Legendary Swindon band XTC have been remembered with a colourful mural in the town centre.
The group of alternative musicians was formed in 1972 by Swindonians Colin Moulding and Andy Partridge, rising to fame with major hits including We’re Only Making Plans For Nigel and Senses Working Overtime.
Artist Dayna Baxter is the man behind the bright mural and he told the Adver why he chose to immortalise the band.
“I feel like XTC haven’t had a mention for a few years now so I thought that I would honour them,” he said.
The band’s third studio album Drums and Wires provides the inspiration, rteflecting the artwork from the 1979 release.
“It fits in with my style as I like bright colours and I’ve always loved that album cover."
“To do the album cover was easier than I thought it would be actually as I sketched it and I just amended bits as I went,” revealed Dayna.
“I had a little practice on paper first and yeah, it’s turned out nice.”
XTC’s members have apparently heard about the mural and have seen it according to Dayna, who has a personal connection with the band.
“I have heard that the band members have seen it but that is as far as I know,” he said.
“My friend’s uncle is Colin Moulding so I’m fairly sure they have heard about it.”
The piece is the latest to appear on the grey hoardings on Carfax Street that are covering the improvement works around Fleming Way.
Swindon Borough Council commissioned local artists to paint murals that represent and embody Swindon to brighten up the area while construction is completed.
“It was the perfect opportunity to do it because it had to do with Swindon history and I selected the arts and culture topic with this,” said Dayna.
“I just thought it would be a good opportunity to do an XTC piece as I’ve wanted to do it for a few years now so this was the time to do it.”
The piece was officially completed on April 18, after the Adver first reported work starting earlier this month.
“It has taken about a week in all but it has been on and off because of the weather and other commitments,” said Dayna.
“I am really happy with how it turned out.”
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