Big Country, one of Britain’s most successful and best-loved rock bands, are touring the UK and Eire in April 2013 with a new line-up – and will release a brand new album later in the year.

After a 10 year break, the band returned to touring in late 2010. “After 30 years I would never thought I would be playing in Big Country again,” says guitarist Bruce Watson, “A band Stuart and I started last millenium in the hope of carrying on his dreams from his days in the Skids. We hope to do him proud.” Drummer Mark Brzezicki adds, “As Big Country continue to evolve, the journey continues. I am looking forward to expanding the journey into new territories and continuing our unfinished business across the world.”

Following the departure of Tony Butler in 2012, Big Country now features former Simple Minds bassist Derek Forbes alongside founder members Bruce Watson (guitar) and Mark Brzezicki (drums), singer Mike Peters (The Alarm) and guitarist Jamie Watson.

Formed in Dunfermline in 1981, Big Country went on to become one of the most celebrated British rock bands. Selling more than 10 million albums worldwide the band toured with such luminaries as The Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Queen. The band stopped touring in 2000 and then came the death of Stuart Adamson in 2001. Apart from a 25th anniversary celebration in 2007 the band remained dormant until the end of 2010 when they toured again with Mike Peters of The Alarm. In 2013, 30 years after the release of Big Country’s debut album 'The Crossing' – an album described as a “classic” by MOJO – the band’s new tour will feature their greatest hits and tracks from their forthcoming new album.

Mike Peters also inspired the story behind the fothcoming film “Vinyl”. Released on the 15th March 2013 the film stars Phil Daniels and Keith Allen.

http://www.vinyl-themovie.com/

Big Country UK & Eire tour dates are as follows:

Friday 12th April – O2 ABC, Glasgow
Saturday 13th – Lemon Tree, Aberdeen
Sunday 14th – O2 Academy2, Newcastle
Tuesday 16th – O2 Academy, Liverpool
Thursday 18th – Corporation, Sheffield
Friday 19th – The Ritz, Manchester
Saturday 20th – University of Southampton
Sunday 21st – The Forum, London
Tuesday 23rd – Great Hall, Cardiff
Wednesday 24th – Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
Thursday 25th – Waterfront, Norwich
Friday 26th – SUB 89, Reading
Saturday 27th – The Academy, Dublin
Sunday 28th – Limelight 1, Belfast

Tickets are priced £22.50 (£23.50 London) and are available through local box offices, 24hrr cc hotline 0844 844 0444 or www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Support tbc.

For further information www.bigcountry.co.uk