The album contains a mixture of comedic songs and poems along with Boyce's interactions with the crowd at Treorchy Rugby Club.

In 1973 and still an unknown outside Wales, he was spotted by EMI record producer Bob Barrett, stealing the show from headliner Ken Dodd at the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea.

Despite the admission fee being only 50 pence, uptake was low and an audience was rounded up by offering free entry to people in nearby pubs.

[1] EMI had sent a three-man unit to record the show, including Abbey Road sound engineer Phil Hancock, who set up the mixing desks in the club changing rooms.

[1] Recorded on 23 November 1973, Boyce was supported on the day by Welsh band Triban and the concert was compered by broadcaster Alun Williams, though neither appeared on the finished album.

Although "Hymns and Arias" had been released previously on his debut album Max Boyce in Session, it was Live at Treorchy which brought the song to a wider audience.