XTC - Live Boots: Live At Emerald City 1981

Kicking off the official Live Boots series, Live Boots: Emerald City 1981 captures XTC at the height of their live powers. Recorded during their 1981 U.S. tour in support of Black Sea, this electrifying performance documents a band firing on all cylinders, delivering a set packed with urgency, precision, and sheer energy.

At a time when punk was evolving into new wave and post-punk, XTC stood apart as a band that combined adventurous songwriting with exceptional musicianship. With material drawn from their early albums and a relentless touring schedule behind them, they had earned a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts of the era. This recording, taken from a standout night in New Jersey, showcases that intensity, from the breakneck tempos to the tight, explosive interplay between the band members.

Sourced from archival recordings and cut with minimal restoration to preserve its raw, in-the-room feel, this double LP offers an authentic snapshot of XTC’s live sound just before they stepped away from touring. Pressed on 200-gram vinyl and featuring new liner notes from all four original members, Live Boots: Emerald City 1981 is both a historic document and a must-have for fans.