XTC were an English rock band formed in Swindon in 1972. Fronted by songwriters Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding, the band gained popularity during the rise of punk and new wave in the 1970s, later playing in a variety of styles that ranged from angular guitar riffs to elaborately arranged pop. Partly because the group did not fit into contemporary trends, they achieved only sporadic commercial success in the UK and US, but attracted a considerable cult following. They have since been recognised for their influence on post-punk, Britpop and later power pop acts.
XTC backstage in Toronto, Canada (October 1978), from left: Andy Partridge, Colin Moulding, Terry Chambers and Barry Andrews
A view of Swindon in 2007
XTC performing live (pictured from left: Gregory and Partridge)
XTC photographed with Canadian fans, 1980. From left: Moulding (holding cup), Partridge (in the background, wearing glasses), Gregory, and Chambers.
Andrew John Partridge is an English guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer best known for co-founding the band XTC. He and Colin Moulding each acted as a songwriter and frontman for XTC, with Partridge writing and singing about two-thirds of the group's material. While XTC were a formative British new wave group, Partridge's songwriting drew heavily from 1960s pop and psychedelia, and his style gradually shifted to more traditional pop, often with pastoral themes. The band's only UK top 10 hit, "Senses Working Overtime", was written by Partridge.
Partridge on XTC's Drums and Wires tour playing Toronto's Music Hall, February 1980
XTC performing live (from left: guitarist Dave Gregory and Partridge)
Partridge in the studio, c. 1988
Partridge-designed album cover for the Dukes of Stratosphear's 25 O'Clock (1985)