The last time I saw Big Country was that amazing night at The Playhouse on Hogmanay in 1984! Support band that night was White China, and full circle 39 years later, White China opened this show. Just as tight and lively as last time. Good stuff!

I’d not managed to catch any of Big Country’s many reunion tours, but exactly like with The Skids, I was glad I did and the long gap made the experience all the more memorable. This tour was all about the 40th anniversary of their debut album ‘The Crossing. The set majored on that album and other early career songs which suited me fine so I could remember and sing along with most of the words!

Only Bruce Watson and Mark Brzezicki remain from the original lineup, the tragic death of Stuart Adamson still heavy on all our hearts. Bruce’s son Jamie, singer Simon Hough and bassist Gil Allan admirably filled the gaps. Not the same, of course but very stirring, faithful performances of some my all time favourite songs.

Attended by George