1983 was a very good year for many reasons… Top TV included The A-Team, Fraggle Rock and He-Man, Return of the Jedi was released proving once-and-for-all that there was still good inside Darth Vader, Microsoft brought out the first edition of word and if that wasn’t enough, 1983 marked a change in fast food forever as McDonalds released the McNugget.

1983 was also the year that the world was introduced to a band hailing from Dunfermline in Bonny Scotland. The band was Big Country.

The band were formed by prolific singer/songwriter Stuart Adamson shortly after his departure from ‘art-punk rockers’ The Skids. Completed by Tony Butler (bass), Bruce Watson (guitars) and Mark Brzezicki (drums), the band released their debut album ‘The Crossing’ on July 15th 1983… 30 years ago!

The band created a truly unique sound that harnessed the ability to bring crowds together the world over. The dual guitar sound of Adamson and Watson was often described as ‘Bagpipes’ much to the disapproval of Adamson. It was this sound that helped carve out a successful career throughout the 80’s and 90’s until the band went on hiatus in 2000.

Sadly a full reunion was never to happen when a depressed Adamson took his own life in December 2001, he was 43.

Fast-forward to 2012 and the band are firing on all cylinders…

Embarking on their 30th Anniversary tour the band are joined on guitar by Bruce Watsons son Jamie and Mike Peters who is best known as the singer for The Alarm.

Peter’s provides the perfect tribute to Adamson’s memory and has been welcomed by the bands army of fans.

“When Bruce Watson called and asked me to sing for Big Country it was something I didn't need to think twice about. It's been an incredible honour getting to know the music of Big Country intimately and a pleasure to be around such great musicians and fans alike. I find singing the lyrics of Stuart Adamson very life affirming." Mike Peters

The Music Press were invited to the Manchester Academy for the opening night of the tour. Join us as we chat exclusively to Tony Butler about the past, present and future of Big Country.

TMP Team – Adam Young, John Buckley, Paul Higham