Q. Dear Andy,
It's been 30 years since 'White Music' hit the streets, and now it seems to be the general consensus that XTC were one of the most important and influential bands to emerge since. Looking back -- through the personnel changes, punk snarls, studio perfection, and orchestral musing -- it must be terrific to know that you and your bandmates have affected the lives of so many of your listeners in a positive way.

What would you like us to take away from the music of XTC? What would you like to leave as your legacy? In 100 years, how would you like music historians to finish the sentence, "Boy oh boy, that Andy Partridge was ____________"? (And, yes, one of the choices can indeed be "cryogenically frozen"!)
With respect and admiration, Ben Gott, Connecticut, USA

A. Ben Gott, Ben Gott, has not got what's not. But what's not forgotten is gotten by Gott.


I thought I recognised that typing. What would I like people to take away from XTC's music? Well I guess the same un-nameable pleasure that I get from my faves, eg. Beatles, Bach, Bee Gees, Bacharach, Beethoven, Be bop, Beefheart, and that's just a few of the B's. Not that I'm in their league, we're talking pure delight here, not merit.

A legacy,.....my children I think, and one hundred years from now music historians will say "Boy oh boy, that Andy Partridge was ONE OF THE SONGWRITERS FROM ENGLANDS PAST THATS BEEN FORGOTTEN ABOUT." I have no delusions about any historical importance or longevity. If I'm considered obscure now, then I'll be totally off the radar in ten years time.


Andy