Big Country ready April dates

Following their recent string of sell-out comeback dates, legendary Scottish rock band Big Country have confirmed a new run of UK tour dates for April 2011.

The first show Big Country played with new lead singer, Mike Peters, from fellow Celtic rockers The Alarm, took place on New Year's Eve at the ABC in Glasgow. It was a hugely emotional night, with the sell-out crowd giving Mike their full support on his Big Country debut. At the end of the show Peters said to the crowd, 'Thanks for looking after me.'

Approaching their 30th anniversary, the run of confirmed dates for April will continue to mark a period of celebration that will not only embrace Big Country's illustrious past but also honour the life and times of original lead singer, guitarist and co-founder Stuart Adamson, who passed away so tragically in 2001.

With Big Country fans wholeheartedly embracing the first set of tour dates, the national press were quick to follow suit, with News of The World delivering the ultimate accolade by declaring, 'Stuart Adamson would have approved.'

"I first met Stuart on stage at a U2 concert in Hammersmith Palais back in 1983", says Mike Peters. "Bono introduced us to his audience as being "part of the new breed" and Stuart was literally passed up onto the stage by the fans and I shook his hand as I handed him a guitar - an unforgettable entrance. The last time I saw him was also on stage with Big Country at Glasgow Barrowlands for the last night of the Final Fling tour in 2000, when we sang Neil Young's 'Rockin' In The Free World' together. When Bruce Watson called and asked me to sing for Big Country it was something I didn't need to think twice about. It's been an incredible honour getting to know the music of Big Country intimately and a pleasure to be around such great musicians and fans alike. I find singing the lyrics of Stuart Adamson very life affirming'

Bass guitarist Tony Butler says, "The January tour was awesome. To be received and get the responses we got was inspiring. Mike did us proud and was accepted by the audiences because he was himself but paid due respect to Stuarts memory and songs. Jamie was a surprise addition, for a young lad he did brilliantly. We were all blown away by the reception. 'Can't wait for part 2. "

Drummer Mark Brzezicki said, ' am looking forward to the next Big Country chapter. Along with the constant warmth and affection shown to Big Country by its dedicated fans from around the world, and on its 30th anniversary, it feels right and fitting that Big Country continue the journey. The last tour was magnificent, so here we go again as we spring into action for April. Mike Peters will do us proud, and as Stuart always said, 'When taking a journey, it's not about the getting there, it's enjoying the view on the way'.

Co-founder member Bruce Watson added, 'Both Jamie and I had a blast playing with my old mates Tony and Mark. Mike brings so much to this band and is the hardest working man I know. I am convinced he wears a superman costume under that jacket'.

The new line up consists of:

Tony Butler - Bass Guitar and Vocals
Mark Brzezicki - Drums and Vocals
Mike Peters - Vocals and Guitar
Bruce Witson - Guitar and Vocals
Jamie Watson - Guitar

The tour dates for April 2011 are as follows:

Friday 8th * PORTSMOUTH Pyramid 0239 282 4355 - www.pyramids.co.uk
Saturday 9th * MANCHESTER Academy 2 0161 832 1111 - www.manchesteracademy.net
Sunday 10th * OXFORD O2 Academy1 0844 477 2000 - www.o2academyoxford.co.uk
Monday 11th * CAMBRIDGE Junction 01223 511 511 - www.junction.co.uk
Tuesday 12th * NORWICH Waterfront 01603 508 050 - www.waterfrontnorwich.com
Thursday 14th * BRISTOL O2 Academy1 0844 477 2000 - www.o2academybristol.co.uk
Friday 15th * LONDON O2 Shepherds Bush Empire 0844 477 2000 - www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk
Saturday 16th * LEEDS O2 Academy 0844 477 2000 - www.o2academyleeds.co.uk
Sunday 17th * SHEFFIELD O2 Academy2 0844 477 2000 - www.o2academysheffield.co.uk
Tuesday 19th * DUBLIN The Academy 011 353 1 877 9999 - www.theacademydublin.com
Wednesday 20th * BELFAST Spring & Airbrake 028 9032 7007 - www.cdcleisure.net/spring.php
Thursday 21st * EDINBURGH Picture House 0131 221 2280 ' www.venues.meanfiddler.com/hmv-picture-house

Friday 22nd * MIDDLESBOROUGH Empire 01642 253 553 - www.theempire.co.uk
Saturday 23rd * NOTTINGHAM Rock City 0871 310 0000 - www.rock-city.co.uk