XTC - King For a Day + Great Fire & Dear God (medley) [July 1989]

[Stereo feed] Two different broadcasts taken from the same taping date for US airing are combined here, for your viewing pleasure.
The trio perform acoustically, and without the hindrance of "house bands" to interfere with the group's performances.
Originally broadcast on 2 different programs on cable television, as you may recognize the hosts for those short-lived experiments [Carrot-Top & Weird Al].

[@costantino227]

Insieme ai Beatles, la più grande Pop-Rock band di tutti i tempi ❤

[@SuperRocky74]

quite simply one of the greatest bands ever

[@Tony-yd1vx]

You my friend are a genius, a belated genius, but genius all the same.

[@John42ification]

Well, yeah!

[@cremejockey8636]

Robert k they write perfect music when they want to. But i had an xtc album idk the name it was a red cover with a building on it but it was so bad i threw it out my car window. That being said: skylarking is the best album of all time

[@freddystone7584]

@@cremejockey8636 Oranges and Lemons is amazing like Skylarking

[@viachicago]

@@cremejockey8636 It’s not that bad! But I agree it’s not their best either. The album is Nonsuch, released in 1992. If you give it another listen you’ll probably recognize the first song (and lead single), The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead. Other worthwhile songs on the album are My Bird Performs, Humble Daisy, Rook, Then She Appeared, War Dance, and Wrapped in Grey.

[@JamesD3399]

Weird Al introducing XTC???? Why wasn't I notified about this sooner?

[@Quagmire1771]

Exactly! This was around my time. Wth!?

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

Strange considering Weird Al Yankovic is very religious. But cool!

[@The3Stooges]

@@V8AmericanMuscleCar Just curious, where are you getting your infotmation that he is "very religious?"

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

@The3Stooges some interview I think but you can find a lot about it on the internet.

[@josejones7025]

@@The3Stoogesno, he’s saying Who gives a fuck about any religious philosophy

[@qwargy]

I love Andy’s backup vocals in King for a day, they really enhance the chorus. He’s a bit loud in the mix tho.

[@dparis2172]

Way too loud.

[@carolynwalker2914]

It’s Colin’s song. All the way.

[@yetanotherband]

Who was mixing this? Sounds like they’ve done set and forget with Andy as lead vocalist. Someone should’ve told em. XTC forever!

[@kabardinka1]

Colin Moulding might not have had the output of Andy Partridge, but he was very much his equal as a songwriter. He wrote many of my fav XTC songs including King for a Day. Brilliant band! This must have been one of the last public appearances.

[@williamb2845]

I think they played this on Letterman that same year. So, likely one of those two was their last.

[@skierpage]

"I Remember the Sun"!! Leading into "Train Running Low on Soul Coal," a 1-2 punch McCartney-Lennon would be proud of.

[@thomas6502]

Still three kings thirty years later. Thank you XTC!

[@craigsablosky6784]

One of the best and certainly the most unappreciated band ever!

[@garyolshan4177]

They are No 1 in that department and are on the Mt. Rushmore of great rock bands.

[@enricocavallo4386]

I really hate it when people say whatsit is an unappreciated band but - XtC IS unappreciated

[@lefkytheshin]

Hey, kiddies, this is what stellar musicianship sounds like.

[@joshtimmons7332]

0:17 King for a day 3:58 Great Fire 5:00 Dear God

[@acrovader]

I love XTC so much. Makes me so sad that they no longer make music together.

[@pdkett1]

The Beatles of the 80's. No Contest.

[@campfortson4387]

some might say the cure or the smiths. no chance. xtc forever, rule the seas.

[@PaGaNism]

Or Tears for Fears

[@lexie.ward.]

the beatles were the xtc of the 60s i like to say :)

[@AntoRecord]

Or duran duran

[@diamonddave16]

In high school, A friend of friend had a 2 hr weekly show on Tuesday nights for 3hrs. He played only XTC studio tracks, imports, live and interviews. Sometimes he’d also play echo & bunnymen, the teardrop explodes & tangerine dream. It was on WAIF public radio 88.3 Cincinnati- in the basement of a 9 story apt building on Taft rd. We used to to the studio and hang, read PSA’s, party. Great memories

[@windyhillbomber]

God damn I love this band

[@philmanson2991]

100 years from now this will still sound vibrant and fresh! Mesmerizing!

[@lexie.ward.]

I might still be around 100 years after this was recorded-I’d be about 90 years old, but I’m very confident it will still sound as timeless as it does now.

[@markunsworth2364]

@Lexie, you'll remember saying this when you're 90 and my reply too. Have a happy long life and play King for a Day for me when you reach that age 🙂

[@williamb2845]

Met XTC at a record store in Philly that year. Super cool guys.

[@JosephDillman]

I think I jumped on the right cloud in KZbin Heaven! Look at all the positive, loving comments. Testament to the magic of XTC and truly great art: No room for hate

[@ralphhyland8661]

Im so glad I was born when I was, to be young when these (and many others) were in there prime. Those days were so good. Thanks Mom & Dad

[@louisrichards3160]

AMEN 🙏

[@kelvinwilson9217]

Three unique musicians and song writers.

[@tictocbang7443]

What a mind-blowing band.

[@costafinkel]

Andy: I have stage fright and dont want to perform live; Producer: Dont worry, I will choose a very inoffensive song for you to sing, so that you feel more comfortable. Its called "Dear God".

[@AndyPlayedGuitar]

This is outrageously good!

[@herkimershalimar2573]

My love for XTC knows no bounds! thank you for this treat :)

[@whatsforafters7843]

stacy lamy Criminally under-appreciated in their day, for certain, and happy to see that they are still giving some a thrill. Thanks for dropping by and saying thanks :)

[@olikane530]

Come back to this...soul feeding xtc

[@michaelcarroll4190]

The depth of your artistry is unparalleled. My appreciation of the lift your music gave me at that critical point of my life….And now nothing but gratitude. Thank you gentlemen.

[@jfayiii]

I'd pay serious money to see them play again.

[@marlasinger6989]

It speaks volumes (no pun intended) that hearing the songs "unplugged" gives one a whole new appreciation; most of the time, I don't care for acoustic performances.

[@jennifersopsic1215]

As always.....hats off Colin!

[@georgegeysen6499]

And ol' Jimmy Swaggart too ... miss this band so much

[@glennbrooke2306]

This is such a wonderful surprise for me , in that my, former girlfriend lead me to this Excellent Group in 1979. I only seen them the once @ the U. VIC SUB. In VICTORIA, B.C, Canada I now own all their Record LP"s and some of which I have on Cd"s.. I didn't find this one til today......Thanks for Posting Brooke .

[@GiorgosDimitriadisArtist]

What a superb band!!!!!Marvelous music,compositions,great lyrics!!!!

[@77hodag]

The Lads From Swindon!

[@paulahunt5621]

77hodag Don’t forget Justin Hayward in your famous musicians of Swindon

[@casperguylkn]

@@paulahunt5621 Spinal Tap too. 😎

[@jluttr9808]

Really well done on the mix, thank you for the post. made my day. These musicians worked hard and took chances in their art, great music.

[@whatsforafters7843]

J Luttr You're most welcome! I had nothing to do with "remixing" the audio, other than to compress the original videotape footage into digital format. Just grateful that it was originally recorded in Hi-Fi audio. Yes, this trio most definitely worked hard at their art, and we are lucky to be able to enjoy the results, all these years later. Thanks for stopping by and dropping a note of appreciation.

[@jluttr9808]

What's for afters? Well your action to compress made real life to the video. Like any huge hug to a soundman any should give, FOH or this, you made it how the artist wanted thanks for your passion of great sound.

[@olikane530]

fabulously musically touchingly modestly typically xtc

[@quvuqsgoodassvideos6511]

2:52 only time i’ve heard dave singing with xtc clearly

[@travisedmondson3227]

Was going to say the same thing. Weird

[@nicolasmrn]

Oh, that's true. And he has a beautiful voice.

[@ItsRainingDonuts]

Isnt it Dave singing in part of Leisure on English Settlement?

[@quvuqsgoodassvideos6511]

@@ItsRainingDonuts i can't hear it, timestamp?

[@wishicouldshowmyname5815]

Thanks XTC and Weird Al! You renegades, you!

[@kidsmoked]

And Yahoo Serious. :D

[@Mordred478]

A treasure! Thanks so much to OP for posting.

[@michaelbohrer4593]

Jimmy Swaggart too. ...lol Thanks for posting

[@whatsforafters7843]

+Michael Bohrer You're quite welcome. Glad you enjoyed it and took the time to say so :)

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

That's hilarious! 🤣

[@mamakifrombigisland]

Weird AL and XTC!

[@karinroberts4920]

Remembering the bands I listened to in England. Loved XTC

[@MacXtc]

I love you, my people...!!!

[@marionsmith7510]

What a find! Thanks for posting!

[@whatsforafters7843]

You're welcome! Always happy to hear from people who enjoy XTC :)

[@alforliniteaching5670]

Amazing .

[@mikerushfan64]

Still gives me chills...

[@diamonddave16]

🥇pretty great.

[@deepalmer3960]

Where have I been and why haven’t I seen this before! This is absolutely great! They should play this on Sirius XM The Coffee House channel!!! And the harmonies still work great!

[@deepalmer3960]

And love the Jimmy Swaggart line! LMAO!

[@jennifersopsic1215]

Thank u SS.

[@stevenchampion8137]

Straight magic

[@richardthurston253]

WHAT a travesty these boys were musically a genius team and their songs something rather special

[@alexrodriguez8767]

Huge fan of XTC, but they didn’t tour to be able to see them😢

[@danneumann3274]

their first go2 album cover is what hooked me even before I heard their music

[@3rdUncleBob]

Andy's mike is too loud, overpowers Colin.

[@michaeljenkins7024]

I think it's more that Andy just doesn't have the mentality of a backing singer. Could easily turn his head away from the mic a bit to make his voice less overpowering. I suspect it's partially nerves, he's certainly not holding back.

[@vincevirtua]

Andy's mic is loud, agree. But he also sings 'loud'.

[@fukckgooogle6123]

i never seen an XTC live where it didnt feel like Andy was trying to sing over Colin. on Colin's songs.

[@kevdmiller]

I think you are all right. Andy doesn't sing like background singers usually do; he doesn't try to match Colin's phrasing or any of that, but that mic is definitely turned up too loud...Andy is even backing off on the mic (not turning away but he's a good 6 inches away compared to Colin (or Andy when he sings lead here).

[@countessratzass5408]

Michael Jenkins Back up singing live is a skill all its own. Probably just not used to it.

[@chrisorsten]

That's not Carrot Top. Thats Yahoo Serious, and Australian comic that came as quick as he left.

[@JonFrumTheFirst]

A Jimmy Swaggert name check - now I REALLY feel old!

[@shiboof]

The BEST. EVER.

[@thenintendokid4750]

Look at Colin's face at the transistion of songs at 4:52

[@gevvy6]

"Oh boy, time to get another radio station threatened."

[@dawnoleary4907]

This is the greatest

[@meistersinger7600]

What a Song.......

[@gobuddygo1]

Swindon's finest!

[@101Volts]

Never thought I'd see video of Weird Al Yankovic and -Carrot Top- Yahoo Serious announcing XTC. EDIT After 5 thumbs up: It's Yahoo Serious, not Carrot Top.

[@emma__mitchell]

ITS YAHOO SERIOUS NOT CARROT TOP

[@101Volts]

@@emma__mitchell Oops. I've rectified that.

[@patrick-pd5nz]

true art in te flesh

[@cubanheelsbeerbelly]

This rendition of dear god was just the inspiration I needed about how to play this song for my “born again” friend.

[@mikes1218]

Dear God is the only single I have from XTC; sadly. Mayor of Simpleton and King for a Day are beyond 80's music comparison.

[@bent2]

Well, the lyrics are weak in the aspect of philosophy. Andy blames God for everything bad in this world. But people are the ones doing bad. There is a lack of responsibility. Pretty childish would I say.

[@moondogaudiojones1146]

So damn cool!!

[@fractuss]

Wow I have never seen this...

[@johnm2631]

Superb, bestpeople XO

[@rickmakoul1439]

I wish there were more bands like this today - this music was way beyond their time... luckily the 'kids' now have Sh$T like WAP and Mumble Rapping.

[@krollpeter]

Mr. Moulding, your vocals here are so beautiful, loveable. Your 3 guitars, why not more of that?

[@wesleyclark8586]

A very underrated band you sound like Utopia a little bit with Tears for Fears

[@slleras79]

The Rundgren connection.

[@cuddlesmcgillikitty7355]

wow - i've often heard of Andy's debilitating stage fright, but there's no sign of it here!

[@davidlucas840]

An historic band...simply incredible.. Let's be thankful that cameras were rolling

[@stephenpavia620]

I think that's why Colin kicks it off...maybe...it can be paralysing.

[@OPTIONALWATCH]

6:33 "Hell...Jimmy Swaggart, too" LOL!!!

[@gary1961]

The Great Rock N Roll Swindon.

[@justaguy1451]

Love XTC, but "king for a day" is that one Tears for Fears song hit.

[@carolynwalker2914]

No. That’s a Colin mounding song. No one else.

[@leftybass5860]

Carrot Top ? That's Yahoo Serious, who was famous for a few seconds a while back.

[@GreatBowlsAfire]

+Lefty Bass lol young Einstein" :p what a riot lol

[@stevenchampion8137]

Isn’t he making a career as Ed Sheeran now?

[@rebjiii]

Morning JOE on MSNBC plays KING FOR A DAY at least once a week as they fade to a commercial

[@charold3]

Unplugged before it was a thing. Undervalued band, still. One great songwriter and another very good one-unlikely.

[@futureworldx1627]

Andy's background vocals are too loud.

[@soumage]

Calling out Jimmy Swaggart was terrific-“I have sinned!”

[@whillop]

That ain't Carrot top, it's Yahoo Serious .

[@AZJuggling]

1000th like....Sweet.

[@splashloki1507]

The presentation or intro of the video reminded me of a Jim Croce song.

[@enricocavallo4386]

And Jimmy Swaggart, too 🙂

[@jonkibbe6594]

Andy,,my god,your the fuckin best

[@harvey1954]

Is Andy going for the Francis Black look?

[@michaelliva1790]

I continue to be amazed at Andy's vocal range. I know this was part of the radio tour mentioned in Chris Twomey's "Chalkhills" book, but do you know where (venue) this recording took place at? I'm relatively sure that this was the American Radio Tour that the book speaks to, but was this the Boston radio studio? It's simply hard for me to believe that XTC is considered "cult status". Maybe it's merely Andy's attempt at his grand scheme of things...

[@whatsforafters7843]

+michael liva Throughout the 80s, in the States, they were always a niche band. Most people I knew couldn't deal with Andy's voice, and their "nervous" or hectic rhythms.... at least until "English Settlement" came along, and by then, it was too late for the band, since they could no longer tour in order to capitalize on their "newfound popularity". I haven't read the tome you are speaking of, but I believe these two clips may have been taped in Canada - although they were shown on two different MTV programs, originally. It is possible they were done in Boston, even though the band did cross the country for different radio station appearances.

[@michaelliva1790]

+What's for afters? Thank you friend, for your quick reply. The book that I speak of is "Chalkhills and Children." I do not know the exact page that I have this information from, but it was after the "Oranges and Lemons" sessions. If I recall correctly, pg, 166 Tomey writes 'With considerable Stateside success to draw on..."Tarquin Gotch focused on trying to get the band to promote O&L in the U.S."What's amazing that this radio tour was the genesis of MTV's UNPLUGGED programs...I thought that I knew quite a bit about XTC, but thru research continue to learn and continue to be AMAZED!

[@chaunceyaberdeen6876]

For the record, not carrot top. That's yahoo serious

[@champ1061]

I thought Andy had some phobia about performing live after 1982 or so, and that is blamed for their "lack of success" because they couldn't tour. Yet I keep bumping into live footage of XTC post 1982 and he seems fine? I'm sure there is a reason for this, can someone tell me what his condition is?

[@georgewilliams1470]

Don't understand why they didn't release a collection of songs from this tour.

[@whatsforafters7843]

Probably something to do with the contracts that complicate the music industry: to perform on these programs, the artists often sign away their rights to release the audio, unless they pay [in this case, mtv] to do so. Further complicating matters, there is the likelihood that the parent company could be holding a competing label [WEA vs Universal, for example], and they just don't want to help their competition. In the end, XTC was in over their heads to Virgin, for decades, with no realistic way to pay back their advances, so that further complicates matters [no assistance from their former labels, including their time after Virgin, for similar reasons]. Just taking a stab at answering a good question, here ;)

[@rallokkcaz]

Which Carrot-Top is that? lol

[@troygaspard6732]

Was that Yazoo Serious?

[@davidsbikeride]

😁

[@venimo]

Dear God on American TV? Would never happen. (Sadly.)

[@theviolator2098]

117 like tribute to the master chief awesome band tho.

[@RICHBLACKCOCK]

WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

These are as good as The Proclaimers I think mixed with The Stranglers.

[@ralphhyland8661]

Time in a Thermos...lol

[@outtathyme5679]

Tuuuube sox

[@tonyfera]

Jesus,

[@suminshizzles6951]

And to think they had stage fright.......

[@DAYGLOUKNOUKNO]

AS BEST OF BRITISH AS THE BEATLES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Jesus_in_the_Coliseum]

Was going to give a dislike because it wasn’t long enough, but I could never dislike XTC.

[@kidsmoked]

Listening to this, how could anyone not know God??!!!? 💖