What came first: the band Big Country or their song “In a Big Country”? It was the song. Audiences quickly embraced its rousing energy, just as they did the band’s rugged aesthetic — think Bruce Springsteen-inspired tartan shirts (bought “cheap” from Millets) and guitar riffs bent to mimic the sound of bagpipes.
Still, the name caused some confusion, especially among American listeners who mistook Big Country for a country outfit rather than the anthemic, hard-rocking group formed by former Skids members Stuart Adamson and Bruce Watson. Although the lineup has evolved over the years, the spirit of the band remains intact, with heartfelt tributes during the night to late frontman Adamson and Mike Peters — who, despite being best known as The Alarm’s founder, was also part of Big Country in later years.
The night took on added emotional weight, coming just days after Mike Peters’ recent passing. But Big Country transformed the atmosphere into one of celebration and remembrance, not sorrow.
2024 marked the 40th anniversary of the band’s politically charged second album, Steeltown — a record born during the 1984 miners’ strike and inspired by the wave of Scottish workers who moved to Corby, England, during the industrial downturn. Although the anniversary tour wrapped up in December, the band fittingly revisited Steeltown with powerful performances of “East of Eden,” “Winter Sky,” and the title track.
Their iconic debut, The Crossing, dominated the setlist. Six of its ten tracks made an appearance, including crowd-pleasers “Chance,” “Fields of Fire (400 Miles),” and of course “In a Big Country” — songs that had the 100 Club crowd singing and dancing with abandon. The standalone single “Wonderland,” released between The Crossing and Steeltown, also received a joyous reception.
One of the evening’s most poignant moments came courtesy of “Ships,” from 1991’s No Place Like Home. With opening lines like, “Look at him now, another used man / Wearing the passing of his dignity with all the courage that he can…”, the song struck a deeply emotional chord. It’s a favourite of both Adamson and current frontman Tommie Paxton — and on this night, it was impossible to remain unmoved.
Support came from Glasgow alt-pop trio Pistol Daisys, whose set spanned funk, alt-rock and even flirted with country. While their bold ABBA cover (“Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)”) grabbed attention, their original songs proved they were far more than a novelty act. Their mid-set collaboration with Big Country lifted the energy even higher, electrifying an already jubilant crowd.
With a set that honoured the band’s legacy while celebrating their enduring power, this 100 Club show was more than a gig. It was a heartfelt tribute, a cathartic release, and a reminder that Big Country’s sound — and spirit — remains as stirring today as it was four decades ago.
Be the first to comment