News: Big Country “The Journey Tour” 2013

Including a date at Southampton University on 20th April.

Big Country are pleased to announce that “The Journey” Tour starts in April 2013, with a series of gigs in the UK, to coincide with the release of the bands highly anticipated 9th studio album. Dates in other countries will be announced in due course.

Tickets for the UK tour dates will be on sale from 9am on Friday 14th December onwards, available from venue box offices, ticket hotlines. The band new line up inclues The Alarm’s vocalist Mike Peters and guitarist Jamie Watson, as well as being the first tour to feature the introduction of bassist Derek Forbes (Simple Minds) into the Big Country family. A longtime friend of the band, Derek was originally asked to play bass on two early Big Country demos by Stuart Adamson back in 1982. Derek was recently voted “Best Scottish bass player of all time”.

Never say never! In mid summer 2010 it was apparent that there were issues relating to the business of Big Country that needed addressing, and this would most probably need the band being proactive in some way in order to help resolve these long standing issues. Manager Ian Grant suggested to Tony, Mark and Bruce. “Either we get band business back in shape or we may lose it forever, you should consider doing some gigs”. Co-incidentally at this time, the band were notified of a Kirsty Macoll tribute concert …(of which they were very keen to get involved in) and this got them thinking about who could stand in Stuart’s shoes. No-one could replace him but… Bruce had been working with his son Jamie and indeed both had stood in for Stuart with the Skids 2007 reformation. Mike Peters had worked with the band before both opening for them and appearing with them in 2004 at a fan convention in Holland. Could it work with Mike and Jamie? It was worth a try. Dates were booked. They began to sell well and with only three rehearsals under their belt, the new line up took to the stage and were back in Glasgow on New Years Eve last year. All seven shows sold out with the fan and critic reception alike being unanimous.

“Both Jamie and I had a blast playing with my old mates Tony and Mark. Mike brings so much to this band and is the hardest working man I know. I am convinced he wears a superman costume under that jacket.”
Bruce Watson

ìThe January tour was awesome. To be received and get the responses we got was inspiring. Mike did us proud and was accepted by the audiences because he was himself but paid due respect to Stuart’s memory and songs. Jamie was a surprise addition, for a young lad he did brilliantly. We were all blown away by the reception. Can’t wait for part 2.”
Tony Butler

“I am looking forward to the next Big Country chapter. Along with the constant warmth and affection shown to Big Country by its dedicated fans from around the world, and on its 30th anniversary, it feels right and fitting that Big Country continue the journey. The last tour was magnificent, so here we go again as we spring into action for April. Mike Peters will do us proud, and as Stuart always said, When taking a journey, it’s not about the getting there, it’s enjoying the view on the way.”
Mark Brzezicki

“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

Tour Dates – April 2013

Band Link
http://www.bigcountry.co.uk/