LIVE REVIEW & GALLERY: Big Country @ The Foundary, Sheffield
13th September 2024
Support from Mike Peters (The Alarm)
Watching Mike Peters (The Alarm) perform, I can’t help but feel a sense of anger towards bands a fraction of his age who cancel shows or whole tours because they’re “too tired.” Mike is currently undergoing treatment for high-grade lymphoma, a type of cancer that originates in the immune system and can spread rapidly. He was first diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in 1995 and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia in 2005, for which he was in remission prior to discovering a swollen gland that led to his recent diagnosis. He is currently awaiting a life-saving stem cell transplant. Alongside his wife, Jules, he has established the charity Love Hope Strength, which focuses on raising awareness for blood cancer and finding stem cell matches through their programme, “Get On The List,” which he promoted throughout his set, urging people to sign up and potentially be the one to save his, or someone else's life.
He delivered a dynamic, energetic, and rich performance, despite noticeably struggling at times due to the exhaustion from chemotherapy. He bounced between three different green-topped microphones set up on stage while playing along to a backing track, demonstrating immaculate timing between the track, his live guitar, and vocals. The addition of harmonica interludes and a foot drum added quirky, distinctive layers to the performance. He gave the show his all with the kind of professionalism you’d expect from someone with nearly five decades in the industry. Watching his sheer determination and joy while singing and smiling through the struggles, I couldn’t help but think of a lyric by one of my newest discoveries, The Smith Street Band: “Nothing's ever gonna kill me, if I can play guitar and sing.” This lyric seems fitting for Mike and showcases the power of music and performance not only to inspire others but also to pull you through the darkest times in your own life.
I can’t really name drop songs, as for some reason The Alarm has always eluded my listening. However, the first few were definitely familiar, and overall, his sound has a distinctive yet known quality that blends classic rock with the intricate and complex post-punk soundscape while encompassing the pop influences of the 80s’ famed new wave. Mike’s raw, rugged vocals exude a homely, friendly demeanour – the kind of sound that you can instantly warm to and his drive, determination, passion, and above all, his will to live, certainly brought a lump to my throat as I fought the urge to cry.
Transitioning from Mike's inspiring performance to the world of Big Country, it’s clear that the same spirit of resilience and passion runs through their music. Just as Mike embodies the fight against adversity, Big Country, too, has faced challenges yet continues to deliver unforgettable performances. Their shared tenacity reminds us of the power of music to uplift, heal, and connect us all.
My first Big Country show without Simon, following all the politics, was always going to be a tough one. I don’t like turmoil in bands or unrest within their fanbase, as that’s not what music should be about. As for Simon, while I understand he betrayed the band’s trust and likely acted dishonestly, it was his delivery of Stuart’s words that made me fall in love with Big Country and elevate them to that godlike tier in my affections.
With the announcement of Big Country tribute, Restless Natives, singer Tommie Paxton replacing Simon, a lot of questions came to mind. If the tribute band singer is now the frontman, does that make Big Country a tribute to themselves? Maybe they always were, even in the Simon era, after they stopped making new music. I had to stop myself from overthinking it. I got so deeply engrossed in the question that I ended up questioning not just Big Country, but life and the universe! In the end, I came to terms with it: Simon was the only way someone as late to the Big Country party as me was ever going to hear Stuart’s words live, and I was okay with that.
That said, I wanted to like Tommie. He’s a lifelong Big Country fan with genuine passion, and I did like him, but I think there’s a lot of room for him to grow into the role. In Restless Natives, he’s there to become Stuart – that’s the point of a tribute band – but fronting Big Country, I feel he needs to find his own feet. There were moments, like when Bruce asked the audience who owned “Steeltown” on vinyl, and Tommie piped up that he did. I cringed a little because, to me, the frontman should be the frontman, not just a fan. It also felt like he was trying too hard to be Stuart, which I hope will ease as he performs with them more.
Look, this sounds very negative so far, and I don’t want it to be. I’m not one of those diehard fans who would love anything they did, but Big Country are a band I’ve grown a huge admiration for. It’s been like a whirlwind romance, probably one of the most intense love affairs I’ve ever had with a band. I’ve seen them four times this year and three times last year. The only other band I’d do that for is my absolute favourite, The Wonder Years, so that tells you something about how much I admire Big Country.
Musically, it was superb, as always, though I think they need to fine-tune the sound now that Simon’s acoustic guitar has been replaced with another electric. There were moments when the vocals felt drowned out, but considering how suddenly everything changed, it’s incredible how they’ve adapted. I suppose that’s part of their history: tragedy, politics, battles with the media, unrequited criticism, yet they always just get on with it. They’re a band whose resilience could put others to shame.
On the night, the songs were as good as ever, with Tommie’s vocal style more closely replicating Stuart’s. ‘East of Eden’ was as energetic as ever, ‘Winter Sky’ is still stunning, and ‘Just a Shadow’ and ‘Look Away’ were crowd favourites. ‘The Great Divide’ and ‘Steeltown’ were anthemic belters. ‘In a Big Country’ got everyone, even those dragged there by a friend or spouse, singing at full volume, and ‘Wonderland’ still brought that party atmosphere. The iconic “FIRE!” from ‘Fields of Fire’ was as impactful as ever, and I still hated ‘Come Back to Me’ just as much as always. It’s the same drab dirge, no matter who’s singing it – Stuart, Simon, or Tommie. I don’t think anyone could improve it, and I hope, once the “Steeltown” 40th Anniversary tour is done, I never have to hear it live again!
Reflecting on the three shows I attended in the spring, the onstage dynamic this time was better. Looking back, I can see where cracks were forming before, with Simon doing all the talking while Bruce remained unusually quiet. At The Foundry, the sense of fun was back between Jamie and his dad, and between Bruce and Tommie, who bounced off each other like they’d been in a band together for years. Gil is still the most laid-back bass player I’ve ever seen live, and Mark, as always, was hidden behind such a huge drum kit that catching a glimpse of him was like spotting a rare animal.
There were things that didn’t sit quite right, but that might be a me issue – I don’t like change, so this was something I was always going to struggle with. However, I’m excited to see where the band goes next. I hope Tommie’s addition isn’t just to get them through this year’s shows and that he’s given a chance to grow into the role and show his own personality. The band plan to take a while off touring, so maybe new music is on the cards. Many long-standing fans struggled with Simon’s appointment while warming to Mike Peters, despite his vastly different vocals, because Mike recorded “The Journey” with them. Simon never left his mark in that way, so it would be nice for Tommie to contribute more deeply to their history. After 11 years, I think the fans are ready for some new tunes.
Big Country show number 8 down, a vastly different experience to the other 7. It's going to take me some time to get my head around the changes, but I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for them. On the night, however, it was Mike Peters who stole the show for me. I cannot adequately convey all the admiration I have for him and his sheer determination to live and to perform. I may have only vaguely known a handful of songs, but his set kept me captivated. His energy, for a man so poorly, was awe-inspiring. I want to extend so much love and positive vibes from everyone at Click Roll Boom for his speedy recovery, and I hope this time he can beat cancer for good.
