Big Country - when Stuart Adamson stops the gig in New York

During Big Country's massive 1986 USA gig at The Pier in New York, trouble breaks out in front of the stage. Two thirds of their way through 'Inwards' and much to the appreciation of the audience, Stuart notices what's going on and promply stops the band to deal with the offenders, having a stern word with the security guys in the process. 'For a group who is definitely not about violence, that was a little bit stupid.' The man is a legend and this is Big Country at their finest.

[@ea1615]

I was at the very last gig. Broke my heart when Stuart passed away. He influenced my whole life. Great man. Greater soul. ❤️

[@susanduke9835]

Not only was he talented, he was a humble caring person, so sad that he isn’t with us - but definitely in our hearts and memories ❤ RIP Stuart

[@wendygarner2824]

I met Stuart adamson in Newcastle in 1995 , he was the nicest man I have ever met , a true gentleman missed terribly but never forgotten, rip Stuart xxx

[@granto6712]

Yes good man in from Peterlee, I never went to the Tube, can't understand why? Was a big jam fan

[@VincentRE79]

Too nice for this world.

[@wendygarner2824]

My late fiancee was a huge fan of Stuart Adamson, he went to every gig in Britain and went backstage many times , rest in peace Stuart xx

[@rogerbelger2014]

yes but couldnt be nice to himself, or even be a gentleman to himself, goes and kills himself, pisses me off - i listen to his songs, buy his records , kinda makes me feel like a fool

[@wendygarner2824]

@@granto6712Stuart Adamson was the lead singer for Big country from Scotland

[@ZeroChannelZero]

Stuart = the definition of a class act. I've seen too many videos of rockstars throwing temper tantrums and bullying audience members. Here's a great example of how true nobility should handle a crisis. Bring tensions to a screeching halt, then bring everyone together. Damn, the world could use him right now!

[@lifeisgood3386]

Stuart you might be gone but you will never be forgotten thats fact i still play your stuff and always will R.I.P

[@ianhawdon3680]

Good on you i loved him

[@StenhouseJC]

Stuart, Willie Simpson, and I were all in the same class at Secondary School Cowdenbeath in the early 70's. He was learning to play guitar then. He and his mates were always going on about Monty Pythons Flying Circus! RIP.

[@ephraimlessell]

I met S. Adamson in Boston, MA, USA in 1995. Without exaggeration, he was about the nicest person I've ever met. When I heard that he'd died and how, it hurt like the death of a friend or family

[@stuartrenfrew7385]

Stuart's guitar sound was the anthem to my life at the dawn of the eighties. He and his fellow Skids gave me a reason to carry on through dark times and his passing hit me hard for that reason. A hugely talented and inspiring man, sadly missed.

[@matthewridgway8374]

So amazing the way Stuart's face changes when he see's what's going on speaks volumes to what heart the guy had, saw them years ago in Frankfurt and they were absolutely fantastic, so grateful I got to see them.

[@v-town1980]

Thought the same thing. Damn, his face went from smiling to dead serious in one second.

[@markseery3797]

Adamson showing himself as a class act. RIP mate

[@Aaron50001]

I saw him and Tony dragging bouncers off an over excited fan during a gig at the Liverpool Empire in 1983 . A true caring , sincere Human Being . RIP Stuart you`re sorely missed .

[@aro5490]

As The Edge once described Stuart: "a heart like a mountain". RIP, Stuart. We love ya.

[@RoyAH.]

Ananaia O'Leary: Oh wow, really! Beautiful, thank you.

[@michaelsummers6014]

Mate I was at that gig in the Liverpool empire

[@AceBanana100]

@@michaelsummers6014 Mate - so was I - Great times. Bootle born n bred and I really did think these guys were from Liverpool which was why I went to see them lol I had the piss taken outta me for years!

[@flexiblestrategist9922]

You don't RIP when you kill yourself. You sound thoughtful but it's a selfish act; especially when you leave a daughter behind as he did.

[@charlesanddenisemoscatello5802]

My girlfriend (now my wife) and I were at this very show! I remember this!

[@oakenshield3116]

Had to be an amazing experience!

[@schatzip]

What exactly happened?

[@loudonrebel]

Charles and Denise Moscatello did you all have sex after the show?

[@user-wl6bw3jl4n]

loudonrebel 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@julianpotentate5942]

was it outside this venue

[@thestr8person]

How can anyone not like Stuart? Look at his face change from happiness to concern to outrage! He care's! He care's and knows he has a certain responsibility to the audience! Such a nice guy! The antithesis would be somem

[@BarbecueinItUpGood]

One of the most under-rated bands of all time!

[@lindadote]

Ahh breaks my heart, Stuart was a REAL musician (and man), wish he'd known how much he was loved. RIP Stuart, hope you're at peace.

[@daletomaselli4480]

Not a religious man myself ..... but I'd like to think the great man's soul is watching all us fans still enjoy his music. RIP big mon .

[@lindadote]

Dale Tomaselli ......neither am I but you know what I mean. I hope so too!

[@mickmcdonagh1557]

think ive got a bit of dust in my eyes ....RIP Stuart

[@jonkurtmatheson8795]

Aye

[@carlproctor9101]

Did he top himself my mate was a massive fan and the skids

[@TheHumanity100]

Had it not been for Stuart Adamson, I never would have learnt to play the guitar! Thank you for my gift Stuart. Wish you were still here today :-)

[@paulbanner9612]

Seen the Skids in the late 70s i was leaning on stage looking at Stuart guitar playing he smiled winked then handed me his pick ....Great bloke and supet times .Nearly 60 now and still listen and play Skids stuff 😎🤘

[@FoghornLeghorn66]

A legend, I agree. this clip shows his humanity. I can say that I'm here today because of Stuart, Mark, Tony and Bruce. What an incredible collection of nice people, fantastic musicians and creative talent. Importantly, an intelligent talent, only previously achieved in my view by written poetry. I look back and remember hearing Over the Border and being stunned. A stupid 15-year old stunned kid from Canada listening to this new band with the funny sound. That kid survived. Thank you BC.

[@vespasianlegx11]

his death really affected me . such a humble quiet spoken guy ,never big headed but supremely talented , unlike the utter crap there is today .

[@garrymathers9]

When i was told about stuart i just burst into tears.i was so shocked

[@derrickkayson9467]

A trick : you can watch movies on flixzone. Me and my gf have been using them for watching loads of movies these days.

[@azariaheden2806]

@Derrick Kayson Yup, I've been using Flixzone} for since november myself :D

[@user-kt7ne4fe1q]

Every now and then I remember him with a tear in my eye... He was one of a kind . Musician, songwriter, guitarist and singer of the higher class. But most of all a human being so sensitive and rare... Miss you man...

[@murrayyarrum1015]

First video I've seen where the band has all stopped within one bar, once a band member wants to stop the show. No random guitar solo or drums tapping away. A band that could stop on a dime and start on a dime is a tight band.

[@blakejohnson7148]

Yeah that's how you really measure the tightness of a band: whether they can do an unplanned stoppage of a song on a dime and re-start on a dime...huh?

[@jofis82]

@@blakejohnson7148 Aye.

[@timstubbs4827]

Saw 'em do the very same thing in Birmingham once....incredible how they just picked up again.

[@paulreilly9924]

One big regret I have is never seen them live they were the best

[@johnc8770]

Stuart Adamson. Absolute Fucking Legend, 100% Guitar wizard and top bloke. Had the massive pleasure of seeing his band play live once. Sadly it wasn't enough.

[@janstrickland8081]

Wish Stuart had known how much and still is loved...

[@johnny5805]

What is incredibly remarkable is the way they just take up the song in the middle of the 'solo' ! Musicianship x 10 !

[@vetb882]

Of my God, I love him even MORE now. I've never seen anything like that. 😲😳🤩🤗🙏🏽🙏🏻🙏🏿✌🏽✊👊🏾 I saw Big Country in Long Island at Hofstra University in 82 or 83. I took a girl there as a date... She never called back and didn't speak on the ride home... Lol I was SO ENAMORED with the band the girl mostly felt neglected... My bad but I still love Big Country and I don't even remember her name. RIP Stuart. My bucket list is to visit your hometown one day. Dumfermline. Didn't discover the Skids until this year, can you imagine? You can hear Big Country in them as you can hear Bachman Turner Overdrive in some of The Guess Who songs.

[@davidstewart4310]

Have you been to Scotland?

[@vetb882]

@@davidstewart4310 not yet my friend, but with a last name of James I'm pretty sure there's some Scots in my bloodline. The bagpipes setup into my very Soul when I hear them. And Stuart's way of making his guitar some like one... Masterful.

[@davidstewart4310]

@@vetb882 nice one mate. Stuart lived not far from me. A few miles. Bruce and his son still stay in Dunfermline. BC tour constantly. Still a great night altho SA is surely missed :-(

[@vetb882]

@@davidstewart4310 Awww, did you ever met him? I wish I did. I saw them in concert at Hofstra University back in the day. I kept screaming Harvest Home, not realized they have a set list they go by... Lol. His music reached into my Soul, like they were talking just to me and not millions of other Souls. They were better than U2 imho. If you run into Bruce tell him he has a big fan in Noo Yawk... Lol. As a novice dirt bike racer when the band got big watching them ride in the video just made them all the more special. SA funded a road racing team didn't he? Find me in FB facebook.com/michael.james.9275

[@jgmdsn667]

the incredibly sincere way the man's face simply drops and the true concern he has, I can watch over and over. God bless and I look forward to hearing those incredible voices and guitars in heaven. God bless BIG COUNTRY

[@philruane5575]

Sorely missed, Stuart, but jaysus thanks a million for your musical legacy.

[@redjohn201]

I saw Big Country in Redcar Bowl a long time ago. It was a very intimate gig, no barriers and you were within touching distance of the band. Someone spat at Stuart, mid song. he stopped the song, leapt off stage and grabbed the culprit by the scruff of the neck, dragged the idiot outside, came back in...one, two, three...back into the song...very cool. Sadly missed.

[@helhound23]

wow the redcar bowl ,i remember that place,saw the alarm there probably around the same time ,

[@jonnygranvillemusic4762]

I remember that, He did give fair warning beforehand. The Rye supported, great gig.

[@colronuk]

1995 september?

[@GerardoMcCabe]

You never never mess with a scotsman

[@ashleyclarke1704]

Lovely, lovely man, taken too soon. RIP Stuart, you will never be forgotten! xx

[@1815ish]

Had the pleasure of meeting Stuart a few times. Great guy,a real gentleman. He is very sadly missed.

[@thomasroth6856]

It's a cruel globe...and the good human gone be mad. REST IN PEACE

[@SteveFBS]

I was at that show with my friend Billy that evening and I remember it well. I can't believe it was so many years ago (31 and counting). Big Country always gave us a great show and I thank them for that.

[@markessex2194]

Big country blew me away, the sound was fantastic and the chequered shirts we all loved and cherished will still hold Stuart close to our hearts. Rip Sir.

[@pauldogsalad]

seen many bands over the years, too many to count, but these have always been up there with the best. R.I.P. Stuart.

[@neobx2]

Class act and sorely missed SHAAATT

[@philipkelly5658]

My first concert 1984 in Dublin . Fantastic

[@richardhiglett1944]

KZbin just caught me out, been on a while in background and found some Big Country. Stuart Adamson was an absolute legend, great songwriter, human being and a man whose socialism was what socialism is all about, caring for others. Saw Big Country so many times is Britain, so many amazing gigs and seeing this video I had to wipe a tear. Your legacy lives on in our hearts. As he used to say "Stay Alive"

[@cron205]

See the anger in his face when there's fighting going on so he stops the song to see what's going on

[@filmworksusa]

It's a huge shame "The Seer-Live in NYC" never made it to DVD but thanks to some good folks most of it is here on You Tube. Earlier in the concert there's a shot that shows a ruckus going on and the security getting too heavy so you actually see what made Stuart react the way he does. The incredible thing, besides Stuart's concern and deep humanity, is how they re-start so perfectly and finish the song.

[@klimtklavier]

I was at this show ! Had no idea that had been filmed until now ! Still one of the best shows I've ever been to !

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

Soundtrack of my youth, greatest band ever, we miss you man!

[@Jakemillar97]

'Someone ends up dead'. these words make me really sad. RIP Stewart. Never ever forgotten.

[@daveb6214]

Never heard of this , good on you, for stopping it , you were one of a kind for sure, would have like to have met him , but I wasn't lucky enough. Godspeed stuart

[@SAMLG71]

Stuart left a huge imprint in so many people's hearts.

[@73KHS]

Bless you Stuart, you are still missed by so many.

[@vividstratosphere]

One of the many reasons Stuart will always be my hero 💗

[@thedrumdoctor]

Thanks for uploading this in the first place. We have no coverage back here in the UK of Big Country gigs in the USA. It's a shame they didn't get a bigger push from their label, but it does take a hell of a commitment from both band and record label to break America. I was lucky enough to meet the band on 2 occasions and can vouch for what a great bunch of down to earth, unaffected by fame guys they were. It is hard viewing though watching Stuart in his prime after what happened.

[@colinmoore8656]

Saw them live three times, the most memorable was at Knebworth when they played at Queens last Concert.RIP Freddie and Stuart two great musicians greatly missed

[@MsSoulProvider]

Met him & Mark in East Berlin in '88,- what a true gentlemen he was.. This just shines his personality out in a true and deeply honest way. RIP

[@brispope]

What a top bloke, saw him in his Skids days do the same waded in ahead of the bouncers to stop anybody getting hurt. Greatly missed

[@MST785]

Breaks my heart you went that way. RIP Big Man.

[@prostwest]

He did the exact same thing in late '83 when I saw them at University of Delaware. A couple of guys down front were slamming around, causing other fans consternation, and he shut it down and gave them a good talking to. There wasn't a whole lot of security at that gymnasium show, so it was just him and them.

[@keesvandenbos2016]

He did the same during the concert in Rotterdam September 3, 1983, he even jumped off stage to get the bastards...

[@katsullivan7274]

@@keesvandenbos2016 I like that he was very brave and fearless. And really gorgeous aswell 😍

[@amaranth7777]

Saw them in Sheffield in the 80's Awesome and still the loudest band I've seen....and I've seen oooooooooodles lol RIP Stuart

[@flaminghell]

I have been a fan since early 1983 - always remember Stuart jumping in to the Newcastle crowd and having a huge go at the sound technician as his mic and guitar kept cutting out, furious he was and said so on stage and said as no one can hear it properly we will do a free gig for you all.

[@MrAbraxas123]

Why did Stuart leave us we loved him so much miss him always Big Country forever

[@Excalibar999]

I have followed BC since the late 80s..and continue to appreciate their music...May God Bless your soul Stuart...

[@saintfrancissaintfrancis8147]

Is it possible to like this twice?

[@LOrealHardly]

A handsome and very talented man and so very, very much missed. Imagine Stuart and Billy McKenzie jamming away in some alternate universe?

[@whssy]

Go to a gig today and see them launch back into the middle of a song like that after a stoppage.... not gonna happen.

[@MrPirlo70]

My first gig. The band that got me into it all. Stewart Adamson God rest your soul. You gave me goosebumps and I will love you forever. See you on the other side. ❤

[@brianbrady4496]

God i miss bands like this. What ever happened to all the good sounds. Rip stuart from a fellow addict

[@dirtyjew1974]

My favorite band

[@stevieG.]

I think Inwards is their finest song - Stewarts guitar work and just the whole thing is something else, what a tune.

[@davidinsf2680]

When they played in San Francisco, during their first Tour, they stopped playing due to a fight then too. I really admired and respected them for that

[@Tigerofthenight]

I met Stuart, Bruce, Mark and Tony in 1989. Peter Wolf the keyboard guy was with them too. They all had great humility. Very friendly people.

[@davidgilmour9447]

Such a talented guy. Such a shame. I was fortunate to see this tour. Great musicians all. 🥲

[@nicksarts8925]

Wonderful how they just jumped in again

[@rockingchef5475]

ich liebe diesen Typen - und vermisse ihn!! Stuart hatte ein großes Herz. Toller Künster und eine mega tolle Band, die leider nie den Erfolg hatte den sie eigentlich verdient hätte

[@hawkhandsaw]

This is just another example of why I love this band, their music and Stuart so much. Such a shame he's gone.

[@happyjoy7541]

Wow. That happened at the Warfield in San Francisco in August of 1986. Stuart stopped the concert because, again a bunch of people were messing around in front and shoving each other. He told them to knock it off.

[@FelixG2070]

That's just CLASS👏

[@jakobglocke6387]

one amazing gig one amazing guy. bless u stuart u were one of a kind

[@triman650]

Well said, as I saw them live in Providence, Rhode Island, USA, in 1983,,,that was the feeling I got from Stu and the band...no 'white lace'...sorry I didn't meet him and the boys afterward and have them sign my album...yes, he is surely missed. Thanks for your comment.

[@user-tc8oo8ik3q]

He is sadly missed

[@apocalypto1]

As Herodotus once said " the good die young " RIP 💓

[@reniisgod]

An absolute legend of the highest order

[@adrianmolloy7534]

Iconic bands of the 80s ,I loved them

[@steveakka]

Fantastic band...saw them at a very small gig in Leicester.. absolutely brilliant 👍 RIP Stuart

[@kickapootrackers2617]

They were the best, still are. RIP my brother.

[@Alberttatlock3]

What a wonderful bloke Stuart was and what a tragedy that he felt the only way out of dark times was suicide... a young relative of mine seems to have decided the same very recently so it's hitting me hard; so sad...

[@roberthfrank8901]

x siempre big country nunca pude verlos en vivo pero siempre les segui. y. son inspiracion mia asi le pondré de nombre ami casa al gin dia de sobre nombre. big country aqui en mexico así lo considero.un gran pais grande lleno de alegria y. mucha gente alegre y comida buena gracias stuar viva Escocia

[@stuartlawsonbeattie6200]

Thank you Thank You Thank you

[@bo0tsy1]

It took me until an SNL replay on Nickelodeon to hear them for the first time. I enjoyed it so much i bought their music.

[@davelister1]

What a loss, Legend of a man !

[@reggierico]

Just a great band with so many memorable tunes. It was heartbreaking to learn of his death recently in Hawaii. A great musician with a truly grand voice, RIP.

[@sgtwilkosbarmyarmy]

Missed every single day....your music and your beliefs....live on with me always.....STAY ALIVE!

[@jackiebrown7229]

Stuart and Jake Burns from Stiff Little Fingers are the only two I've ever seen stop a gig because of violence in the audience. Both wonderful guys. Pity only one of them is still with us.

[@tournication]

i'm so sad that i never saw Big Country with Stuart, he was easily the best frontman in rock music.

[@thedrumdoctor]

What a legend of a man, anyone who met him (and there were lots of us) will testify to his completely grounded attitude to the fame-game. He is so terribly missed by a generation of people who were there from '83 and never more has there been a need for a strong anchorman prepared to stand firm against the weak tide of modern 'celebrity' culture. He would have cut them down in a short sentence and told it like it is. So sad he chose to leave us.

[@davidryan6441]

I met him coming out of a building at the back of the Hope and Anchor pub in Islington London,,,I said Hello and he gave me a Cd of The Peace in our time Album.....A Moment in time that i have treasured.....legend who is sadly missed.

[@lewisgreen1633]

What a great guy who was also incredibly talented🇧🇷

[@debzynumber1]

Always in our hearts Stuart everyone loved you❤

[@scneese64]

What kind of a musician would be on live tv and do what Stuart Adamson did.....my I miss him so. RIP dear one Suzanne

[@GillianMorrison]

In ever f"*king awe Stu, Gill

[@johnpirie3800]

RIP big man.

[@mickharrison9004]

Stuart Adamson loved and missed forever great man .

[@jamesmclean6651]

He will always be remembered by me

[@thomasrehorst1801]

You took the words right out of my mouth!

[@v-town1980]

He was sensitive. I guess that's why his troubles got such a hold on him. RIP brother❤

[@hobbyable1]

Stuart Adamson a monster of a talent. A sad, sad end indeed, but so much to celebrate from the music he left behind, timeless.