5 Things to Know About Dave Mattacks Playing Drums on XTC's Nonsuch
- Dave Mattacks, best known as the drummer for Fairport Convention, was brought in to play drums on XTC’s 1992 album Nonsuch.
- He replaced XTC’s usual drummer, who was unavailable, and his session work added a distinct, polished feel to the record.
- Mattacks’ background in folk rock gave the album a tighter, more rhythmic backbone compared to earlier XTC releases.
- His contributions were particularly notable on tracks like “The Disappointed” and “The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead,” where his drumming stands out.
- This collaboration highlights how XTC often used outside musicians to achieve specific sounds, and Mattacks’ work on Nonsuch is a key example of that approach.