XTC just about tops the list of my all time favourite bands. I got to see them live only once in 1981 shortly before they stopped live performances … for ever! I was also lucky enough to be at a part reforming as TC&I in 2019 in Swindon. And also attended the first public show in Swindon just before lockdown in 2020 of EXTC, basically original XTC drummer Terry Chambers … and friends!

Having one original member does slightly elevate the band above a mere tribute, but the band has morphed from a 5 piece set up to 3 piece only so I was more than a bit apprehensive about how they would handle XTC songs that had many complex arrangements. I needn’t have worried and I was super impressed (like the rest of a packed enthusiastic crowd) that Steve Hampton on guitar and vocals and Terry Lines on Bass and vocals pulled it off extremely well. The songs are just so great and all us XTC geeks were carried along through two sets on a feel good wave of nostalgia and singing along. Surprised and delighted at how good they were and must make sure to catch them whenever they hopefully come our way again.

Attended by George