BIG COUNTRY - 'In A Big Country', Hammersmith Odeon 1983

Big Country live, 'Crossing The Fall' tour 1983, this is 'In A Big Country' at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, September 29th, 1983.
This clip is taken from the 'Play At Home' documentary, screened in 1984. Nielfunn and philcrawley have posted the complete documentary.

[@Suzywriter]

"I'm not expecting to grow flowers in a desert, but I can live and breathe and see the sun in wintertime." Those words have helped me through days when there seemed to be no sun anywhere. I just wish that beautiful man could have seen the sun when he needed to. R.I.P., and thank you for your gifts to the world.

[@jim7862]

He started with The Skids, then formed Big Country......Ace band.....................sorely missed

[@stephensmith3708]

Amen brother!

[@Cleverogue]

Nice one. By a similar token... “Pull up your head off of the floor... come up screaming” has been my mantra for years

[@bigrikmfc]

RIP. Still hurts me to watch the big man.

[@ThomasSellers]

Shhhhahh!!! Stuart Adamson was the man! Now he's one of those in the category of Gone but Not Forgotten artists! I'm this big country we call America, his dreams still stay with us! I hope he knows that wherever he is! RIP old friend, until we see you in the Bigger Country where we all go, and all are invited!!!

[@GavinWoollard]

I was fortunate enough to be in RAK studios with the band when this was recorded. Over the mixing desk Stuart turned to Steve lilywhite and this 'this is a sticker' as the chorus kicked in on the monitors. My brother and I helped Tony's brother cook dinner for them that night too. Crazy days... As a 17 year old the fact that a band could treat young fans so well was just special. I loved this band so much. I was also in the dressing room with the band before this gig. Amazing times.

[@kezzer2]

+Gavin Woollard Beans on toast then? x

[@GavinWoollard]

+Kieran darragh I even remember what it was! We made. A chicken casserole/stew thing. My job was peeling the potatoes.Lennox saw my technique and took the knife off of me as he thought they were going to get fingers in the stew!

[@kevinlangley1485]

Wow thats awesome :-) I never got to see them live but always wanted to but to be in the studio during the making of history has got to be an ultimate rush. In A Big Country is still one of my top 5 favorite songs of all time. from way back in those days till now and im 47 now. Ive been blessed with a late in life son whose now 3 1/2 and he loves this band (and others of my time , lol). when i turn this on in the truck his head goes to bobbing lol kids just know great music when they hear it :-) they still inspiring people to this day. if he follows my footsteps in about 10 years he'll have a band of his own and be playing this

[@GavinWoollard]

UK Lone Wolf 81 I have pictures to prove it but wouldn't bother sharing them with people that don't believe the truth. I really pity your cynicism.

[@65ndn]

Your are right Sir, I agree 100% great story keep your memories.

[@dom1671]

Passion, pure passion. The best guitarist the world doesn't know. I miss him so much.

[@wildkingdom2012]

I'm from Northern Ontario, Canada. Had a rock band in high school that played lots of Big Country - learning the songs meant learning the passion that went with them...it was almost a kinship. Years later I read in the paper about Stuart, I almost fell down. Many years after that, I went to Hawaii - happened to pass by that fucking Holiday Inn and my eyes were wet. R.I.P. Stuart. You're passing left a hole in my heart that I can never get back.

[@adanspy111]

This is one of my favorite songs of all time...

[@needahandle]

This song is like an anthem. It is truly a pop/rock masterpiece. It has so many elements going. Great, inspiring lyrics, strong vocals, the guitar work, bass and the keyboard with its faint orient inspired elements. ---Pull up your head off the floor, come out screaming, run after everything you ever might have wanted...indeed. A beautiful rallying cry of a song.

[@steelgila]

I'd say you about nailed it with that epithet. I know only my memory of this song with it's faint echos of far off screaming poet laureate bagpipes quickening the spirits of long ago forgotten vales and... oh look now you've got me doing it too! Seems this piece has a similar wonderful effect on everyone who had the good fortune of hearing it back then.

[@dontworrybaby6837]

You nailed it

[@cron205]

They were a punk band with some pop hooks

[@anonuser1]

It's so comforting to know that there are so many people around the world who totally get how amazing this band and their music are.

[@sswltphb]

Drove 12 hours cross the states in high winds and snow- listened to this song the whole time got there alive. Thank you!

[@Trancegirl1966]

this video is vintage! Stuart Adamson has so much energy in this video. One of the greatest tracks to come out of the eighties... Rest in Peace Mr Stuart Adamson....

[@themagnanimous1246]

their bassist is top notch

[@richwest9104]

And is one of the loveliest guys you could wish to meet. Down to earth and friendly.

[@garrymathers9]

The Legend that is tony butler

[@Anglovox]

He must've been....Tony Butler was playing with Pete Townsend at NINETEEN years old!

[@sportindaveyg]

addicted to this song.

[@andymiles6311]

What a band the gigs were life affirming

[@lizzie50583]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@WilliamShannonStamey]

I have loved this song beyond belief since I was 6 years old..

[@richardbristol452]

I was fortunate enough to catch Big Country live twice in the states. The first time was at Raincross Square in Riverside, CA. 1984, I believe. I had picked up The Crossing on cassette just a few weeks earlier and I'd already about worn the damn thing out. Seeing them live the first time around was nearly an out of body experience for me. I'd truly never seen anything like it. I was simply mesmerized. 34 years later and that was still the most influential and utterly soul-stirring music experience I've ever had. Big Country is still my favorite band of all time. They were also, in my opinion, the most underrated band in the history of modern music.

[@BC1000Stars]

Richard Bristol Richard thank you for sharing that with us, what a terrific story. You're not alone 😉 Stay alive! 😃

[@1966maryjane]

" I thought that pain and truth were things that really mattered / But you can't stay here with every single hope you had shattered."

[@Nessie2410]

Lucky lot who were there that night. Such a charming and charismatic man and band. Dearly missed by many. ❤️

[@brianmcguirk9624]

What an amazing song, an amazing band and the great great voice of Stuart Adamson. Rest in peace, sadly missed!!!

[@tinathomson3961]

I was 17 and at this concert, right at the back with my older brother ❤️ My 2nd gig and every time I hear Big Country I’m transported back there and the whole place bouncing! Still love Stuart Adamson, so sad that he died so young. Now my children are listening to the same fabulous 80s music 🤩

[@nkv47]

God bless you Stuart..one of the best songs of the 80s may your dreams stay with you.

[@CalicoCat142]

we used to go mental at these concerts, 49 now, 19 then....you can see why....the energy SA rip

[@neilbillybob3065]

Sad he is gone... Glad to have this. WHAT A GIG. WHAT A SONG. RIP STU.

[@MisterGee1968]

I was there with my best mate Tony.

[@nzfisherclan]

So was I ....iconic gig

[@truecrimepodcasting]

I saw Dave Matthews with my best bud Sam. He’s banged up in a Hong Kong jail rn. Tony doing ok?

[@paulanson100]

Just brilliant after all these years... still one of the best live bands I have seen. Glad I got the chance..Respect.

[@petechau2317]

One of my favorite songs from a period of great music.

[@vanforeman3829]

This is the song that got my wife and I together, in 1984. NEVER forget it, the greatest.

[@gladyswallace997]

I have loved this son since I was a teenager in the 80's! I still and always will love it!

[@beck9892]

always one of my all time favorites!

[@kezzer2]

Amazing,the crowd singing,crying here......what a performance,superb post,thankyou.....Big Country rock !!!!!!!! They get me going!!

[@dons4europe]

God bless you Stuart..... sadly missed my man. What a sound what a band.....

[@CCCC-cb2ty]

One of favorite songs of all time. Just fantastic. I appreciate that Mike Peters and The Alarm do this live. Also - pretty amazing.

[@chrisa4634]

Thanks so much for putting this up. I was there on that very night!!! My first BC concert. I still have the ticket.....

[@BC1000Stars]

Chris A magnificent!

[@allensaunders449]

Love big country but this footage is new to me and I've seen alot on you tube nice

[@tammysilvey8036]

Awe, That's amazing Stu & Callum!!! Miss you Like Crazy Stuart ❤️ you!!

[@BC1000Stars]

This is truly beautiful, isn't it. 🙂

[@tammysilvey8036]

@@BC1000Stars "YES IT SURE IS" 😊

[@FoghornLeghorn66]

I've listened to this song for over 30 years. I still get chills. And the Stuart singing "take that look out of here, it doesn't fit you". Cry out for everything. I thought that pain and truth were things that really mattered. In 1983 a song was written and recorded that will forever be important. Stay alive.

[@rageoid]

May 21, 2019 - still one of my feel good favorites - timeless

[@raulsaenz9085]

JUST takes me back to the 80's. Love this song!

[@Koexistence13]

The way the lead singers face is lit seems to intensify his emotion and performance. How lucky was he moments like this. It must have been amazing. I was ten when I heard this song on the radio. It was the first song I ever called a radio station (repeatedly) to request. Thanks for the posting. This makes me think about how much I take for granted the instant satisfaction today's technology affords. If I wanted to see this back in the day I would of been SOL.

[@John-cw6yr]

You just don't know what's round the corner , loved big country still gutted to this day RIP big man your music lives on

[@biggerbawg51]

Just found this. I was at this concert. Great band seeing live so much energy.

[@alankightley688]

I was there bloody awesome

[@JasonSum1979]

what kind of troll would give this a thumbs down live and sounds close to the studio version very cool

[@gilbertleguro2863]

god damn powerful band! thanks for posting this very rare video.

[@NeilYoungCity]

there's not many bands out there who can produce an endless great track with the name of their own band in the title.

[@tonyodonovan9940]

Iron Maiden 😎

[@tonyodonovan9940]

Black Sabbath

[@tonyodonovan9940]

Public Image

[@Billdick360]

It takes a big ego to kill one's self too!

[@johnmasters9490]

Always a fantastic performance .

[@bfbjr]

The Crossing was the first LP I ever bought, and still my favorite 27 years later. The soundtrack to my life. Thanks for the music and memories Stu and the boys.

[@JtheBs]

Wow. Stumbled upon this today and it brought back, so, so many memories. I saw them several times around this time and their simple 'Joie de Vivre' helped to get me through a really crappy period of my life. A very, very special band.

[@Ronbo710]

My first cassette in the original Walkman !!! God I'm ancient. You guys got me through my 20's in the 80's THANKS !!!

[@tsbonner]

"Stay alive." I wish he had the strength to go on and stay alive during that painful time in his life.

[@joanjett8814]

So long since I have heard this one .. loved it

[@ManiCUREd]

One of the most memorable songs and performances ever! totally inspiring and awesome!

[@frigate100]

I'm not expecting to grow flowers in a desert, but I can live and breathe and see the sun in wintertime." Yes xx

[@vatalic]

Fields of Fire great album i was on holiday in dorset at the time bought it from our price went onto Egerton Hill and played it nice and loud. All the tracks are excellent and it is still a fixture on both my cd and tape. RIP Stuart Adamson one of the best.

[@supermanman9520]

stunning, simply stunning!!!!!

[@danfuerthgillis4483]

Hammersmith Odeon where legends have played these guys are up there with the greats.

[@shannonpettee4953]

I dont know what it is that brings me back...I feel like im there in Ireland 300 years ago.... I cant explain it! I see things when I hear this song....mind blowing...

[@vesna9316]

Amazing !

[@scottyc2012]

such a legend. and so sad that 'this is my wee boy callum' but i can understand his pain. god bless.

[@thewastedone7794]

was in tappie toories after the skids last week and it was just an amazing feeling remembering stuart in his pub listening to the band that makes me so proud to be from dunfermline, them and the stephens bridies course ;)

[@Oscarandmax]

Sophomore year in 'Fall '83. Brings back Fond memories.

[@johnweinberger128]

had just seen them in Phoenix Park, Dublin that summer. Just before I went into the Navy. That song has been in my head for over 30 years.

[@hanxstiff5760]

John Weinberger U2, Simple Minds, Eurhythmics, Big Country, Steel Pulse. Some other Band I didn't get to see Cause the Bus down from Belfast got there Late.

[@whaddupwitdatbro]

Must be the best thing when as a band your fans sing the song back to you... I remember them... so long ago.

[@lucyandmrfelix]

One amazing guy and one amazing band remember this song so clearly sure it got me through three years of hell at school. Just because it's happened doesn't mean you've been discarded.

[@SufferinSprings]

I had the privilege of seeing them live this same year at a medium-sized venue in Texas. We couldn't understand much of what Stuart said between songs, but we didn't care. To this date, still the best concert experience of my life. Extraordinary.

[@andyroberts7507]

I see the sun in wintertime and I think of this band, RIP Stuart. Thank you for everything.

[@davidlabelle361]

It's such a fucking drag that he's gone. 😞

[@cbutch1963]

one of the best live bands of their era...R.I.P. Stuart Adamson...OH & Thanks, had 2 sleep rough after this concert in the back of my Mexico Escort ...I LOVED THAT CAR....& that Band..lol....

[@1251wire]

AWESOME all around. My youth... please don't leave me, take me with you. Stuart Adamson, thank you, may you rest in peace and surely in my thoughts.

[@aperrusq]

thirty years ago!!!!! it seems yesterday, remember the 80's with this song, the 80's the best music for ever, regards from Mexico......

[@gabrielabecker4877]

Yes, Big Country making the sexy music and shaking their asses for Darth Vader! I fucking love this so much. This is so fucking amazing.

[@bleore]

If I had to take one record on a desert island, The Crossing would be it.

[@zodiacman63]

i was at this gig,saw em many times,remember them supporting the jam,top band live,stuart rip

[@Mrdublin007]

What a band - remember seeing these guys in 1983 in Dublin - first proper gig as a 13 year old so a lot of good memories - shame the way it ended

[@Graigboy1955]

I am going to watch Big Country in Stuarts home town of Dunfermline on 7th Feb 2012,I have converted my son, its one of his favourite bands and the Crossing is I believe his top album, this is my tribute to the late and great SA - ps my son is also going!

[@CasadelMartin]

I was 10 when I fell in love with this song

[@eagleinblack]

I was there that night. Great gig great man

[@steelgila]

God what a fabulous song, quickens my soul to the very marrow of my bone! Fetch my kilt and Balmoral! Kidding aside I gotta say the worlds a better place for this song even if I'm being a bit over the top here! A lot of us here might have a little of the heather wine flowing in our veins?

[@taitr956004]

thank you for this lovely film

[@Suzywriter]

I need this tonight...I need to remember that I can see the sun in wintertime. I so wish Stuart had remembered it.

[@aqueenwaits]

What an adorable son. I miss Stewart. He was so gorgeous!

[@jumpinjojo]

aqueenwaits *Stuart

[@thor156x2]

excellent. . man I miss the good old days...

[@luisanthony1385]

5:24 🙏

[@denisefletcher1608]

The anthem of my youth. Thank you Big Country. RIP Stuart.

[@the1basser]

Amazing how one song stays so relevant to so many people. Wish someone would upload studio version, or original video.

[@okrajoe]

Great live performance!

[@wilbertrobles1123]

BC and Kings X. Underrated.

[@padraigsisk4057]

Metal hammer said at the time that Big country were the heady band at the moment

[@csmelen]

That was kick ass!!!

[@TheArralad]

Fabulous band.......could not fault them live back in the day

[@alaina66]

Effing PHENOMENAL!!!

[@glenndowling8383]

His wee one 😊

[@madriver67]

not for nothing the 80`s 4 music was down right one HELL of a time!!!

[@idw9159]

rip stuart.. you were a big flower for many of us

[@PATS06]

love this song!

[@1966maryjane]

Brings me back to racing on Route 231 in my boyfriend's 1967 Mustang...!

[@jimmyjones534]

awesome group.R.I.P STU

[@markhamer1628]

In 1531 the blessed mother grew flowers in a mountainside desert of Mexico , to be able to see the sun in wintertime

[@01944able]

My favourite band. R.I.P Stuart. Lovely gesture with your son Calum.

[@TheVoid36]

Man if I ever had one reason to go back in time. That ending is perfect. Me makes that guitar fucking sing.