XTC tunes of yore.
This is pop! was a most appropriate opener, Statue of liberty came hot on its heels, so many hits, so little time!
Just think of a track and they probably played it.
There was a killer version of Grass with that drop dead gorgeous melody, from XTC’s album Skylarking from 1986 after Chambers had left when the band stopped playing live.
Sgt Rock had us all singing along.
My favourite was a kick bottom version of Generals and Majors.
There was a brief intermission for elderly men who needed a wee, that included the audience as well, so we all got our breath back, bought more beer and made friends with complete strangers. Yeah, sorry everyone.
When they returned they seamlessly kept the classic hits of XTC coming, and of course 1979’s Making Plans for Nigel was given a good run.
EXTC are just ridiculously fun and their set was encapsulated perfectly by Stupidly Happy, from Wasp star, XTC’s final album.
By the end we were hot, verging on melting, while smiling and being loudly appreciative.
To top it all after their last number the sound guys played I’m in love with a German film star by The Passions, heaven.
We mustn’t forget our main men Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding, without whom these timeless tunes would still be mere figments loitering in the imaginations of Swindon teenagers.
This was pop ( of the finest quality).
Words by John Haylock
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