Rookie Band QUIT After Fans THREW Bottles of PISS at ‘em….Came Back with 1983 HIT!-Professor of Rock

Coming up, it’s the story of the 80s rock band Big Country whose sound was a unique mixture of modern rock and unique Scottish folk elements … After catching a break touring with Alice Cooper, they had bottles of urine thrown at them, but they held on and persevered and their debut album The Crossing would go on to sell over 2 million copies and produced one of the most timeless singles of the 80s… In a Big Country named after the band… Only before it became a huge hit, their lead singer, Stuart Adamson who wrote the song, didn’t think it was any good. It took some serious convincing from his producer Steve Lillywhite and an overhaul of the song to change his mind. But after that, it became their biggest hit in the United States. And also the only hit that most Americans remember. But was this band really a one-hit wonder? Or is there more to their story? Find out… NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you remember jumping on the trampoline with the sprinkler underneath it. Or the old do-it-yourself waterslides, you’ll dig this channel of musical nostalgia. Make sure to, subscribe below right now. I promise that you are going to love this channel. We also have a Patreon an additional library of content resides including a new improv show I’m going to start doing. . and when you join you can even become an honorary producer to help us curate this music history.
It’s time for another edition of our series Bottled Lightning where we celebrate a song or album that was king for a day. Here we honor artists and bands that rocketed up the charts… but for reasons unknown weren’t able to sustain that success. Called by some ‘one-hit wonders’, we celebrate them instead as lightning in a bottle. On previous episodes, we have covered 867-5309 Jenny by Tommy Tutone, Der Kommissar by After the Fire, and Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone) by Glass Tiger.
Today we’re going big with one that’s been requested for quite some time by many of you. A great song if there ever was one… Scottish-slash-English rockers Big Country and their 1983 signature hit ‘In a Big Country.’ A native of Dunfermline, Scotland, Big Country’s Stuart Adamson was schooled in Scottish folk music while growing up. The lead singer remembered Friday and Saturday nights after the pubs had closed up. “There would always be folks around… guys up there playing guitars, bagpipes, accordions, and fiddles, so some of the things I write go right back to then.”
Stuart started writing songs when he was just 12. And by the time he was 18 in 1977, he had founded a punk band called The Skids. The group was prolific, releasing four albums, two EPs, and nine charting singles between 1978 and 1981. Their most successful track was ‘Into the Valley.’ That reached #10 on the UK singles chart.
However, by 1981, Adamson was ready to redirect his energy into a new project… Big Country. Taking up lead vocals and guitar, Stuart was joined by guitarist Bruce Watson. Other early members included Pete Wishart on keyboards, Alan Wishart on bass, and Clive Parker on drums. Together, Adamson and Watson developed a distinctive twin-guitar sound.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the greatest anthem of the 80s? One that lifts you up every time!

[@lab1042]

Total Eclipse of the Heart

[@freezer8530]

I'll nominate "America" by Neil Diamond.

[@DC8091]

Metal Health - THE Quiet Riot Girls Girls Girls - Crue Rock N Roll is King - E. L. O. Tom Sawyer - Rush It’s So Easy - GNR

[@catherine6653]

Living On A Prayer- Bon Jovi.

[@killrmillr]

In A Big Country or The Spirit Of Radio

[@unicornsandrainbowsandchic2336]

Big Country is one of the best rock bands ever, full stop. The Crossing is still one of my favorite albums of all time. RIP Stuart.

[@DuncanMcintyre-jk3qb]

Tortured genius rip Stuart

[@MEWA-ft3fg]

Agree Stuart was a brilliant lyricist, singer and extremely extremely underrated guitarist The band was incredibly talented as well. He could write a beautiful ballad as well as a Hard driving rock song and they’re covers of other peoples work was incredible I believe their version of rockin in the free world is better than Neil’s version It’s a shame they were’nt supported here in the US because they’re one of you best bands of the last 4 decades

[@abbynormal7036]

Steeltown was my fave album, Wonderland fave song. All the Extended rocked. Need to release the Kate Bush extended of The Seer.

[@luckyboy4766]

'The Crossing' album was an absolute masterpiece. 'Steeltown' was a brilliant follow-up. I love the early stuff. Stuart, Bruce, Tony and Mark were all accomplished musicians and together they created a unique and original sound. My fav band of the 80s. I wore tartan/check shirts back in the day.

[@lanceforney5321]

Agree. These albums are still amazing to this day!

[@riskydigitsta1794]

Such a shame they never got credit for their other tracks. I’d put In a Big Country behind Porrohman and Where the Rose Is Sown.

[@SteveDave29]

My 20 something neighbor loaned me The Crossing when I was 14. It was one of the 1st tapes I dubbed, and he was lucky to get the LP back. 🤭

[@cazza-tea]

Agree brother with all you say, I frequented the Big Country mosh pit on many occasions and I still fill up thinking about it 🤟🏻👌😘

[@kingcurry6594]

@@riskydigitsta1794 I think In a Big Country is actually the weakest track on The Crossing, though it's still excellent. Where the Rose is Sown, Like a Shadow, One Great Thing and The Seer from Steeltown and The Seer are also quite magnificent.

[@andyt5559]

I saw them live twice, and they rocked live! Stuart would leave the stage and come down and shake hands , he did mine, and shot me that cheeky smile! they were different, and had a sound! he loved the audience! and could literally play anything, Laurel and Hardy theme tune??? he did that! The WARRIOR POET, GUITAR IN HAND, HE PLAYED AND SANG ABOUT HIS NATIVE LAND, (yes he was born in England) but grew up in Scotland! he sang with heart, he sang with fire! what he said you knew it was true! A POET OF HIS GENERATION, A WRITER OF GREAT SONGS! HIS LEGACY! CHANCE, AND EILEDON , my faves! GONE WAY TOO SOON!

[@damonburkhart7424]

Eiledon is one of the best songs most Americans have never heard.

[@ikemreacts]

When you are 12 years old, Big Country live in your head. They are the greatest band you have ever heard. And my young ears were not wrong.

[@johnbernhardtsen3008]

I turned 50 some weeks ago, I love Look Away just as much as the first time I saw it on my vhs tape which was "Now thats what I call music #15" I believe!

[@killrmillr]

Finally we get a Big Country video. Thank you professor! The most underrated band in rock history.

[@jumpinjojo]

They were rated exactly where they belonged.

[@JStarStar00]

INXS says hold my beer.

[@johnnycashlives316]

You don’t really have the 80s without this group.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great band!

[@k2sworld]

RIP Stuart. One of my favorite bands of all time. The Storm is one of the greatest songs ever recorded.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I should check out more of their songs. Fields of Fire and Chance are two other really good ones from them.

[@tartanphantom]

I ran into Adamson a couple of times through mutual acquaintances while he was living in Nashville and fronting The Raphaels. Likeable guy, but sadly had some personal issues that ultimately got the best of him. In the end, Stuart lost that hope he sang about. It was a sad day when I heard that he passed, even though we weren't close. Big Country had a one-of-a-kind sound.

[@jasonelliott7977]

When I heard this song the first time, it hit me how different it was from everything else that was out. You couldn’t put these guys into a particular box and you still can’t today. Being different back in the 1980s meant it was hard to market a band and I think that’s what happened. If they were coming up today, they’d be bigger stars.

[@mikesmith-nj1ij]

I have to say every time I hear this song it hits me.... It's a masterpiece... The energy and the sound was ahead of its time and frankly it's timeless. People could not appreciate the genius.... I love '80s music because it was a fairly narrow band of sounds... But at the same time that is one of the detriments in hindsight.

[@TFEnright5]

Big Country are my favorite band of all time. I was instantly a fan the first time I heard The Crossing. I had borrowed the tape from my best friend and I was alone in my house. I played the album cranked up on my parents stereo, and I was blown away. The music spoke to me, and just seemed to be the music I had always been looking for. One of my biggest regrets is that I never got to see them live. I missed them on The Crossing tour (with Wang Chung opening)when they came to near to my town. I have all their albums along with many EP’s and 12 inch singles. They will always be number one in my heart. RIP Stuart Adamson it’s a tragedy you left us so young.

[@littlecatfeet9064]

Sorry you didn’t get to see them live. I do love hearing people’s stories of connection with their favourite music and bands.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Seeing them live would have been a great experience.

[@fionaodwyer1974]

I got lucky and got to see them in 1990... I saw Bruce and Mark a few years ago too, playing all the hits. I was heartbroken when I heard about Stuarts passing.

[@nancyholcombe8030]

As an American of Scottish decent who speaks a bit of Gaelic (Scots and Irish) I was enthralled when the song In a Big Country came out. I had gone back to university at that time and here was this driving, riveting, uplifting song by a band with music that literally spanned the centuries! It certainly drove my homework as I felt like i could conquer anything while listening to it! So happy you brought this wonderful song and the band Big Country up! I will let you in on a little secret now that I've known all this time about this song: it's not just Celtic-sounding, there is gaelic in it! Only one word, the word you mentioned that nobody knows what it is unless you know the slang. 'Ea', which sounds like 'sha' to an American ear, is the gaelic slang equivalent of 'YEAH!' In American, so Stuart Adamson is shouting gaelic enthusiasm all over the song! No wonder it sounds so bright and happy! Thanks for the memories! Slán! ('Bye!)

[@Spacekriek]

Wow, I really enjoy learning about the Gaelic angle. Thank you for this interesting piece of information.

[@gfn-er8pw]

I'm sorry but as a Scot, that is not true, it's not gaelic. 98% of Scots don't speak or know any gaelic words. We speak old Scots and English.

[@peterdaldry8646]

Absolutely correct, not Scots Gaelic at all! plus we say Gaelic like you'd pronounce garlic bit without the 'r' 😂 Nice pronunciation of the town Dunfermline! 😮 broken up Dun ferm line... say it as one word and as if there's no e ... Dunfermlin But hey apart from that..there's a lot of Scottish place names that we Scots get wrong 😅 Big Country, such a brilliant band!

[@RobertWalker-sx8yo]

I had just started working in radio in New Zealand when the classic In A Big Country came out. And even though it only reached the 30s in the charts here, it has amazing longevity. It's now 2023 and it STILL gets big airplay on the station I am on now. 40 years of this song and it still sounds as fresh as it did back then.

[@green4black]

Big Country’s music is so high-energy that playing it on my home stereo always creates the risk that I’m going to break something in my house. // Saw them in concert in the late 90’s in Dublin, Ireland where they still had a huge, passionate following. The band rocked as hard as ever. The crowd was ecstatic. Stuart was beaming. It was an incredible experience.

[@SIDARI98]

First band I ever saw live, they did a soundtrack to a cult indy film "restless natives" which is amazing

[@BTAJoe]

Only a "one hit wonder" in the U. S. In Europe and the UK they were huge with multiple hits. This is my absolute favorite band! RIP Stuart 😞

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's right!

[@martino9134]

Not forgetting Stuarts earlier band The Skids !

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Some of the biggest bands in the UK never even had a single hit in the US, and those that did were extremely lucky.

[@wrenpicasso6973]

Angers me when I hear 1 hit wonder. Just ignorant.

[@lindamcfarland9656]

This song literally helped me quit my job and get serious about my own business. I used to run on my lunch hour and listen to music. I had been wrestling with leaving a job I was burnt out on but that offered security, or stepping out to pursue a less stable but infinitely more satisfying line of work. There was a nature/exercise track that ran behind my place of work and along a wash. It was full of hills and curves and at times you can't see the road, just desert. Every lunch hour I would use the entire break to push my running limits and totally disconnect from my very stressful job. I would think and pray and listen to music as I ran as a way to reset my brain to have a better afternoon. I'd been doing this for a few months and I still couldn't get past my worry about quitting and leaving a known paycheck behind, but my dissatisfaction was getting intense. It was a Friday and I was pressing myself pretty hard to finish up the week and I was almost done with my run back back to work when Big Country came on. I love that song and decided to use it to help me power my run up the final hills for the day. Just as my buildings were coming in to sight and it was the final hill at the end, the lines "--I thought the pain and truth were things that really mattered, but you can't stay here when every single hope you had shattered ". With the last word my foot hit the top of the hill and I was staring directly at my work building. It may sound strange but I honestly believe that was the direct answer to my prayer for direction. It was the "can't stay here" while looking at my work that finally convinced me to leave. I put in my notice the next Monday and I've been way happier since!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Thank you for sharing this. Hopefully you’re in a better place now.

[@lindamcfarland9656]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 much better! 😄

[@ritchhine6255]

Very cool. I love to hear when people aren't afraid to step out on "nudges from God". Been there & done that a time or two and have yet to regret it. 👍✌️🙏

[@nat90957.]

Inspiring

[@barrysmith8920]

Great story, Linda.. You understand HOW to live! 🌹

[@vfxtutswithdan1893]

More people need to know and appreciate the majesty of Big Country.

[@fivestring65ify]

I loved this band when they came out, and I still love them. Thanks for covering them. They were unique, and they rocked.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They’re one of the greatest bands of their big country.

[@kevinmccormack7168]

There albums were amazing...their live shows were like a celebration. The Live at the Barrowlands concert recorded by the BBC for New Years eve was the pinnacle of live concert video for me - energetic, sweaty and emotional from start to finish. Legends

[@user-vm3zy1ix4j]

Love Big Country. What a fantastic band with such a unique sound. Stuart is greatly missed and was a brilliant musician. Their first few albums are special.

[@kevhanson1262]

This band is one of the best bands to ever come out. Where do I begin and end, classic sound Great debut "The crossing " ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BAND Stuart Adamson what a songwriter guitarist. CHANCE is my favourite. THEY WHERE NEVER ONE HIT WONDERS THEY WHERE TOO GOOD FOR THE CHARTS. STUART YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN ❤️

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What a tragic loss. R.I.P. Stuart.

[@rashedala-uddin9012]

What a great band - better live. Probably the best band I've ever seen live.

[@ianjackson5128]

I can’t argue with that

[@johndirom8999]

As a Scot it made me smile at the way you butchered the town 'Dunfermline'. As always, loving the content PoR, many thanks.

[@Porrohman72]

Finally! Adam, been waiting on this FOREVER!!! I think I emailed you several years ago for this request. I always loved Big Country and sadly they weren’t that big in the US but should have. So many epic songs that most Americans don’t even know. Thank you for this one!

[@theshogunstein6475]

RIP Stuart, amazing singer and guitarist.

[@itinerantnyc]

I’ve never heard a lead guitar doing bagpipe riffs the way big country did… The double vocal had a great punch to a great song

[@mikepaulus4766]

That hexatonic scale.

[@jenniferm6042]

Mike Oldfield was another great guitar sounding like bagpipes specialist

[@clarkharvell5242]

They certainly had a sound of their own! This song never fails to bring a smile to my face!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It sounded so unique.

[@frompartsunknownweighingin9557]

If AC/DC could or would do that, they could've played one of their best songs at the live shows

[@georgelogreco8810]

The first time I heard this song in MTV it blew my mind, I thought it was the greatest song of all time for quite some time.

[@rashedala-uddin9012]

Thank you for your deep dive into this band and their iconic hit. I appreciate your very hard work. I've loved BC from the age of 13, and love them today. ♥️🎸♥️

[@ShawnStarbird]

One of my top 5 favorite bands of all time. Started loving them as a 10 year old with this song and never looked back. So much spent at Newbury Comics for imports, long before the internet.

[@Whisper_292]

I never understood why the band didn't do better in the US. I know so many people who LOVE them--not just the one song, but the albums and the band as a whole. Stuart Adamson's voice is unique to the skinny tie genre, and their harmonies make them a true force. The video, as well, went perfectly with this "drive-fast-and-play-at-full-blast" song. Had no idea he had committed suicide. So tragic. I hope he has found peace wherever he has gone.

[@mikekaraoke]

Exactly-The Crossing was a hit album in the US so some Americans do know the songs and also when they played them tracks live as well in the US. Are you from the US?

[@cycobern]

Couple years ago they performed in the USA. There’s some vid clips here on YT perhaps small crowd but man you can feel the energy through out the video.

[@rirchardrubio5621]

The Edge from U2 said in a Big country Tribute concert a while back said that he Wished U2 had written songs like Big Country. He is so full of Crap, he was just trying to be nice.

[@mikekaraoke]

@@rirchardrubio5621 What makes you think that- the first 4 Big Country Albums are some of the best in music history I would say!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a great song for starting your day.

[@psychoticnostrils8334]

It was a great tribute to Adamson that Bono and Billie Joe Armstrong did a cover of the Skids' "The Saints are Coming" for Hurricane Katrina relief in 2006. A tip of the hat to a lost contemporary and an acknowledgement that his songs have staying power. The Crossing is one of those albums that still sounds like nothing else 40 years later.

[@KingBeevr]

Absolutely one of my favorite songs ever. I was 10 years old when it came out and I first heard it. I don't know why this Scottish rock band resonated with a small kid in Tucson, but it absolutely did and still does to this day. I was actually listening to this song a few minutes ago and all of a sudden his video popped up as a recommended one. Serendipity I guess. Or the internet is tracking me, but whatever.

[@Ihad9eyes]

Let's go with the universe being serendipitous!

[@tomflorio3639]

I'll never forget getting "The Crossing" on cassette for Christmas in '83. I was hooked, and never stopped loving this band. In my mind, it's criminal that they're remembered as a "one hit wonder", bc there is so much great music on their early records (and subsequent releases as well). It was a punch to the gut when Stuart took his life; when Mike Peters joined the band it felt so natural and so right. It's a shame he didn't stay with the band, but Mike needed to do his thing and God bless him he has been a fighter through all of his health issues. If the only BC song you know is "In A Big Country" - get busy and do some digging into their back catalogue! "The Crossing", "Wonderland (EP)", "Steeltown", "The Seer" - and that's just for starters!

[@riskydigitsta1794]

Agreed been thinking this for as long as I’ve loved this band. People call them a one hit wonder because they haven’t heard their other songs not because they’re bad songs.

[@thomasrehorst1801]

More like “One hit Wonderland”! 😉😊

[@tomflorio3639]

@@thomasrehorst1801 coincidentally enough, there's another KZbin channel I follow where a guy puts out a series of videos called "One Hit Wonderland", where he does deep dives into the history of the band/song, as well as their other music, and gives his opinion on if the band deserved more than just their one hit. An example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWqpo2itmLF4oK8

[@jimmycricket8170]

Another later one to listen to is Buffalo Skinners, some brilliant tracks on that.

[@Spacekriek]

Amen to that ! I like a great number of other groups and artists but need to say it, they tower head and shoulders above them in terms of the dedication and quality of their music.

[@georgeking4474]

Big Country with Stuart Adamson were just a great live band. I thoroughy recommend Without the Aid of a Safety Net. They did 2 sets first acoustic then with “the loud guitars”. One of the best live albums of all time imho.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Those guitars add force.

[@DW3010]

They did the soundtrack to the movie “Restless Natives” as well. Great movie!

[@chriscarlson3700]

Big Country had such a HUGE sound! Every song was an anthem. Fantastic band, so much more than a one-hit wonder.

[@chrisw2546]

I honestly don't remember the first time I heard this song but it captivated me immediately. I was a DJ while going to high school and was a regular in record stores. I made a special trip to buy the single, but there were no singles only a lone copy of the cassette. It was worth the purchase. I envisioned this song starting off my set. I mean, why wouldn't I, right? And it did. I still dream about those days and fantasize about putting together an 80s DJ show, playing 80s music only. Again, this song leads the way in that fantasy.

[@-.Steven]

I was really hoping the story wouldn't have ended how it did for the lead singer. But music is eternal, good music that is, and Big Country will live on!

[@dinetk3125]

They were and still are my favourite band. Saw them many times. I still listen to them every day. Met Stuart once and the band once, too.

[@ChristChickAutistic]

Back in the day my bands were The Alarm, Big Country, and U2. Yes, I liked a lot of synth bands, but I'm a guitar girl at heart. I was going through a lot of heavy stuff back then, and those 3 bands kept me from offing myself, no joke. Broke my heart when Stuart offed himself, and loved it when Mike stepped in to sing. U2 has let me down over the years, but The Alarm and Big Country never has.

[@poruatokin]

One of my favorites is still "Wonderland".

[@robertmmm7]

So many great songs from Big County! Lost Patrol, Where the Rose is Sown, Fields of Fire, Look Away, Wonderland, Just a Shadow, Harvest Home, etc. Saw them at the Hollywood Palladium on their first US tour. Great band!

[@Ihad9eyes]

I saw them at the Paladium too! Awesome!

[@jenniferdnoseworthy2348]

My best friend gave me the 45 In A Big Country, in 1983 for Xmas. Omg, I treasured it! Still do! Great band, always a favourite album. Thanks so much for this. RIP Stuart.

[@chadcrigger3101]

Love this song. It always picks me up and there is nothing better than blasting it on the highway with the windows down and the sunroof open. Hope Adamson is at peace in his own big country high in the heavens.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a lot of fun isn’t it?

[@chadcrigger3101]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 absolutely

[@robertcringle4865]

Big Country is one of my all time favorite bands. Great songs, great albums and if you have a chance to see their concert album taped in Moscow, it's fantastic. I really loved these guys and was truly saddened when Stuart passed. A major loss.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I hope it’s online.

[@WilliamTheMovieFan]

My friend in high school, Leroy, looked so much like Adamson it was uncanny. People accused him of copying Adamson’s hair style, but Leroy’s hair was always stiff and sticking up. When Big Country was popular in the U.S., girls started to notice Leroy more in high school. He got popular by proxy! Great work Professor!

[@bluerfoot]

Saw them new years eve in Manhattan 83 into 84, great show. I do remember them opening with the luck of 1000 stars and it just kept getting better.

[@michaelobrien9825]

ANOTHER FABULOUS SCOTTISH ARTIST WITH THEIR OWN UNIQUE STYLE AND SOUND, RIP STUART ADAMSON.

[@xyprophis3067]

After moving to New Mexico I heard this track and Asleep In The Desert by ZZ Top. The line that has always stood out to me is, "I'm not expecting to grow flowers in a desert But I can live and breathe And see the sun in wintertime."

[@bipper1960]

Loved this episode! I loved Big Country from the first time I heard them. I was lucky enough to see them live in Indianapolis at a fairly small venue. The played every song on The Crossing, came back out for an encore as I remember it, played In A Big Country again, then played a Motown song, because that’s all they had! What a Great memory. Thanks Adam!

[@DLK-nr9ww]

I was a high school freshman living in Albany, New York. The first time I heard the song was on MTV. I was hooked right away. The sound, the drums, guitars, and the feeling it brought went through your body. There was nothing like it. When you close your eyes their music brings you to a different place living in a story. I got The Crossing (record) for Christmas 1983 and made a tape of it. To this day, I vividly remember during our Christmas vacation (school) walking in the cold, the crunch of each footstep from the snow and ice as I made my way to swim practice at the high school, I listened through my walkman. I didn't notice it was freezing because of the music that changed my life. I'm 54 and those are awesome memories which feel like yesterday. - Stay alive

[@theboyx323]

Dude.....This song gets the radio turned to the max. I love how they made the guitar sound like a steel drum and bagpipes.

[@christineml1476]

"In a Big Country" is such a great song, to me it's one of the definitive sounds of the early 80s.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen! Such a feel good song!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A classic.

[@Nickyeyes]

The release date, May 20th, 1983 was my 15th birthday. I love when you spotlight music from this Era. The 80's, imo, was the most was the most musically eclectic decade ever. There was literally something for everyone. Thanks POR. You truly ROCK.🤘

[@c.e.anderson558]

I turned 24 on that day

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Happy belated, Nicky! Did you know that the number one song in America on the day you were born was Tighten Up by Archie Bell & the Drells in 1968?

[@largeeng]

It is hard to understate the impact Big Country had on me as a 19/20yr old, saw them in Wembley arena on the Steeltown tour, fantastic gig full of anthems. Tragic sad end for Stuart, he still had so much to offer but was not to be. I miss him, his music is engrained in my life, such a shame that the hope he sung about, and instilled in his fans, he didn't see it in himself. RIP Stuart

[@wendihowieson7340]

My favourite band of all time, was around 14 when I first heard East of eden and 💥 boom💥that was it, I'm 52 now and still listening... Stuart gone but not forgotten ✨🤍✨

[@markcatanzaro9699]

This was an early MTV hit and was played often- always a favorite for me and my friends. Absolutely amazing song, but what a sad ending 😢 another great video from you Adam- you're a highlight of my day every day ❤

[@maxrav1831]

Surprising really, I would have guessed that ‘Fields of Fire’ would have been Big Country’s biggest hit. Seen them live in Carlisle on their farewell tour. Great live band and Stuart was a ⭐️ RIP brother

[@RichWards-Wins]

I think "fields of fire" is one of the best cruise on the highway songs of the 80s!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Although that is a great song as well, unfortunately they never had another BIG hit in the US.

[@Ihad9eyes]

​@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I believe "Look Away " did fairly well. I don't recall high how it charted though

[@Round_07]

Look Away, Chance, Fields of Fire & Wonderland were all top 10 hits in the UK, all bigger songs than this “one hit wonder”.

[@stayalive1BC]

My all time favourite Band... so many of Big Country's songs still resonate today with the fans.. the lyrics are like a story to take you through your journey of life.

[@andrewl9317]

Big Country is my favorite band...full stop. "In a Big Country" launched music into the center of my life when I was in high school and it has stayed there throughout. I love all my music...but Big Country retains that special pace in my heart that will last there until I die. Was heartbroken to hear of Stuart's passing but forever grateful to him and the band. My favorite Big Country song - "Tall Ships Go" from Steeltown. A son struggling with his complicated feelings about his father...me in a nutshell.

[@bicyclist2]

This is a Great tribute. I loved this song from the first moment I heard it back in the 80's. I didn't know anything about the band. So sorry to hear what happened to the lead singer. Thank you.

[@johnnyappleseed5029]

Man I never get tired of this song, or the delightfully cheesy adventure video. What a magnificent slice of the 80's.....Great job Mr. Professor....as always

[@ronlenz5357]

So many of these Professor of Rock episodes make me realize that the arrangement and the producer is what really makes a hit a hit.

[@davidhinkson8856]

The chorus of this song definitely stays with you, that's for sure! I remember The Skids when I was a child growing up in the UK but didn't know of the connection between them and Big Country. The guitars also remind me of a song by another group called the Associates named "Club Country", whose front man was another Scot, Billy McKenzie.

[@DanieVargas]

Big Country was one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE bands when I was a kid… I remember watching Friday Nite Videos one May evening and In a Big Country and I was MESMERIZED!! I’d always been a big fan of bagpipes (not sure how since my family is NO WHERE NEAR Scottish, but the first I Time I ever heard the bagpipes, AGAIN, I was completely mesmerized!), so when I heard the solo of the song, I turn to my sister and say to her “this sounds like a bagpipe line!” I was 14 at the time and had to BEG my mom to take me to the mall to buy the record (which I HATED doing since everything was a “deal”. I take you to the mall and you clean the bathroom!) well, cleaned that bathroom and then DISAPPEARED into my bedroom to listen to my new album that DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! I was a HUGE fan of Big Country all through the 80’e and 90’s… (till mu music taste wandered over to harder stuff). I remember hearing about Adamson’s death and CRIED!! I remember thinking that at least his surroundings were paradise when he left… I think Big Country were so… ear catching BECAUSE it was s sound we, here in American at least, had never heard before and it sounded so hyped, enthused, motivated. It made me want to get up and just dance and jump!! I never did get the chance to see them live… my fricken mother and her STUPID rules and ways of thinking. “NO! You’re too you f and there will be DRUGS there!!” At a fricken Big Country concert?! Mom, YOU’RE the one on drugs!! Yeah, I’m still a little upset at all the life experiences I missed out on… I’m so sorry my week has be so damn busy! Cuz, I’m late again for something that would’ve brought me a little joy…. Thanks for your submission Adam…

[@nicholastatnell6112]

Absolutely my favourite band growing up, Stuart was an amazing musician, his song writing is second to none and guitar playing was out of this world, saw them live several times and went to the tribute concert in the barrowlands , it was the one of the saddest days when I saw the news of his passing, still play his music and will forever, stay alive.

[@carlodave9]

This was THE favorite song of the best person I’ve ever known. I still love it for the joy it always brought her.

[@anotheramericancrisis9924]

I love this song when I was a kid back 40 years ago. And I helped it reach #3 in Canada. This is 1 of my all time favourites.

[@jimdawson2549]

Loved this song back in the day. It took me a while to learn the lyrics but that didn’t stop me from singing it loud and proud and wrong. 😂😂

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. yes! Indeed!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I honestly don’t care if I sing them wrong, I still have fun during the process!

[@RLucas3000]

@@ProfessorofRock. To me they are a two hit wonder with Fields of Fire also, remember watching the vid on USA’s Night Flight (the only vid show to show Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s og Relax vid).

[@johnmaynardable]

I've always loved this band and this song. Lillywhite was an amazing producer.

[@cornishhh]

I was a recent immigrant in Australia from the UK when this song was released. It was especially relevant to me, as well as being a fantastically hopeful and uplifting tune.

[@roberttorr8103]

Absolutely timeless,in my opinion one of the best rock/pop songs ever produced.Saw them live at Cornwall Coliseum St Austell ,UK in the mid 80s ,still a great memory.

[@jamiehemming9883]

Great, great band and such a tragic loss when Stuart Adamson left us. I remember loving their stuff as a kid watching Top Of The Pops in the UK and wondering why so many of the older, cooler kids were wearing plaid shirts years before the grunge explosion! For any fans, old and new I would also recommend tracking down a film called "Restless Natives" that featured a soundtrack composed by the band...great little film too. Cheers, Prof!

[@thebrysmith3]

I saw them live in 1985 and it was easily one of the best concerts I've ever been too.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Wow. Where'd you see them?

[@thebrysmith3]

@@ProfessorofRock San Diego, CA and if my memory works it was at an old converted movie theater called the California. Besides the performance one thing that I remember is they had to stop once because a certain piece of equipment they used for the tone on one song failed. Wish I could remember what.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Was there an opener? Where was it?

[@Andrew-cu9lf]

The 80s produced so many hits! It's hard to precisely leaf through the pages of my memory, but I've got to say that In a Big Country was my favorite song of that decade. Even now, when I hear that song I feel the wings sprouting from my feet. What a time; what a song.

[@stephencarroll9210]

So sorry for Stuart Adamson, there's always help for people feeling suicidal

[@ESternRN1967]

One of my absolute favorite bands! Today this song brings a little tear to my eye when he sings “stay alive” - I wish Stuart had hung on and listened to his younger self 😢 Those albums were so full of hope and life. Big Country’s 90s albums are very under appreciated as well. Although the post-Stuart album “The Journey” with Mike Peters of the Alarm seems out of place. I love Mike Peters, but Stuart was THE voice of Big Country.

[@brianparr3484]

I’m a lifelong big country fan and still go to gigs now just to hear they’re music , it’s timeless, I love watching this post , Thankyou for sharing your thoughts and facts

[@MademoiselleRose40]

I adored this song when it came out and I love it just as much today. In amongst thousands and thousands of great songs of the 80s, this one is right at the top.

[@apachekeith]

I was the 1st person I knew to own that album by about 3 months because I ordered the albums for a small town record store. I now have a heavy heart after finding out what happened to Stuart. RIP.

[@simondepass4647]

Arguably one of the greatest song writers to walk the face of the earth. So many amazing songs. Amazing musicianship. ❤❤❤

[@heman691]

One of the best bands of all time 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@bryanmontgomery996]

Well done! I love this channel. The storytelling format teaches you so much while simultaneously entertaining. Bravo! Nothing says 80's more than this song. It will allow Stuart Adamson to live forever, all you gotta do is hit rewind. Keep up the great work!

[@micnorton9487]

Yeah the Professor is a cool head who really studies bands and songs and albums and backstories and individual musical artists to the point of informal seminar,, in a way it's just trivia but I think it was either Darwin or Groucho Marx that said trivia is what separates us from the animals LOL...

[@randolphbean1108]

Loved Big Country and saw a lot of beyond amazing shows by them. Never forget they had The Rainmakers open for them in Davis, Ca and both bands were amazing. I will admit I cry everytime I go back and have a run playing all my albums. So sad Stuart didnt make it.

[@bobbibaker4685]

I loved The Rainmakers. RIP, Steve Phillips.

[@joshparker1767]

Lyrically I love Stuart Adamson, some of big country's lesser known songs have absolutely beautiful lyrics, songs like 'come back to me' 'porrohman' and hold the heart are just poetic

[@terryjackson4538]

Icehouse changed the band name from Flowers to Icehouse because there was already a band called Flowers. So the album Icehouse by Flowers became Flowers by Icehouse. I have had Big Country albums since the mid 80s when I was in high school. Great band, big here in Oz at the time but have sadly faded. Only occasionally here this song on radio. Saying that I'm in the bush so don't get mainstream city radio very often.

[@maxxedout2020]

The Seer was an awesome album and featured Kate Bush on backing vocals. The Buffalo Skinners was good listening even after I had transitioned to Pearl Jam, AIC, and Nirvana. Stuart was another tortured soul.

[@padraigsisk4057]

Good transition, Damascus and Steeltown brilliant albums

[@notyourtypicalpainter]

THANK YOU! They deserve coverage! Big Country were an awesome band live as well! Thanks to youtube everyone can see a glimpse of their performances though it probably pales in comparison to those lucky enough to be there live! "Steeltown"will always be there best album in my honest opinion and that song was amazing live as well!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Couldn't agree more!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I should definitely check out some of their live performances.

[@notyourtypicalpainter]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 yes you should! Plenty of good recordings with BC out there!

[@MinnMorke]

Interesting report! Stuart A..RIP. I saw these guys back November of 83 at First Avenue. Heavy snow, hopped on a city bus to get to the show, driver was furious because we didn’t put enough coinage in the box. Yes, the anthemic vocals and Celtic guitar vibe (some say air-raid guitar) makes their music great!!

[@AnonYmous-jp8uu]

BIg Country was/is a huge icon in my life of music appreciation !

[@RC32Smiths01]

Iconic 80s song! Especially a fun one to play on Bass! Never knew about it not being an accepted classic till later down the line. Seems to be a major theme with most classics at times. Cheers as always

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That bassist killed it. Cheers 🥂

[@Ihad9eyes]

​@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Tony Butler ! He recorded "Back on the chain gang" and "My city was gone " with the Pretenders.

[@bishdizzle67]

They definitely had Big Country sound all their own. It is amazing and sad that chartmakers got to pick and choose what got played else I would have known more about their other albums. It's terrible how many people suffer from depression and those who leave us much too soon.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A lot of times they ended up unfairly discriminating against artists like these guys who deserved so much better.

[@cdoc216]

Top five favorite band. Was lucky to have seen them on the Seer tour. The Crossing is a masterpiece

[@jumpinjojo]

I flew to England in 1998 to see BC in a small northern lake district. My GF and I then took a train up from London. They played at a small community center. It was awesome! Met the boys after the show. Still have the photos. They were all so nice and down to earth.

[@markallen2984]

I had The Skids album "Scared to Dance" on vinyl.....I bought it in a second hand record store in Westwood, CA on a whim. I didn't know that Stuart was in the band when I bought it. Unfortunately, it was slightly warped, so I couldn't hear every track, but I reallly liked what would actually play without sending the tonearm skidding.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I had never heard of this band before.

[@194adams]

Thanks for doing this one Professor. Amazing 80's song, one of the absolute best from the early MTV days. Iconic bagpipe/guitar sound. 4 or 5 great songs on The Crossing (Fields of Fire is right up there with In a Big Country)

[@seanswinton6242]

I immediately recognized the bass player and drummer of Big Country as Pete Townsend's band members.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I agree.

[@DuncanMcintyre-jk3qb]

Genius group of people playing great tunes

[@jillwklausen]

What a terrible way to treat a band at a concert. I'm glad they didn't let it deter them and continued to make great music, even if it didn't chart here like it did in countries that could appreciate them. Big Country is a great song. Thanks for showcasing it. Have an excellent day, Adam.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Well said! Thanks Jill! Got the email!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That was a humiliating experience. Nevertheless they persisted.

[@jillwklausen]

Thanks, @@ProfessorofRock! And I'm glad Cheri got in touch with you. Sending that shirt to you really means the world to her. ❤️

[@jillwklausen]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980, indeed they did! We should all remember that in our lives.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@jillwklausen They stood tall.

[@mikal]

As a kid, I hated that song. But over the past few years, I've begun to love it, based on the lyrics. So sad to see such a disparity between these lyrics and what happened to Stuart.