LONDON (VIP NEWS) — Following their recent string of sell-out comeback dates, legendary Scottish rock band Big Country have confirmed a new run of UK tour dates for April 2011.
The first show Big Country played with new lead singer, Mike Peters, from fellow Celtic rockers The Alarm, took place on New Year's Eve at the ABC in Glasgow. It was a hugely emotional night, with the sell-out crowd giving Mike their full support on his Big Country debut. At the end of the show Peters said to the crowd, "Thanks for looking after me."
Approaching their 30th anniversary, the run of confirmed dates for April will continue to mark a period of celebration that will not only embrace Big Country's illustrious past but also honor the life and times of original lead singer, guitarist and co-founder Stuart Adamson, who passed away in 2001.
"I first met Stuart on stage at a U2 concert in Hammersmith Palais back in 1983", says Mike Peters. "Bono introduced us to his audience as being "part of the new breed" and Stuart was literally passed up onto the stage by the fans and I shook his hand as I handed him a guitar – an unforgettable entrance."
"The last time I saw him was also on stage with Big Country at Glasgow Barrowlands for the last night of the Final Fling tour in 2000, when we sang Neil Young's 'Rockin' In The Free World' together."
"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 honor 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."
Co-founder member Bruce Watson added, "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."
The new line up consists of:
Tony Butler – Bass Guitar and Vocals
Mark Brzezicki – Drums and Vocals
Mike Peters – Vocals and Guitar
Bruce Watson – Guitar and Vocals
Jamie Watson – Guitar
The tour dates for April 2011 are as follows:
4/8 – Portsmouth – Pyramid
4/9 – Manchester – Academy 2
4/10 – Oxford – O2
4/11 – Cambridge – Junction
4/12 – Norwich – Waterfront
4/14 – Bristol – O2
4/15 – London – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
4/16 – Leeds – O2
4/17 – Sheffield – O2
4/19 – Dublin – The Academy
4/20 – Belfast – Spring & Airbrake
4/21 – Edinburgh – Picture House
4/22 – Middlesborough – Empire
4/23 – Nottingham – Rock City
