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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBIG COUNTRYScottish rock group formed '81. Lineup: Stuart Adamson (b 11 April '58), guitar, vocals; Bruce Watson (b 11 March '61), guitar; Tony Butler (b 13 Feb. '57), bass; Mark Brzezicki (b 21 June '57), drums. Following break-up of Skids, Adamson teamed with Watson, enrolled rhythm section hot from playing on Pete Townshend solo LP All The Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes '82. Began supporting acts such as Alice Cooper, U2, the Jam; debut single 'Harvest Home' reached charts, but swirling 'Fields Of Fire' established them: no. 10 UK '83. Band always described as 'guitar-based': deft guitar work refreshing change from ubiquitious synthesizer duos. Top 20 hits: 'In A Big Country' (also in USA), 'Chance' (both '83); 'Wonderland', 'East Of Eden' ('84). Debut LP The Crossing '83, containing four UK hit singles, established them in USA; EP Wonderland and Steeltown '84 were more of the same, the latter entering the UK chart at no. 1. They found favour with pop, folk, heavy metal fans with characteristic 'bagpipe' guitar sound. 'Where The Rose Is Sown' was in the UK chart late '84; The Seer '86 incl. guest Kate Bush; Peace In Our Time '88 saw them slip in the US charts, but was still top ten UK; No Place Like Home '91 and The Buffalo Skinners '93 were further albums. |