Since 1983, Big Country have been an important part of my life. So many songs and gigs have given me numerous (and very special) memories. The songs have also helped me in times of sorrow and pain. The uniqueness that is/was Big Country will continue to be the soundtrack to my life. I could write 1000's of words on what BC means to me, but in the end, I feel no words can truly sum up my feelings. BC have, and continue to, influence and support me, and I thank SBTM (and IG) for all they gave us from BC. Willie Tocher I don't think words can express what I feel about Big Country or maybe it's I don't know the right words, none are grand enough, none show the true emotion they bring and none can capture how grand and inspiring their music is. I first Angle Park in early 83 on a TV show highlighting new bands. AS my dad worked in Birkenhead market I asked him to ask the record stores if they had anything by BC. A few weeks later Fields Of Fire was on my record player and a fanatic born. From that day to this BC are pivotal to all my most memorable moments in life, they have always been there through great times to low times BC made times better and BC helped me through sad times. Three words sum BC up - THE GREATEST EVER. Paul Bratley My fondest memory of Big Country is seeing them live, feeling a part of something, that raw emotion that never seemed false or pretentious. Listening to The Crossing in 83 I was on a magical journey, no bullshit or over the top hype, just honest decent and passionate music. Over the years I was lucky enough to see them numerous times in Dublin. The RDS, The National Stadium, The Mean Fiddler, but the best gigs were always the Olympia. I met Stuart the first night in 91 I think, so approachable and genuine, we walked down Dame St chatting about the upcoming Euro championships, but that's what Big Country were like to me, an old friend, always there for you. Sadly missed but not forgotten and never will be. Oh and my favourite song - every one of them {except Eggplant lol!}Austin Zambra I have vivid memories of my first BC gig; it was June 1986 in Hanley, second leg of the Seer tour. The atmosphere was fantastic as the band played new songs and the old favourites. I will never forget the first time I heard that bagpipe sound, they were like no other band I had heard or seen before, the energy, the sound, the lyrics which everyone could relate to, I also remember being at the front of the stage soaking with sweat and my ticket in my back pocket soaked to a pulp. Big Country are more than a band to their fans, they are a way of life. Listen to this CD and you will see why their music will always "stay alive". Jon Martin The first time I saw Big Country was at New York's Roselands Christmas show in 1984. The band put on a how with an intimate feel. One of my favourite things about Big Country is that depending on how I'm feeling, I have a different favourite song. The songs are so diverse, yet each song has the definitive Big Country touch. I don't recall being as moved by a love song than at the Zaandam Fan Fest in 2002, when Tony, alone with an acoustic guitar, played his tribute to Stuart, Dream Boy. It captured a moment where I realised how much Stuart meant, not only to his band mates, but to all his fans and how much he is sorely missed.John Gouveia I first saw Big Country in Dumfries at Loreburn Hall. It was on the back of the PIOT tour, and I did not know what to expect. Not only my first Big Country gig, but also my first EVER gig. I was absolutely blown away! I had told all my mates about how good it would be, but I had not got a clue. The first song was Restless Natives and ever since then I was hooked on seeing them live and spreading the word on rocks best kept secret. I went on to see them live 14 times from Carlisle to Dunfermline (convention 91) and I can honestly say that no band comes close to beating the raw energy and charisma that the band had, not even The Stones, Red Hot Chili Peppers or Simple Minds. They never failed to surprise the crowd, but somehow managed to make you feel you were an old friend all at once. Sadly missed, but the legacy lives on. James Templeton Big Country is not just a band. They are part of my life. No other band has affected me the way these guys have done. Their music touched my soul. With their rousing vocals, loud guitars and crashing drums, they were what I had been waiting for. Wembley Arena, 1984 was the first chance I had to see them live. The thunder and lightning effects during 'The Storm' mesmerised me. I was lucky enough to see them a further 53 times, and every single time, they amazed and delighted me. Their name will never die, this time will be forever. Mazz Nocholas The first song I've ever heard of Big Country was 'The Seer', it grabbed my attention and I knew this was a special band. Through their music and lyrics something happened I didn't think was possible - I felt alive, and love. I have overcome some of my darkest days with them and have had some of the best times listening to them. It's all a mystery what the future will bring but I know Big Country will be in my heart and stereo forever. Jo-Ann This album is dedicated to all Big Country fans especially those who have followed the band from 1982 and in particular, those who are currently members of www.bigcountry.co.uk |
1000 Stars Alternative Version * Publishing — Copyright Control Except* = EMI Music Ltd
|