Tickets are now on sale for the EXTC - XTC’s Terry Chambers And Friends show on March 30 at City Winery Chicago. Chambers was a founding member of the eccentric and beloved British band, and he’s backed by veteran rockers Steve Tilling, Steve Hampton, and Matt Hughes. According to the gig description on the City Winery Chicago website, EXTC has the blessing of XTC guiding light Andy Partridge. If it gives avid fans an opportunity to enjoy clever gems like “Making Plans For Nigel,” “Senses Working Overtime,” and “Life Begins At The Hop” performed live, it will be well worth checking out.
Speaking of musicians performing XTC-related songs, fans might also be interested in the indie rock tribute album Garden Of Earthly Delights - An XTC Celebration available from Futureman Records. The 49-track compilation has numerous highlights, including “Everything Will Be Alright” by The Corner Laughers; “Don’t Lose Your Temper” by Derrick Anderson; “Respectable Street” by Dot Dash; “Your Gold Dress” by Hollywood Props; and “Where Did The Ordinary People Go?” by Danny Wilkerson.
I’m also reminded of an XTC tribute show staged by Dag Juhlin at a Chicago venue a number of years ago, and the clever video he posted online to promote it. It involved him operating a fictitious XTC Tour Info Hotline and fielding calls from people confusing the band name with several acronyms, including STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases). The bottom line was there wasn’t much hope of an actual XTC tour happening so fans should come and see his show.
I’ve joked about Juhlin being in hundreds of bands (The Slugs, Poi Dog Pondering, EXPO ’76, Sonic45, etc.) but surely one of his best is Sunshine Boys. The trio, which also includes Freda Love Smith from Blake Babies and Jacqueline Schimmel from Big Hello, has released two superb albums, filled with melodic indie rock songs and compelling lyrics. Sunshine Boys will be at the Hey Nonny venue in Arlington Heights this Friday night. The first of their two sets starts at 7:30 pm; doors open at 6:30 pm.
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