#Review: Big Country – Hangar 34, Liverpool

Big Country bounded onto the stage signalling a triumphant return!

If you get a chance to catch this band at any of their 35 upcoming concerts on this, their 40th Anniversary Tour then you won’t be disappointed!.

The talent of all the musicians was unquestionable however Bruce Watson (readers, I just want to point out that he is not a relative of mine, we simply share the same name) wanted to ensure that the limelight was solely focused on him throughout the gig. This was a shame because we are all aware that both he and the late Stuart Adamson founded the group in 1981 and he had no need to take over in this way.  This spoiled the concert for my husband and myself plus, the many people around us who all commented on the ridiculous, agonising faces he pulled throughout the show.  This was in addition to the false slipping to one knee or the contorted shapes he twisted himself into. It really did make you question if he had a medical issue or this was simply for attention! The latter I expect. It happened consistently but was more prominent everytime lead vocalist and guitarist Simon Hough had the spotlight on him. Childish, arrogantly egotistical attention seeking! 

The band comprising: drummer Mark Brzezicki, bass player Scott Whitley, Jamie Watson (guitars/vocals), singer/guitarist Simon Hough and Bruce Watson played a strong set and had the crowd bouncing from the word go.  Their following was large and what was good to see was that the audience consisted not only of just their loyal older fans but also contained a good proportion of 20 somethings – proving how their songs have transcended the years.

All their timeless classic hits were well received including their new material that the adeptly interspersed.

Bruce did all the talking including introducing their tracks and introduced the band.  Again, his anecdotes on their inductions always had to include him, especially his son’s introduction. Unnecessary.

Was the concert good? …Yes. 

Are the musicians talented? … Yes. 

Is this a concert/band I would want to see again? …No!  My rationale for this is that they lacked a front man being allowed to perform as such which put me off.  Bruce behaved like an unwelcome back seat driver who clearly wanted to be a rock star who had hit the big time, however unfortunately missed his moment so he was dancing in front of his mirror at home.

Set List:

1000 Stars, Lookaway, Close Action, Lost Patrol, The Storm, Just A Shadow, Steeltown, Ships, Porrohman, Harvest Home, Chance, In A Big Country, Wonderland.

Encore:

Wonderland, Fields Of Fire, 13 Valleys, Inwards.