What: Big Country

Where: Oxford Academy

When: 10th April 2011

Good music stands the test of time and fan loyalty shouldn't be underestimated. That is the clear message I am left with having spent another warm evening in the Oxford sweatbox (oops I mean Oxford Academy).

Tonight was very much a family affair in many ways. First up we had Crowns playing Cornish folk/punk music. On bass for Crowns was the son of Big Country's Tony Butler. It's not my thing however fans of bands like The Pogues would no doubt enjoy the music. What is clear from Crowns was that they are very proud of their Cornish roots and you could well imagine the band having formed down a tin mine.

The second act up was Mike Marlin. This is the second time I have seen Mike play. The last time was supporting The Stranglers at the same venue. An industry contact had recommended Mike and as a result I paid attention both times yet still I am not convinced. He is as old as the guys in The Stranglers yet doesn't have the back catalogue nor do I feel does he have a modern energy. I can't see his music connecting with either a modern audience or those tonight who have seen some of the best. What I do find interesting about Mike's music are some of the lyrics and song ideas. Very much founded on what most of us see in our daily lives, like working in an office.

Like Thin Lizzy, Big Country stand in the shadow of having lost their lead singer. Unlike the current touring Lizzy, the remainder of the band remain the line-up that's associated with the name. Stuart Adamson died nearly ten years ago and Big Country haven't released a new album since. One of the advantages of this is that the crowd are familiar with the material. And what a loyal crowd this is. They were into the gig from the start and were jumping up and down and singing along.

Big Country play very infectious rock and their distinctive "Scottish" sounds drives the tracks along. It was Stuart Adamson and Bruce Watson's dual guitar playing that made that sound and invoked the feel and sound of bagpipes. Without Adamson it fell to the other family connection tonight in the shape of Bruce's son Jamie to fill those boots and he did an admirable job. The other boots to fill were the vocal duties of Adamson. Once again a pro stepped up to the job. This time it was The Alarm's Mike Peters. He did a good job of not trying to imitate Adamson but carried the crowd well. This including jumping down and singing from within them. My only critisism of his performance was his over reliance on checking the lyrics. To most this was probably not noticable however those down the front could have spotted it easily in my view.

With hits such as Wonderland, Fields of Fire and In a Big Country even the casual attendee would be be easily distracted from such a small critisism. Mike Peter's makes the job his and owns the stage. Peter's is co-founder of the Love, Hope and Strength foundation which raises funds and awarenesss of cancer and was diagnosed with leukaemia himself. He is a testament to that hope and strength and the love part is certainly provided by the audience who clearly still hold Big Country dear to their hearts and for good reason. Big Country still know how to rock

Photos from Big Country's set can be found here