Question 1

True or false: XTC wrote the hit 'Making Plans for Nigel' as a protest against corporate control of workers' lives.

Accepted Answer

True. The song criticizes parents and industry pressuring a young man into a safe job; it became a UK top 20 hit.

Question 2

True or false: Colin Moulding wrote 'Generals and Majors' as a tribute to his father, a decorated World War II veteran.

Accepted Answer

False. The song critiques militarism and war profiteering; Moulding's father was not a veteran, and the song is anti-war.

Question 3

True or false: XTC's album 'Skylarking' was produced by Todd Rundgren after a tense studio collaboration.

Accepted Answer

True. Rundgren produced 'Skylarking' despite clashes with Andy Partridge; the album became their commercial breakthrough in the U.S.

Question 4

True or false: Guitarist Andy Partridge suffered from stage fright, leading XTC to stop touring after 1982.

Accepted Answer

True. Partridge's severe anxiety and panic attacks made live performances unbearable; the band became a studio-only act thereafter.

Question 5

True or false: The band's name 'XTC' stands for 'Xeroxed Transatlantic Communications'.

Accepted Answer

False. The name was chosen randomly from a list of words; it has no official meaning, though fans have speculated.

Question 6

True or false: XTC's album 'Apple Venus Volume 1' was recorded using a full orchestra and no electric guitars.

Accepted Answer

True. After a breakup threat, the band created an orchestral pop album; it features strings, woodwinds, and no rock guitar.

Question 7

True or false: XTC's song 'Dear God' was originally released as a B-side before becoming a controversial hit.

Accepted Answer

True. 'Dear God' appeared on the 1986 album 'Skylarking' only in later pressings after radio play made it popular.

Question 8

True or false: The band once recorded an entire album using only instruments made from recycled household items.

Accepted Answer

False. While XTC experimented with unusual sounds, no album was made entirely from household items; this myth is a fan fabrication.

XTC Trivia Questions