Big Country at the Forum

Following the release of The Journey – their first studio album in 14 years – Big Country have come to Kentish Town to perform at one of London’s leading music venues The Forum.

The internationally renowned Scottish rock band has gone through a lot to get here. Formed in 1981, now 32 years and about three reunions later, only two of the original members remain following the sad death of frontman Stuart Adams in 2001, and the resignation of bassist Tony Butler last year. However, on stage the energy and rapport of the band in their current form equals their original line-up.

With their popularity being at its highest back in the 80s, it’s surprising how many people have come to see them tonight. Even more surprising is the number of younger faces in the audience. Perhaps the cult following that Big Country has amassed over the years has reached a wider audience than first thought. Although part of a promotional tour for their new album, the five-piece focus more on their back catalogue, intertwining their biggest hits with new material. This proves to be a good idea, as the audience only really comes to life during hits such as In a Big Country, Wonderland and Fields of Fire. Only properly devoted fans recognise and enjoy songs from The Journey.

This doesn’t slow the band down though: vocalist Mike Peters, original members Bruce Watson and Mark Brzezicki, put as much into the performance as the band did three decades ago, with Peters’ voice only improved by age and Brzezicki’s drumming as crisp as ever. Even the new members – including bassist Derek Forbes who was originally from Simple Minds – look like they’ve been performing these tracks for years. Their energy rubs off with the audience who dance and sing along to almost every song.

Big Country have proved here tonight that even after all these years, all those members, all those break-ups and reformations, they still know how to put on a good show. There is certainly still a future for them.

Verdict: ★★★★★

James Alder

Photos: Alberto Martinez Bracero

For further information about Big Country and future events, visit here.

Watch the music video for Wonderland here