Big Country / Rescue Rooms / Nottingham
I saw Big Country once before, in Nottingham back in about 1986, making it 35 years, and making me feel very old writing this ! Back then, I loved folk-punk and protest music especially bands such as The Pogues, Runrig, The Men They Couldn’t Hang, The Alarm, New Model Army, Billy Bragg and of course Big Country. I seem to recall that they scored a number one album (1984’s Steeltown I think ?), knocking U2 off the top of the charts in the process. I was really excited to see them again, if somewhat nervous. Obviously, back then, they were fronted by the incredibly talented Stuart Adamson who we tragically lost far too early in 2001. Founded in Dunfirmline (where I lived as a kid in the seventies!) Stuart was previously a founding member of The Skids before creating Big Country with their unique and iconic sound. What would Big Country be like now ? Would it be the same with someone else singing those songs made so famous by Stuart ?
Nowadays Big Country consist of founding member Bruce Watson (guitar & vocals) alongside his son Jamie (guitar), with Mark Brzezicki (drums), Simon Hough (guitar & vocals) and Scott Whitley (bass).
Most of the set tonight was from their first three albums “The Crossing”, “The Seer” and of course the excellent “Steeltown”. The night started with 1000 Stars followed by the classic Look Away.
Bruce Watson, flanked by his son Jamie were a ball of energy all night, never still for a moment while drummer Mark Brzezicki, was on inspired form. It’s little wonder Mark has been such an in demand performer over the years, working with The Cult, Procul Harum as well as playing with Roger Daltrey and Fish amongst many others.
But perhaps the hardest task fell in the lap of guitarist and vocalist Simon Hough, singing the songs made so famous by Stuart Adamson. I have to say Simon was sensational. Before lockdown, I saw the metal band Static-X perform with a new masked guitarist / vocalist up front replacing Wayne Static who also tragically died far too young. The mask added theatre and a sense of mystery, but it also kind of didn’t work for me, it didn’t feel the same without Wayne because of it, you know ? But this ? It was different, but in a good way. Simon was himself, and he was excellent from start to finish. The vocals were powerful and crisp, and more than did justice to the music. This wasn’t a makeshift outfit, this was a new Big Country that stood on it’s own brilliantly.
A couple of less well known tracks were highlights for me with Where the Rose is Sown and Harvest Home being favourites on the night. And of course, we had all the hits, and along with early playing of Look Away, we were wowed with excellent versions of In a Big Country, Fields of Fire and Wonderland.
Big Country have always had a sound all of their own, with the electric guitars creating a bagpipe-like sound really giving them atmosphere unlike any other band and giving us a sound of their proud Scottish roots. Backed by loud sharp almost military like drumming and rousing choruses you can see how they reached #1 in the album charts.
The crowd was a wonderful mix, of die-hard fans that have followed the band through the years, and a younger generation of music fans experiencing something new. It was wonderful to see the guys interact with so many familiar faces in the audience, including a funny interaction with someone (deliberately ?) wearing a U2 t-shirt, resulting in an improve rendition of a U2 intro !
The atmosphere was incredible and the crowd were singling along and bouncing all night to the rousing anthemic tracks.
I really enjoyed this set, it brought back some amazing memories, and created some new ones too. The current line up stands up well and delivers a great nights entertainment. I’d certainly recommend it as a great night’s musical entertainment.
Set List
1000 Stars (The Crossing)
Look Away (The Seer)
Harvest Home (The Crossing)
Lost Patrol (The Crossing)
The Storm (The Crossing)
Just a Shadow (Steeltown)
Steeltown (Steeltown)
Where the Rose if Sown (Steeltown)
Ships (No Place Like Home)
13 Valleys (Peace in our Time)
I’m Not Ashamed (Why the Long Face)
Chance (The Crossing)
In a Big Country (The Crossing)
Wonderland (Steeltown)
Fields of Fire (The Crossing)
Restless Natives (The Seer)
Support was provided by the incredible Gabi Garbutt. From London Gabi’s debut album ‘The Discredited Language of Angels’, produced by Sean Read (Dexy’s Midnight Runners, The Manic Street Preachers, The Pretenders), was released in November 2019.
Gabi’s style can be best described as poetic verse mixed with punchy, catchy choruses that comment on everyday life and champion the power of love. Gabi’s band, The Illuminations, includes Ollie Jones on drums and Dan Fatel on bass, alongside Jimi Scandal on lead guitar who brings his inimitable style and catchy guitar lines mixed with ambient mastery.
The tracks had a lively feel to them, linking up into a well formed set. The music is sometimes explosive, but always supported by an exceptional lyrical performance.
A great intro set and a band I’d love to see again soon.
