diff --git a/arch/x86/tools/relocs.c b/arch/x86/tools/relocs.c
index 27c82207d387..3167228ca174 100644
--- a/arch/x86/tools/relocs.c
+++ b/arch/x86/tools/relocs.c
@@ -599,6 +599,14 @@ static void print_absolute_relocs(void)
 		if (!(sec_applies->shdr.sh_flags & SHF_ALLOC)) {
 			continue;
 		}
+		/*
+		 * Do not perform relocations in .notes section; any
+		 * values there are meant for pre-boot consumption (e.g.
+		 * startup_xen).
+		 */
+		if (sec_applies->shdr.sh_type == SHT_NOTE) {
+			continue;
+		}
 		sh_symtab  = sec_symtab->symtab;
 		sym_strtab = sec_symtab->link->strtab;
 		for (j = 0; j < sec->shdr.sh_size/sizeof(Elf_Rel); j++) {