Modern Drummer
November 2000
Artist Update

Chuck Sabo XTC Studio Star If you're looking to personify the adage "It takes years of hard work to become an overnight success," look no farther than American-in-London Chuck Sabo. Though his recording credits include an impressive list of heavyweights and more than a dozen Top-10 singles in the UK, he's kept largely out of the limelight, focusing instead on making connections and, always, playing for the song. On XTC's critically acclaimed new album, Wasp Star, Chuck's still playing for the song, but there's no chance you'll miss him. Throughout the band's stripped-down, guitar-oriented return to power pop, it's obvious that XTC relied heavily on Sabo's steady and soulful style. Were the two decades that Sabo spent in Manhattan and London - working as a furniture mover while playing any gigs that came his way - worth it? "When you're up & coming, you get called in to play because someone heard your name, not your style," he says, smiling. "But now I'm getting called to play the way I play, which is nice." Todd Bernhardt

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