Big Country exploded out of Scotland with their 1983 debut, “The Crossing.” With songs like “Fields Of Fire” and their huge hit, “In A Big Country,” the band’s passionate music and sonic foundation were often considered a cross between then-newcomers U2 and The Alarm.
More records followed, each with declining sales, until BC decided to call it a day in 2000, playing a “Final Fling” tour, which culminated in a hometown show in Glasgow.
After the tour, the band members each went their separate ways, but strange news followed in late 2001 when singer Stuart Adamson disappeared. Despite attempts by the band to track him down, Adamson committed suicide by hanging himself in a Honolulu hotel room; the autopsy showed he had an extremely high blood-alcohol level at the time of his death.
The Alarm reference from their early days comes full circle in 2011, when Alarm leader Mike Peters joins Big Country for the announced UK dates.
"I first met Stuart on stage at a U2 concert in Hammersmith Palais back in 1983" said Mike Peters. "Bono introduced us to his audience as being "part of the the new breed" and Stuart was literally passed up onto the stage by the fans and I shook his hand as I handed him a guitar - an unforgettable entrance. The last time I saw him was also on stage with Big Country at Glasgow Barrowlands for the last night of the Final Fling tour in 2000, when we sang Neil Young's 'Rockin' In The Free World' together. When Bruce Watson called and asked me to sing for Big Country, it was something I didn't need to think twice about. I'm looking forward to meeting all the fans again and playing a part in keeping the spirit of Stuart Adamson alive and celebrating the music of a band I have loved from near and afar for the whole of my adult life".
Big Country with Mike Peters – Rockin’ In The Free World
Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow, Scotland – May 31, 2000
BC bassist Tony Butler says “To play again as Big Country was something that was only going to happen if we could find someone who could compliment the band and sing the songs in the way they need to be sung; with heart and soul. Mike Peters from The Alarm has stepped in to fill the premise for a few shows. It's about time the songs got another airing, and we think Stuart would be pleased too.”
Big Country
2011 Tour
Jan 5 - Newcastle - O2 Academy
Jan 6 - London Islington - O2 Academy
Jan 7 - Birmingham - O2 Academy
Jan 8 - Liverpool - O2 Academy
In a Big Country (Radio) - The Best of Big Country Big Country – In A Big Country
Top Of The Pops - 1983
