Big Country

Been a Big Country fan since I first heard them back in 1983 and never expected to see them in Florida, especially after Stuart Adamson's untimely passing a few years ago. I had heard the new cd and liked it but wasn't sure what the Big Country live experience would be like without Stuart, and I have heard a lot of the original Big Country live on cd. I'm here to say that Mike Peters did a fantastic job and while no one can replace Stuart, he is a great fit in the Big Country lineup. The set had a lot of energy and balanced the material between the classics and the new songs. It was incredible to see Mark Brzezicki and Bruce Watson perform in person, and the band actually came down after the set to talk to the crowd and tell us how much they enjoyed playing for us. It was a fun, highly memorable night and here's hoping that Big Country will be back to Florida in 2014.

The band played with a lot energy especially considering this was the next to last stop on their tour. It was really nice to see Mike Peters from The Alarm as the singer-two of my favorite alternative bands of the 80s. The venue was small so it allow everyone to get up close.

Whether you are a die hard Big Country fan (there was more than one local Dunedin kilt wearer) or just like the old anthems or unique style, this was an experience to savor for some time to come. Mike Peters was everything he ever was with the Alarm, but clearly has found himself in something special here. The Watson father and son guitar performance was flawless and just wonderful to witness. The band came back after their encore to speak to the fans from the stage, and you really believed they had a real appreciation for the crowd, and enjoyed as much as they did. There couldn't have been more than 300 there to see this which makes one a little sad this hasn't seen greater publicity and bigger crowds, but perhaps that made it all the more intimate. They promised to be back next year, and let's hope Peters health allows it. The new Journey and older Adamson material was wonderful. As was the tributes to their lost friend throughout the night. Stay Alive as they say, but more importantly play on and come back.

First off, the band sounded great...and while Mike Peters did a decent job, we still miss Stuart Adamson. Really, this was a great show and the mix of the guitars and drums were spot on...but the vocal mix was terrible...which was strangely okay as the crowd was able to sing along and round out the sound. The band seemed to enjoy themselves and it was a joy to see Bruce and Jamie Watson play guitar alongside each other...

Wow. What a great show. I was very curious about how Mike Peters would do as the front man for BC. He proved to be still one of the best front men around. The rest of the boys were absolutely outstanding too. They played like it was the most important show of their lives. They also had an wonderful mix of old and new songs. Truly a wonderful performance and night.

Although I have been a BIG COUNTRY fan since the late 1980s, I had never had the chance to see them perform LIVE. I came close back in 2000, when I went to the BIG COUNTRY fan convention at the University of Hertfordshire in England. Given transportation issues, I couldn't stay until late evening when they performed. (Close, but no cigar!) After Stuart Adamson's untimely demise, i thought I'd never have the chance to see the band. Thank goodness the band reformed and is doing gigs again. The big guitar sound is intense and fresh, and the chemistry in the band is absolutely apparent. I loved seeing the interplay between Bruce and Jamie Watson. Bruce Watson is one of the most underrated guitarists in rock history, and he seemed like he was having a blast. They played some of the best songs from their recent album THE JOURNEY (like the awesome In a Broken Promise Land), but they were kind to long time fans by playing much of their mammoth first album THE CROSSING, including a rocking version of HARVEST HOME, INWARDS, PORROH MAN, and their signature tune IN A BIG COUNTRY. It was an electric show on a very rainy night in New York City. I travelled about 500 miles to see this show, and waited about 25 years...but it was worth the wait!!

Went to the Paramount in Huntington on June 8th to check out Big Country. I must admit that I was not a big fan of their music because I did not know it. I went because my wife is Scottish and she wanted to see them. Gotta tell ya, what a GREAT surprise!!! The band really enjoyed what they were playing and rocked the house! Start to finish, just a gig!!! I am really glad I went and look forward ot seeing them again

Big Country absolutely blew the lid off of the Paramount in Huntington, NY. This was no small feat on their first U.S. tour in years, as the band has had changes to its very core (the great Stuart Adamson has passed, and Tony Butler retired). However, the new album 'The Journey' is a bold and often successful reprisal of the Big Country sound, and the band is positively TIGHT. I was so worried that this might be a sad exercise in nostalgia...but fear not. Mike Peters, the 'new' vocalist from The Alarm, has done right here. Big Country are indeed a band for the ages!

Mike Peters is a great entertainer, Mark was great on the drums as usual, Jamie and Bruce were an awesome duo on guitars and Derek was supurb on the bass. Great concert!!!