Big Country - The Roadmender Northampton

Fantastic to be seeing Big Country again for the third time on my home patch, 'The Roadmender' in Northampton. The fourth time in total as I'm sure I saw them at The Northampton Show many years ago? A really unexpected treat too, as a friend was unable to make this twice re-arranged performance. He very kindly donated the tickets to my wife and I. For which I am extremely grateful. The Doors are due to open at 7 PM, half an hour earlier than previously listed. We arrive just after 6 PM and there is no sign of life. We depart temporarily to 'The Bear' for a pre gig beer. Excellent value too at £3.45 for a pint of Abbott Ale and a soft drink.

Returning a short while later there is now a queue of three people. One or two of the usual suspects conspicuously absent.   It is quite pleasant chatting in the sunshine, such a contrast from the many cold and wet evenings endured in the same spot. We are soon joined by another familiar face from a few years ago. None other than the 'Kaivon' all the way from Toronto. He's loaded up with carrier bags again after a trip to 'Savers' in town. It's his Birthday, and he's on the Guest List too, so very excited. He also has news that all might not be well with the support band 'Spear of Destiny'. He remains tight-lipped, all will become revealed he assures us. We take up position stage right in front of where new Bassist Gil Allan will be situated.  

Sure enough the remaining members of 'Spear Of Destiny take the stage to tell us that Front man Kirk Brandon has been taken ill. Pretty serious too as he is being kept in hospital overnight. As a result the 'SOD' support slot is cancelled. All good wishes go out to Kirk for a speedy recovery. Big Country will now start at 8:30.

The Roadmender has filled nicely, not quite capacity but not far off. The band take the stage right on time and Bruce (Watson) invites Mark (Brzezicki) to takes us back to 1983. The beat strikes up to the opening song '1000 Stars'. 

''You all know why you're here tonight'' cries Bruce. Out of the silence a lone voice, with a Canadian twinge centre stage replies ''It's my Birthday''. ''Shut the F***K'' up is the immediate response. All in great humour. One of the many crowd favourites 'Lookaway' comes next.   

Things are warming up nicely as we dip back in to The Crossing'. The  album album reached No.3 in the official UK charts, 18 in the USA on the Billboard 200 in 1983. Arguably one of the best debut albums by a British Rock band of It's time. Definitely doesn't get the recognition it richly deserves in my opinion at least. Solid guitar based Rock at it's finest. 

There has been a line-up change to since I last saw the band. Bassist Scott Whitley has moved on, and Scotsman Gil Allan has taken over. On vocals the Iconic 'Simon Hough' is10 years into the role. We break away from 'The Crossing' with 'Just a Shadow' from 1984's Steeltown album. Talking of which the title track follows, a great song with local connections of course. Hopefully next year will see a 40th Anniversary of 'Steeltown' too.

 Things slow down a little with 'Ships' from 1991, the 'most modern' song of the night.  

The audience get their chance to exercise their lungs with 'Chance'. All together now.....

''Oh Lord where did the feeling go
 Oh Lord I never felt so low''

 

Bruce is becoming more and more animated. At one stage he lashes out at the microphone stand, sending it flying. The anarchic outburst is lost though when he apologises . ''You'll have to forgive me I'm upset , and It's all Phillip Schofield's  fault, the Bxxxxxd''.

The sound at the The Roadmender is excellent too. A big ending is in store too. Three heavyweights from their back catalogue take us to a rousing finish. 'In a Big Country', 'Wonderland' and 'Fields of Fire'. A set list rammed full of favourites as well as all 10 songs from ' The Crossing'.  The band leave the stage to rapturous applause.

Bruce & Jamie Watson

 

The Iconic Simon Hough

Remembering absent friends

A short departure it is too, and with a waft of a hasty vape in the air the band take to the stage again. The last song of the night is a super charged version of 'Inwards'. As always respects are paid to Stuart and the love is felt throughout the room. It has been a fantastic night and Big Country seem to get better each time I see them . As long as the fans keep turning out they will keep on playing. 

Thanks once again to Lee Mandley and Simon Morgan for thinking of me with the tickets.