It is the end of an era as a band committed to playing the music of XTC, years after the band itself called it a day, have themselves played their last ever gig. 

Fossil Fools, the UK's longest-running tribute act to the Swindon band, played their final show at The Vic at the end of November, in what the band's members have described as an 'extremely emotional one'. 

Terry Arnett, the band's drummer, posted an emotional reflection on his Facebook page. 

Swindon Advertiser:

He said: "It has been an honour to be part of this lovely band. It’s been like family. We all look out for each other. We all get on. No egos, and completely democratic. I’m going to miss this.

"But, XTC’s music is still being played by the likes of Terry Chambers’ EXTC and Scarecrow People, and recently by Mike Stone and Bob Juarez from the Fuzzies, and Dan Barrow from X-sTatiC at the 2022 Convention. I’ll be looking forward to hearing and seeing the music played as a fan.

"To all the people who have followed, supported, and saw us at gigs, I thank you.

"To the venues, supported by great sound engineers, I thank you for your tremendous hospitality."

The group made up of Terry, Dan Farmer, Matt Bell and Ed Percival played their first gig in 2010 after playing for various other tribute acts previously.

It was at the Furnace (Now Level 3) and they were supporting a band called Tin Spirits which featured former XTC member Dave Gregory - a nerve-wracking experience for them. 

They played for over a year until a disastrous gig at Dublin Castle that no one attended and decided to call it a day - although the hiatus only lasted around five years. 
Swindon Advertiser:

 

They were convinced to get back together in 2017 for the XTC convention in Swindon but band illness led to another musician needing to step in, Jake Crawford, who then became a permanent member, and the band performed solidly since then. 

"Every gig we played after that was such fun to do, and sounded as close to the records as ever," said Terry.

Coming full circle given that he was there for the band's first performance, former XTC guitarist Dave Gregory was also there at Te Vic, amongst the XTC fans, for the band's last gig - a special moment for them all. 

Terry added: "I just want to say thank you to Ed, Matt, Jake and Dan for being the best… my musical brothers. Love you guys."