The Voices of ...

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 LW

Original version

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

The Voices of...

Documentaries

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Musicians talk about their life and work.

Voices of Podcast

The Voices of...: Series 2: Andy Partridge

Andy Partridge

Series 2

BBC Radio 4 - The Voices of..., Series 2, Andy Partridge

An intimate portrait of the songwriter, singer and frontman of XTC, Andy Partridge.

An intimate portrait of Andy Partridge, songwriter, singer and frontman of the new wave rock band XTC. From 2017.

An intimate portrait of the songwriter, singer and frontman of the new wave rock band XTC, Andy Partridge.

Brought up on a council estate in Swindon, Andy Partridge's escape from the poverty of his working class upbringing followed a classic path - art and music. At 15, he enrolled in what he calls the 'art floor' of the local college - Swindon didn't boast an actual art college. Then, he discovered the magnetic power of carrying around his Dad's old guitar. He didn't even have to play it to find himself the centre of attention. 

In the years that followed - and in the wake of the punk explosion - he tasted celebrity and success with his band XTC. His curious vocal style and angular compositions were distinctive and influential. XTC built a cult status with songs such as Making Plans for Nigel and Senses Working Overtime, as well as albums including the acclaimed Skylarking. 

But Swindon didn't lose Andy for long, despite the lure of London and New York. He lives there still, now with his American partner. And he's still writing songs - including for the recent album by the reformed Monkees.

In this programme, he talks about the trajectory of his career and the 'art blood' that has consistently flowed through his veins.

Produced by Alan Hall
A Falling Tree production first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2017.

The Voices of...: Series 2

BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Voices of...

Series 2

Andy Partridge

Genres

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra