XTC's Andy has a pop at Swindon (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

XTC's Andy has a pop at Swindon

THE former lead singer of a cult Swindon band has taken a swipe at the town, saying it is full of mundane people.

Speaking to The Guardian in an article about band lyrics, Andy Partridge, who fronted New Wave band XTC, described Swindon as a "neither-here-nor-there town" even though it formed a backdrop to some of his songs.

This is not the first time Swindon has come under a barrage of criticism from the singer, of Avenue Road, Old Town, as in 1985 he said it was not stimulating in any way whatsoever.

In his most recent slating, he said: "Swindon is averageville. I don't actually like the place very much. Whenever I've got enough money to move out, something seems to come along and take it away.

"But I do like the idea that it's given me something to kick against. It's the anvil you get to harden stuff up on.

"I live in a town full of very mundane people who are just apathetic. And it's so enraging, it keeps the batteries topped up."

Swindon Mayor Ray Fisher who has already defended the town after jibes from fashion designer Wayne Hemingway and baked bean company Heinz.

After hearing about the latest attack he said: ""I'm astounded. It's a shame because we need people like the XTC bunch to back the town up. I'm disappointed he should say that. Yes, probably Swindon is an average town but could you call the people mundane, when we're obviously going places?

"If Mr Partridge would care to contact us we'll introduce him to the thrills of Swindon that his background has obviously led him to miss."

The Swindon Evening Advertiser has launched a Swindon And Proud of It campaign to hit back at the critics of our wonderful town.

XTC was formed in the town in the 1970s, and went on to become a major force in the early 1980s with hits such as Making Plans for Nigel and Senses Working Overtime.

The band's debut album, White Music, reached number 38 in the charts and in August 1979, the Drums and Wires album got to number 34.

Although XTC scored a number of hits in the singles and album charts during the early years of their career, they have never had mass appeal.

But their appeal to a sizeable and sometimes obsessive hard core of fans continues.

Sandy Martin, BBC Radio Swindon presenter, has interviewed Partridge a couple of times.

Despite, his latest outburst, he said he was an asset to the town.

"Andy is an extremely talented songwriter and musician. He has put Swindon on the map of music. Let's hope this frustration and experiences in Swindon inspire another batch of hit songs."