Big Country News (2000)

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July 16, 2000 Steeltown Website to Close July 31

The Steeltown website will be closing down on July 31, 2000. This decision is primarily due to my lack of time and interest in maintaining the site. The site is about 5 years old, and for most of that time running this site has been fun and enjoyable. That hasn't been the case for the past year or so, and I've found that I've had to force myself to do the necessary work to keep the site updated. After five years I think it is time for me to move on to other projects (and try to make a dent in the small mountain of books I keep buying but never have time to read!) -- Robert Oliver

June 24, 2000 Mark Brzezicki Drum Clinic

Big Country drummer Mark Brzezicki will be holding a drum clinic at the Llandaff Rowing Club (Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales) on June 28th. Doors will open at 8:00 P.M. and admission is £5.50. Telephone is 029 20 566361 or 01222 566361. More information can be found at www.percussionhouse.co.uk.

May 31, 2000 Big Country Online Fan Tribute

On the eve of Big Country's final concert date at the Barrowlands in Scotland, a new Big Country web site has premiered in order to pay tribute to the music that has inspired fans for seventeen years. The Big Country Online Fan Tribute features MP3 recordings of various Big Country songs as performed by fans. This is an open project that can continue to grow with the input of fans worldwide.

May 29, 2000 "Somebody Else" Single Released

"Somebody Else" was released as a single on May 29th, 2000 and is available on CD at the Track Records web site. Unlike most UK releases, this will not be a two-part single. Track Records plans on including the names of fans in the single's artwork. The track listing for the single is as follows ("Daystar" was removed to make the single compatible with the UK charts):

Somebody Else
Sleep Until Dawn
Another Misty Morning

May 16, 2000 Big Country Appearances

Stuart and Tony will be appearing on the UK television show The Big Breakfast on May 17th. Two videos, including one for "Somebody Else," will be shown.
On May 21st Stuart and Tony will be appearing on the Janice Long Show on BBC Radio 2 at midnight.

On May 26th the band will appear on the UK television show Weekend Watchdog and will play "Somebody Else."

May 10, 2000 Intervurt to Open for Big Country

Intervurt, a band that Mark Brzezicki has played and recorded with recently, will be opening certain dates in Big Country's upcoming tour of the UK this month. Check out the Live Dates page for more information. (Presumably Mark will be playing with Intervurt on these performances).

April 7, 2000 Nashville Sessions

According to a post on the message board of the official Track Records web site, the Nashville Sessions CD will be available for sale at upcoming concerts (but it is not clear if this means the UK dates, and/or the current German dates). The only other source for this recording is the Track Records web site.

April 6, 2000 Big Country to Stop Touring

The following post was left by Big Country manager Ian Grant on the message board of the official Track Records web site:
We, Big Country, announce that we will not exist as a touring entity after the completion of current touring commitments. Due to changing personal circumstances and ambitions its has been impossible to continue this aspect of the group. There are no further plans for any recording projects (except a future "live" CD taken from the current tour) but this aspect has not been completely ruled out?

March 28, 2000 UK Tour Dates

Performances in the UK in May have been announced and can be found on the Live Dates page. Big Country will be supported by Alarm 2000. These dates are being billed as "The Final Fling," but conflicting information from official sources leaves the band's fate a complete mystery.

March 27, 2000 Driving to Germany

Driving to Damascus was released in Germany on March 27th, 2000. Although the "Fragile Thing" single was supposed to be released on the same day, reports indicate that the single is not readily available (if available at all). It has also been reported that one of the bonus tracks on the German released is mislabeled. Track 13 is labeled as "Loserville" but is instead "Dust on the Road."

March 27, 2000 The Big Breakfast

I received the following e-mail today from a staff member of the UK television program The Big Breakfast:
I work for The BIG Breakfast, Channel 4 and we're looking to contact UK-based Big Country fans for a brand new item about fans we are planning for the show. We're looking for someone who's supported the band since the very early years and has memorabilia and photos as their days as a fan. I would be very grateful if you could ask anyone you know who might be interested to contact me on the number below, and I can explain what we're looking for and what we're hoping to do on the BIG Breakfast. Perhaps you could paste a message on your website? Ideally, we're looking for people who have never met the band themselves. My contact details are as follows: Sarah Stockton 0171 512 5102 or email me on SarahS@Planet24.co.uk

March 6, 2000 Stuart Gets Married

According to Tennessean.com, Stuart recently married Melanie Shelley, a hairstylist he has been involved with since his move to Tennessee four years ago. The two own and run a hair salon called Trim located in Nashville on 12th Avenue South. The complete article (see below) was originally found at the Tennessean.com website in the OnNashville Celebrities section.
Stuart scores a big hit with his new bride
Mazel tov to former Big Country frontman Stuart Adamson, a Nashvillian for four years, who got married a week or so ago to longtime girlfriend Melanie Shelley. Stuart, who is Scottish, said the two did so on a whim: They put on jeans and baggy sweatshirts, went downtown for a marriage license and headed to songwriter pal Marcus Hummons' house for a wedding. Marcus' wife, you see, is a preacher. The wedding was quite simple: The preacher did a quick spiel, Marcus' dad played piano, and they snapped some wedding pics. "Those'll be the ugliest wedding pictures ever!" Stuart joked. Stuart met Melanie, a Music Row hairstylist, shortly after he got to Nashville and she was recommended to him when he said he wanted a haircut. The two eventually opened Trim, a trendy salon on 12th Avenue South. "I fell in love with her the moment I met her," Stuart said. Awwwwwww! Stuart said the two will have a party later this year for friends. "Then Melanie can put on a wedding dress," he said.

March 6, 2000 Blue Healer Performance Cancelled

Blue Healer: Stuart and Marcus A March 30th concert featuring Blue Healer has been cancelled due to Stuart's unavailability (presumably European touring with Big Country).

March 3, 2000 Driving to Damascus and Fragile Thing Release in Europe

Driving to Damascus and the Fragile Thing single will be released across Europe on March 27, 2000 by SPV, a Germany music label. Both the album and the single feature different tracks than the original UK releases. Check out the Discography section for more details.

February 29, 2000 RockPalast concert rebroadcast on WDR

On May 7th German television (WDR) will be doing a rebroadcast of the RockPalast concert originally performed by Big Country on March 15th, 1986 in Essen, Germany.

February 8, 2000 Big Country on Radio 2

On February 19th, 2000 at 8:00 p.m. (delayed from the original date of February 12th) BBC Radio 2 will be airing a one-hour Big Country performance taped during the band's December 8th, 1999 performance in Newcastle. Tony Butler supervised the mixing of the performance, and it is rumored that it may be released on CD. BBC Radio 2 can be heard online, but it is very unlikely that the Big Country concert will be broadcast. The set list for the broadcast is as follows:

Driving to Damascus
The President Slipped and Fell
Perfect World
Look Away
Fragile Thing
You Dreamer
Your Spirit to Me
Dive Into Me
See You
Somebody Else
Chance
Fields of Fire
In a Big Country

January 28, 2000 Stuart to Quit?

More information from Big Country manager Ian Grant clearly indicates that Stuart Adamson has decided to quit the band, and that the remaining members may continue as Big Country with a new lead singer. Stuart has apparently agreed to finish promoting Driving to Damascus in 2000, both in touring and in markets where the album is being released.

January 28, 2000 Big Country German Tour

Eleven live dates in Germany were announced today, and the band, presumably with Stuart, will be supported by Mike Peters. All information on these performances will be featured on the Live Dates page. These dates are part of what is currently being billed as a "Big Country Farewell Tour."

January 28, 2000 Driving to Germany

"Fragile Thing" is currently scheduled for a release in Germany by SPV during late March. Driving to Damascus itself will be released in early April. Other European releases may follow.

January 28, 2000 2-CD Live Album

It is being reported that Big Country will record a double live album later this year.

January 23, 2000 Book of Lyrics PDF Update

The Big Country Book of Lyrics PDF has finally been updated. This new version includes all lyrics for songs on Driving to Damascus, the "See You" and "Fragile Thing" singles, and the internet-only EPs Bon Apetit! and In the Scud. As in previous versions, this update also includes lyrics from Tony Butler and Bruce Watson's solo projects. The design of the Book of Lyrics PDF has been changed to make it more "printer-friendly" for those who wish to make a hardcopy of the file.

January 20, 2000 Stuart to Quit?

Today Big Country manager Ian Grant made numerous postings on the Official Big Country Web Site and has reported that he has resigned as Stuart Adamson's manager due to unstated differences. Other posts by Mr. Grant seem to indicate that Stuart intends to quit the band (possibly to pursue a musical career in the United States.)
Mr. Grant states that he is still the manager of the other band members, Tony Butler, Mark Brzezicki and Bruce Watson, and that he may pursue legal action against Stuart for breach of contract.

Rumor and speculation have been floating around since Stuart's failure to appear at two performances in the UK in late November, but this is the first official indication that Stuart might be quitting the band.

The fate and future of Big Country are very unclear at this moment. It is my intent to only post solid information in the News section, so I do not know when this issue will be cleared up.

January 13, 2000 Discussion Forum

In an effort to provide Big Country fans with an interactive forum, Steeltown now features a new discussion forum. It is my intent that this forum operates in a mature and intelligent manner. I encourage people to express their opinions on any subject matter relating to Big Country (or any solo projects by band members), but I will not tolerate abuse or childish behavior. The forum has a few basic rules:

Respect: It is perfectly fine to disagree with a fellow fan, but please keep your comments respectful.
No Profanity: I will not tolerate foul language in the discussion forum. Reasonably intelligent human beings should not have to resort to profanity in order to communicate with each other.
Ignore Trolls: Anyone that tries to cause problems in the forum should simply be ignored. Such posts shouldn't last long (they will be deleted), but if you do see someone trying to make trouble, please do not respond. Response only encourages such people. I know myself how easy it is to fall into these traps.

Violations of the first two rules will more than likely result in a person being blocked from the forum (after a warning). I will not block users simply because I do not agree with their opinion, but I will block those that disrupt the forum. Hopefully no such actions will be required.

January 6, 2000 Live EP in February

The Official Big Country Web Site reports that a live EP containing six songs performed in Nashville in July of 1999 will be released in February. The track listing currently includes: "Driving to Damascus", "Perfect World", "Dive Into Me", "Fragile Thing", "Chance" and "Look Away."

July 16, 2000		Steeltown Website to Close July 31

		The Steeltown website will be closing down on July 31, 2000. This decision is primarily due to my lack of time and interest in maintaining the site. The site is about 5 years old, and for most of that time running this site has been fun and enjoyable. That hasn't been the case for the past year or so, and I've found that I've had to force myself to do the necessary work to keep the site updated. After five years I think it is time for me to move on to other projects (and try to make a dent in the small mountain of books I keep buying but never have time to read!) -- Robert Oliver

June 24, 2000		Mark Brzezicki Drum Clinic

		Big Country drummer Mark Brzezicki will be holding a drum clinic at the Llandaff Rowing Club (Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales) on June 28th. Doors will open at 8:00 P.M. and admission is £5.50. Telephone is 029 20 566361 or 01222 566361. More information can be found at www.percussionhouse.co.uk.

May 31, 2000		Big Country Online Fan Tribute

		On the eve of Big Country's final concert date at the Barrowlands in Scotland, a new Big Country web site has premiered in order to pay tribute to the music that has inspired fans for seventeen years. The Big Country Online Fan Tribute features MP3 recordings of various Big Country songs as performed by fans. This is an open project that can continue to grow with the input of fans worldwide.

May 29, 2000		"Somebody Else" Single Released

		"Somebody Else" was released as a single on May 29th, 2000 and is available on CD at the Track Records web site. Unlike most UK releases, this will not be a two-part single. Track Records plans on including the names of fans in the single's artwork. The track listing for the single is as follows ("Daystar" was removed to make the single compatible with the UK charts): Somebody Else Sleep Until Dawn Another Misty Morning

May 10, 2000		Intervurt to Open for Big Country

		Intervurt, a band that Mark Brzezicki has played and recorded with recently, will be opening certain dates in Big Country's upcoming tour of the UK this month. Check out the Live Dates page for more information. (Presumably Mark will be playing with Intervurt on these performances).

April 7, 2000		Nashville Sessions

		According to a post on the message board of the official Track Records web site, the Nashville Sessions CD will be available for sale at upcoming concerts (but it is not clear if this means the UK dates, and/or the current German dates). The only other source for this recording is the Track Records web site.

April 6, 2000		Big Country to Stop Touring

		The following post was left by Big Country manager Ian Grant on the message board of the official Track Records web site: We, Big Country, announce that we will not exist as a touring entity after the completion of current touring commitments. Due to changing personal circumstances and ambitions its has been impossible to continue this aspect of the group. There are no further plans for any recording projects (except a future "live" CD taken from the current tour) but this aspect has not been completely ruled out?

March 28, 2000		UK Tour Dates

		Performances in the UK in May have been announced and can be found on the Live Dates page. Big Country will be supported by Alarm 2000. These dates are being billed as "The Final Fling," but conflicting information from official sources leaves the band's fate a complete mystery.

March 27, 2000		Driving to Germany

		Driving to Damascus was released in Germany on March 27th, 2000. Although the "Fragile Thing" single was supposed to be released on the same day, reports indicate that the single is not readily available (if available at all). It has also been reported that one of the bonus tracks on the German released is mislabeled. Track 13 is labeled as "Loserville" but is instead "Dust on the Road."

March 27, 2000		The Big Breakfast

		I received the following e-mail today from a staff member of the UK television program The Big Breakfast: I work for The BIG Breakfast, Channel 4 and we're looking to contact UK-based Big Country fans for a brand new item about fans we are planning for the show. We're looking for someone who's supported the band since the very early years and has memorabilia and photos as their days as a fan. I would be very grateful if you could ask anyone you know who might be interested to contact me on the number below, and I can explain what we're looking for and what we're hoping to do on the BIG Breakfast. Perhaps you could paste a message on your website? Ideally, we're looking for people who have never met the band themselves. My contact details are as follows: Sarah Stockton 0171 512 5102 or email me on SarahS@Planet24.co.uk

March 6, 2000		Stuart Gets Married

		According to Tennessean.com, Stuart recently married Melanie Shelley, a hairstylist he has been involved with since his move to Tennessee four years ago. The two own and run a hair salon called Trim located in Nashville on 12th Avenue South. The complete article (see below) was originally found at the Tennessean.com website in the OnNashville Celebrities section. Stuart scores a big hit with his new bride Mazel tov to former Big Country frontman Stuart Adamson, a Nashvillian for four years, who got married a week or so ago to longtime girlfriend Melanie Shelley. Stuart, who is Scottish, said the two did so on a whim: They put on jeans and baggy sweatshirts, went downtown for a marriage license and headed to songwriter pal Marcus Hummons' house for a wedding. Marcus' wife, you see, is a preacher. The wedding was quite simple: The preacher did a quick spiel, Marcus' dad played piano, and they snapped some wedding pics. "Those'll be the ugliest wedding pictures ever!" Stuart joked. Stuart met Melanie, a Music Row hairstylist, shortly after he got to Nashville and she was recommended to him when he said he wanted a haircut. The two eventually opened Trim, a trendy salon on 12th Avenue South. "I fell in love with her the moment I met her," Stuart said. Awwwwwww! Stuart said the two will have a party later this year for friends. "Then Melanie can put on a wedding dress," he said.

March 6, 2000		Blue Healer Performance Cancelled

		A March 30th concert featuring Blue Healer has been cancelled due to Stuart's unavailability (presumably European touring with Big Country).

March 3, 2000		Driving to Damascus and Fragile Thing Release in Europe

		Driving to Damascus and the Fragile Thing single will be released across Europe on March 27, 2000 by SPV, a Germany music label. Both the album and the single feature different tracks than the original UK releases. Check out the Discography section for more details.

February 29, 2000		RockPalast concert rebroadcast on WDR

		On May 7th German television (WDR) will be doing a rebroadcast of the RockPalast concert originally performed by Big Country on March 15th, 1986 in Essen, Germany.

February 8, 2000		Big Country on Radio 2

		On February 19th, 2000 at 8:00 p.m. (delayed from the original date of February 12th) BBC Radio 2 will be airing a one-hour Big Country performance taped during the band's December 8th, 1999 performance in Newcastle. Tony Butler supervised the mixing of the performance, and it is rumored that it may be released on CD. BBC Radio 2 can be heard online, but it is very unlikely that the Big Country concert will be broadcast. The set list for the broadcast is as follows: Driving to Damascus The President Slipped and Fell Perfect World Look Away Fragile Thing You Dreamer Your Spirit to Me Dive Into Me See You Somebody Else Chance Fields of Fire In a Big Country

January 28, 2000		Stuart to Quit?

		More information from Big Country manager Ian Grant clearly indicates that Stuart Adamson has decided to quit the band, and that the remaining members may continue as Big Country with a new lead singer. Stuart has apparently agreed to finish promoting Driving to Damascus in 2000, both in touring and in markets where the album is being released.

January 28, 2000		Big Country German Tour

		Eleven live dates in Germany were announced today, and the band, presumably with Stuart, will be supported by Mike Peters. All information on these performances will be featured on the Live Dates page. These dates are part of what is currently being billed as a "Big Country Farewell Tour."

January 28, 2000		Driving to Germany

		"Fragile Thing" is currently scheduled for a release in Germany by SPV during late March. Driving to Damascus itself will be released in early April. Other European releases may follow.

January 28, 2000		2-CD Live Album

		It is being reported that Big Country will record a double live album later this year.

January 23, 2000		Book of Lyrics PDF Update

		The Big Country Book of Lyrics PDF has finally been updated. This new version includes all lyrics for songs on Driving to Damascus, the "See You" and "Fragile Thing" singles, and the internet-only EPs Bon Apetit! and In the Scud. As in previous versions, this update also includes lyrics from Tony Butler and Bruce Watson's solo projects. The design of the Book of Lyrics PDF has been changed to make it more "printer-friendly" for those who wish to make a hardcopy of the file.

January 6, 2000		Live EP in February

		The Official Big Country Web Site reports that a live EP containing six songs performed in Nashville in July of 1999 will be released in February. The track listing currently includes: "Driving to Damascus", "Perfect World", "Dive Into Me", "Fragile Thing", "Chance" and "Look Away."