In the vibrant and eclectic backdrop of the 1980s, a time when music was evolving and redefining itself, the formation of X-Tend marked a significant chapter in the Maltese music scene.
The story begins in 1984, a year synonymous with the rise of New Romanticism, when two young and ambitious individuals, Chris Cassar (ex-Abstrass) and Godwin de Bono, crossed paths. Cassar, a drummer with a passion for rock, and de Bono, a talented DJ who later became a renowned sound producer, found themselves in the same social circle, sharing similar musical inclinations. Their chance meeting, however, was more than just a stroke of fate; it was the beginning of a journey that would leave an indelible mark on Malta's music history.
Chris, driven by a vision, brought together a small group of like-minded musicians, including his then-girlfriend Sandra, who took on the bass duties with a Yamaha duo-phonic synth. The ensemble was soon joined by guitarist Eric Ace (Eric Calleja, ex-Black Jacks), who would become a pivotal member of the group and thus, the first iteration of X-Tend was born. The band’s name, inspired by a sign outside a local hardware store, was a nod to their desire to "extend" their reach beyond the local scene.
The early days of X-Tend were characterized by intense rehearsals, as the band honed their sound. Encouraged by their progress, they decided to record their first tracks, which led to an introduction to Charlie Dalli, a studio owner who would become a crucial figure in their development. Dalli’s critical feedback on their vocal delivery prompted a lineup change, with him stepping in as the lead vocalist and Eric providing backing vocals. This configuration would become a mainstay in X-Tend's performances.
Their first public performance was a modest gig at the Ħamrun Boys Scouts in September 1984, but it wasn’t long before they were making waves on a larger scale. A guest appearance on the popular TV show Arzella catapulted them into the national spotlight. Their unique sound and style quickly resonated with audiences, and within just a few months, they were representing Malta in international competitions.
By December 1984, X-Tend was on the stage of the prestigious Ariston Theatre in San Remo, Italy, participating in Passaporto per San Remo. Their performance of "I Can Feel," a dynamic new wave track, earned them the top prize, and soon after, they were signed by the modest Italian label San Remo Holidays. This victory marked the beginning of their ascent in the music industry, both locally and internationally.
Back in Malta, X-Tend’s momentum continued with a performance at the Festival Internazzjonali tal-Kanzunetta Maltija in March 1985 with the song “Gmiel”. Despite their disappointment in not securing a top spot, the exposure was invaluable. August of that year saw the release of their debut single, "I Can Feel" paired with "Love Me," which quickly climbed to the top of the Maltese charts. The single's success was bolstered by a professionally produced music video, a rarity in Malta at the time, which showcased the band’s commitment to a polished, professional image.
The following years were a whirlwind of activity for X-Tend. They became a staple on Maltese television, performed in numerous concerts, and embarked on international tours. Their growing popularity necessitated the establishment of a fan club in Valletta, which further cemented their status as Malta's leading band. However, internal challenges soon arose, with Sandra’s departure from the band being a particularly difficult moment. Nevertheless, the remaining members pushed forward, channelling their energy into the production of their debut album, Extend, which was released in December 1985 to widespread acclaim.
The album featured several tracks that would become fan favourites, including “I Can Feel,” "Midnight Sun," "Glittering," and "Deadly Dreams," and It dominated the Maltese charts for weeks, solidifying X-Tend's place in the local music scene. Their success continued into 1986, with high-profile performances at festivals and a mini tour of Europe that included stops in Italy, Monaco, Monte Carlo, Paris and Val D’Aosta. In October 1986, the double A-side single "Boys of Tomorrow/Nightmares" was released, along with the music video for "Boys of Tomorrow." This video marked a milestone as the first music video by a Maltese band to be filmed in multiple countries abroad. The release of their second album, Boys of Tomorrow, in January 1987 marked another milestone, as the band began to experiment with new sounds and styles.
X-Tend’s willingness to evolve was evident in their third album, Bits from the Scrapyard, released in February 1988. The album showcased a shift from their early new wave influences to a more mature sound that incorporated elements of 60s rock and harmonies. This evolution kept the band relevant in a rapidly changing music landscape and highlighted their ability to adapt while maintaining their core identity.
Their musical journey continued with the release of the Christmas album Sbieħ il-Milied in 1988, which became a top seller in Malta. The inclusion of the track "Tini Tini Żmien il-Milied" helped the album achieve iconic status. As the 90s approached, X-Tend became the first Maltese band to release an album on CD with Social Dancing in 1991, a project that further expanded their sound by incorporating modern rhythmic beats and sequencers. This album featured two outstanding songs “I've Been Missing You” and “Hide Your Shame”. The Christmas album Sbieh Il-Milied followed Social Dancing, becoming the band's best-selling record as well as the top-selling album overall on the island, and not just for that year.
Throughout the 90s, X-Tend continued to innovate, releasing a series of successful albums and singles, including Let’s Have a Party in 1993, which held the #1 spot on the Maltese charts for an unprecedented 15 weeks. Their tenth anniversary in 1994 was marked by the release of Chapter VIII: Collage, an album that blended dance music with retro-80s influences, operatic elements, and classical motifs. This period of creativity culminated in the release of Powerpl@y in 1997, an album that earned them the Best Album Award at the Malta Music Awards.
As the 90s came to a close, X-Tend continued to break new ground with the release of Big Boys Don’t Cry on an interactive CD in 1998. The project was praised for its innovation and marked the band’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the music industry. The release of The Collection 1984–1999 in 1999 served as a retrospective of their remarkable career, capturing the highs and lows of their journey.
Although the early 2000s saw a lull in new releases, X-Tend remained active on the live circuit, performing both in Malta and abroad.
In 2006, they released "Conclusion" as a single, along with an extended version and a remix. In the following years X-tend participated five times in the L-Ghanja Tal-Poplu. In 2008, they competed with the song "Ahwa Lkoll," winning the award for Best Theme Lyrics. The following year, in 2009, they competed with two songs, "Int dak li int" and "Niccelebraw il Festa Taghna," with the latter earning them the Best Interpretation trophy. Their participation continued in 2010, reaching the final for the third consecutive year with "Qabzitli c-Cinga." In 2012, they returned with the song "Facli" and made a special guest appearance at an 80s retro party organized by Alex Grech. In 2013, they came closest to winning the festival with "Kuluri Lwien," but once again secured the Best Interpretation trophy.
In 2015, they launched the album Aħna l-Maltin u Ħutna l-Għawdxin in Australia, a project that was later released in Malta in 2017. The band’s legacy was further cemented with the release of the Christmas album Ilwien l-Milied in 2021, a double album that showcased their versatility across different musical genres.
Today, X-Tend’s lineup is made up of original members Charlie Dalli, Eric Calleja, and Godwin Debono, with a discography, spanning four decades, reflecting a band that has continually evolved while staying true to their roots.
This year, the band is celebrating 40 years of music with the release of X-tend 1984-2024, a special compilation that captures their most iconic songs from their impressive career. Set for release on the 25th of September, the album will be available in multiple formats, including vinyl, CD, pen-drive, and a limited-edition version, which is already nearly sold out through pre-orders. Many of the tracks on this compilation, such as “I Can Feel,” “Midnight Sun,” “Boys Of Tomorrow,” “Nightmares,” “Maybe For You,” and “Let’s Have A Party” have been re-recorded from scratch, breathing new life into these fan-favourites while “Hide Your Shame,” “Big Boys Don’t Cry,” “Everybody Wants To Have Fun” and “Eternal Kiss,” underwent minor touches for enhancement. In addition to these re-recordings, the band, recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998, has included four remixed tracks— “I Can Feel (X-tended remix),” “Nightmares (Dub Mix),” “Boys Of Tomorrow (The Re-mix),” and “Midnight Sun (Sun over Saigon mix)”—which stay true to the spirit of the originals while adding a fresh twist.
As X-Tend celebrates 40 years of music with the release of X-tend 1984-2024, their journey comes full circle. From humble beginnings to international recognition, the band's evolution reflects their enduring passion and innovation. This latest compilation is not only a testament to their legacy but also a fresh reimagining of their timeless hits, offering both nostalgia and new energy for fans. With decades of success behind them and an unwavering commitment to their craft, X-Tend continues to inspire and leave an indelible mark on Malta's musical landscape.
all photos: Eric Calleja
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