The Dukes of Stratosphear

The Dukes of Stratosphear were an English rock band formed in 1984 by Andy Partridge, Colin Moulding, Dave Gregory, and Ian Gregory. Modelled after psychedelic pop groups from the 1960s, the Dukes were initially publicised by Virgin Records as a mysterious new act, but were actually an XTC spin-off band. They recorded only two albums: 25 O’Clock (1985) and Psonic Psunspot (1987). In the UK, the records outsold XTC’s then-current albums The Big Express (1984) and Skylarking (1986).Partridge envisioned the Dukes as an amalgamation of “your favourite bands from 1967.” He and Dave Gregory conceived the project in 1979, and in December 1984 the band found the opportunity to spend a few days recording what would become 25 O’Clock. Three rules were set for its production: songs must follow the conventions of 1967 and 1968 psychedelia, no more than two takes allowed, and use vintage equipment wherever possible. After reuniting for the LP Psonic Psunspot, XTC told interviewers that the group were killed in a “horrible sherbet accident”.

Several sequels were proposed but ultimately abandoned, including the mock rock opera The Great Royal Jelly Scandal, a prequel album featuring the Dukes in their early Merseybeat phase, and a glitter rock parody as “The Stratosphear Gang”. In 1993, Partridge conceived a spiritual successor to the Dukes in the form of a “heavily sexual” bubblegum LP. Virgin rejected the album, leading XTC to go on strike against the label for several years. Some of its songs were later reworked and released on XTC albums and compilations.

The Dukes of Stratosphear anticipated and were celebrated by retro-minded movements such as the Paisley Underground. In 2003, they reunited to record one song commissioned by the MS Society, and in 2008, Partridge recorded two tracks credited to “the Dukes” as part of a commission for Eurostar. These songs were included as bonuses on reissues of the Dukes albums.

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