On 15th July 1983, Big Country released their debut album, The Crossing – arguably what the record-buying public worldwide view as the definitive sound and songs of one of the most exciting post-punk and post-classic rock bands of all time. The Crossing reached Number 4 in the U.K. album chart, remaining in the chart for a phenomenal 81 weeks. It also reached Number 4 in Canada and Number 18 in the U.S.A. Billboard 200, 11 in The Netherlands, Number 18 in Sweden and Number 8 in New Zealand – eventually being certified Platinum in both the U.K. and Canada.
Spawning their iconic songs and anthems In A Big Country, Harvest Home , Chance and their debut single, Fields of Fire released in February (reaching Number 10 in the U.K. singles chart) , beyond the U.K., the album was released in countries as diverse and far-flung as Japan, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, The Philippines , Mexico, Israel, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Ireland, Greece, Italy, Spain, Germany, Canada and the U.S.A. where it was even available on 8 Track!
The band – Stuart Adamson, Bruce Watson, Tony Butler and Mark Brzezicki – performed on such iconic television shows as The Tube, The Old Grey Whistle Test and of course, Top of The Pops sealing their phenomenal appeal across the whole spectrum of music fans. As response grew internationally, the band would also appear on the legendary Saturday Night Live television show in the U.S.A.
Recorded in California, the fourth Big Country album, Peace In Our Time arrived in September 1988 and was produced by the band along with Ina Wolf and Peter Wolf of the J. Geils Band. Mixed at the same Los Angeles studio as Michael Jackson’s Dangerous album, Peace In Our Time reached the Top Ten in the U.K., where the singles King Of Emotion and the title track. The album was also Top 40 in Germany and Top 30 in Sweden.
Following their celebratory tours marking the 30th anniversary of both their second and third albums – Steeltown and The Seer – in 2018 Big Country now mark the 35th anniversary of The Crossing by performing the album in its entirety and the 30th anniversary of the release of Peace In Our Time with a best-of selection and surprises.
The band, Bruce Watson (guitars/vocals), Mark Brzezicki (drums, vocals), Jamie Watson (guitars/vocals) are augmented on stage by Simon Hough and Scott Whitley (bass), will be coming to the Cavern in Liverpool on Thursday 20th September and the Live Rooms in Chester on Saturday 22nd September.