Terry Chambers Returns to the Old Town Bowl: A 50-Year Circle with EXTC
Some birthdays are etched in memory for unusual reasons. For Terry Chambers, his twenty-first was marked by a looped viewing of a friend’s TV audition tape—Dave “New Faces” James’s three-minute performance of “Wheels Go Round.” But far more significantly, that same day in 1974, he had just played a gig at Swindon’s Old Town Bowl with his band, then recently rebranded as XTC.
The lineup on stage featured guitarist Andy Partridge, bassist Colin Moulding, and keyboardist Johnathan Perkins. Perkins’s tenure was brief; he departed just before the band’s pivotal support slot for The Stranglers, later forming Stadium Dogs and appearing in Ian Broudie’s pre-Lightning Seeds outfit, Original Mirrors. His vacancy was filled by Barry Andrews, completing the classic early recording lineup that would help forge XTC’s innovative sound.
While XTC’s legacy as one of Britain’s most influential pop and rock bands is secure, Terry’s personal journey with the group concluded when they transitioned to a studio-only model. He moved on, but the music lived on, inspiring generations of artists. Now, a half-century later, that story comes full circle.
The Birth of EXTC: More Than a Tribute
On July 18th, 2024—exactly 50 years after his last performance at the venue—Terry Chambers will again stand behind his drum kit at the Old Town Bowl. This time, he fronts EXTC, a project that transcends typical tribute bands. EXTC offers fans the rare chance to hear XTC’s seminal catalogue performed live, driven by the band’s original drummer.
The project’s roots trace to 2018, when Terry reunited with former XTC bandmate Colin Moulding as TC&I, releasing four new tracks. The overwhelming response led to two weeks of sold-out shows at Swindon Arts Centre, attracting fans from the USA and Japan and confirming the enduring global appeal of the XTC name.
Though Colin was hesitant to tour, Terry’s passion for live performance persisted. EXTC was born, though its launch was nearly derailed by the pandemic; after just two shows, an 18-month hiatus ensued. Since re-emerging, the band has built impressive momentum, completing six tours of the USA, where XTC’s influence remains particularly strong.
The current EXTC lineup is a well-honed unit: Terry Lines (bass), Nigel Whitley (guitar), and Karl Lornie (keyboards/guitar), all contributing vocals. Their shared commitment to faithfully recreating XTC’s intricate, energetic sound has been key to their success.
Why Swindon? Why Now?
The choice of the Old Town Bowl for this milestone is deeply intentional. “People always say that we don’t play Swindon enough,” Terry reflects, “so I thought if I’m going to do a show, it needs to be significant.” The date—July 18th—marks the precise anniversary of his final 1974 gig there. Coincidentally, it also falls on his 71st birthday, making the event a profound personal and professional homecoming.
“It’s about my career turning full circle,” Terry explains. “I’ve been very fortunate to live a full life through music. A time will come when I can’t do it anymore, or people aren’t interested, or it’s not financially viable, so, if I don’t get to do it again locally, this will be a great way to bow out.” This sentiment underscores the project’s authenticity—it’s a living tribute led by the man who helped create the history.
A Night of Swindon Sounds: Supporting Acts
The evening extends beyond XTC’s catalog. The bill features songwriter Scott Mickelson, an American artist whose quirky, banjo-led indie sound openly acknowledges XTC’s influence. He will be backed by a collective of respected Swindon musicians, further rooting the night in the local scene.
The diverse support lineup showcases Swindon’s rich musical tapestry. Chris Cobbson, known for his work with Osibisa and Courtney Pine, alongside Roi Geyari, will bring jazz and groove infused with Caribbean and African rhythms. Completing the bill, Jim Blair will deliver funky, slide blues, ensuring a night of varied, high-quality performances.
This event is more than a concert; it is a celebration of a specific musical lineage, a testament to enduring fandom, and a poignant moment for a musician closing a historic loop. For Terry Chambers and the fans, it is a chance to experience the songs that defined an era, played with the original pulse, in the very place where that journey once began.
Tickets HERE
Image Credit: theswindonian.co.uk
