Big Country
24th March 2018
The Studio, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review & Photography by Sarah Kidd.
While thousands of fans attended the show of a rather famous pop star, across town at Auckland venue The Studio a celebration that could rival Hogmanay was in full swing. Formed in Dunfermline, Fife in 1981, Scottish folk rockers Big Country have once again returned to the shores of New Zealand for a whirlwind four shows that saw them hit Christchurch, Napier and Wellington, before their finale tonight in Auckland.
The audience arrived early and as such were treated to a marvellous set by local band Tablefox. The five piece alternative rock band with members who hail from both Hamilton and Auckland recently released their sophomore album You And I Will Find A Way late last year and have since been enjoying some significant air time with their anthem ‘Nothing Ever Changes’. Vocalist Clinton Bell is superb with a voice that is not only rich but underwritten with emotion; sporting a rather stylish embroided jacket he sets the tone centre stage for their first track ‘Something Better’ by beating a single drum stationed to his right. As guitarist Matt Carson displays his skills, his white and silver guitar glinting under the stage lights, Bell joins him on an acoustic for the title track from their aforementioned second album before grabbing a mic and working the front of the stage for ‘Beautiful Morning’.
Bravely the band even throws in a cover of the rousing David Bowie song ‘Heroes’, the traditional intro featuring just Carson and Bell moving into a decidedly more alt-country version as the band joins in, the five piece pulling a big track off in style. But Tablefox are true blue kiwi’s a fact that they musically demonstrated as they injected ‘Bliss’ by Th’ Dudes into the breakdown of their final song of the set ‘Hold Fire’, bassist Olivia Kotze strutting her stuff throughout. Influenced by the likes of Dinosaur Jr., The Cure and Straight Jacket Fits and with now two stunning albums under their belt, this is one band you will want to keep your eye on.
As the crowd patiently waited for the main act to arrive, precious memories and stories of where and when they first saw Big Country were shared amongst strangers, the atmosphere one of camaraderie. As the lights dropped the cheers rose, sounds of a thunderstorm filling the air and tipping each and every fan off to just what Big Country would be opening with tonight. Indeed as the five piece took their places and threw themselves into opening track ‘The Storm’, the audience ignited, voices filling the air as they sang the words they knew so well; this tour being in celebration of the thirty-fifth anniversary of Big Country’s first album The Crossing released in 1983. As ‘The Storm’ came to an end you could feel the energy crackle in the air like electricity, the fan base of Big Country one that is defiantly loyal despite the tragic loss of orginal vocalist Stuart Adamson in 2001.
“How you doin?” the beloved lead guitarist and original member Bruce Watson called out to the crowd; “It’s so good to be back down this neck of the woods again. Feels like it’s only yesterday … except it isn’t!” Breaking into the hugest smile the crowd grinned back in unison, Watson’s humour infectious as always. In fact Watson kept both his humour and candor going throughout the night despite being frustratingly plagued with peddle board issues, truly the mark of a great showman. Moving into ‘Look Away’ and once again Watson addressed the crowd stating that he had already received the news from his agent that Big Country would be returning to this side of the world in November 2019; “We’re making sure we come back here – cause we love it!” members of the band calling out a gentleman in the front row – who they affectionately referred to as ‘Little John’ – stating that he would be sure to be there as he is such a dedicated fan who always makes their shows.
Following a wonderful version of ‘1000 Stars’ bassist Scott Whitley along with lead vocalist Simon Hough began a little instrumental, buying some time for Watson to change his leads around and perform some on the fly repairs. Quickly up and running again, the notes began to be played with more funk and groove, a familiar feeling taking shape. All of a sudden we were in the middle of ‘Play That Funky Music’ by Wild Cherry, the audience lit up by the stage lights, raised their glasses to the air as they sang at the tops of their lungs. It was the perfect way to shake off any previous irritations before delving back into the Scottish folk infused tunes. This is something that Big Country were always the experts on, using their guitar driven rock to evoke the sounds and spirit of Scottish folk music, infusing the power of instruments such as the traditional bagpipes and fiddles deep within the layers of their songs. Of course to really make these songs come alive vocals are required and Hough delivered them beautifully tonight. Filling the shoes of Adamson was always going to be a tough job, but Hough who has only been with the band since 2013 did it handsomely, his voice during tracks such as ‘Just A Shadow’ and ‘Porrohman’ bringing tears to the eyes of more than just a few in the front rows. In between every couple of songs a little banter would ensue, jokes about Ed Sheeran actually covering on guitar tonight while Bruce Watson’s son Jaime played across town instead seeing the audience chortle.
Big Country’s audience interaction combined with stirring songs such as ‘Chance’ – which saw the fans once again raise the rafters with their voices underpinned with a charming Scottish lilt – made the entire evening; while technically it was not without its faults it mattered none because the passion and soul with which they played and with how the audience embraced them eclipsed any minor blemishes. Big Country are also a band who pay their dues, several times pointing out crew members who made everything possible; well-known local Tim Edwards receiving one of the biggest cheers of all for his tireless efforts in the New Zealand and local music scene.
Finishing on ‘Fields of Fire’ which has elements of The Clash running through it, the five piece bid their farewells to the fans, who in turn immediately demanded they return to the stage and play on. Returning, drummer Mark Brzezicki began their final song of the night with a mini solo, the drums growing in power as the rest of the band joined in, the crowd cheering widely as they recognised the opening notes of ‘In A Big Country’. With a climatic ending the band stepped forward, Brzezicki taking the microphone and thanking everyone; “We are a long way from home but there’s one person that’s never far away from Big Country in our hearts and that’s the wonderful, the late great Stuart Adamson, god bless you mate.” It was a touching sentiment that echoed throughout the room, fans applauding their fallen hero while simultaneously appreciating the talents and spirit of the band before them.
The fan’s hearts being something that Big Country’s music will forever hold.
Were you there at The Studio for this Scottish rock gig? Or have you seen Big Country perform somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Tablefox Setlist:
- Something Better
- You And I Will Find A Way
- Right Or Wrong
- Nothing Ever Changes
- Beautiful Morning
- Heroes [David Bowie cover]
- Hold Fire
Big Country Setlist:
- The Storm
- Look Away
- 1000 Stars
- Play That Funky Music [Wild Cherry cover]
- Lost Patrol
- Just A Shadow
- Porrohman
- Close Action
- Broken Heart (Thirteen Valleys)
- Chance
- Wonderland
- Fields Of Fire
- In A Big Country [encore]
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