"Nowhere else in the world could you arrive at a venue to find a delivery of champagne waiting in the dressing room sent from the world's biggest band" said Mike Peters at the close of a rousing night on this the first night of the Irish leg of the 'Crossing The Country' tour 2012. "Welcome to Dublin from the U2'ers'" read the message that came with the package as Mike continued telling how everybody assembled on the stage (Stuart Adamson included), was ultimately brought together through a mutual friendship established via local Dublin band U2 during their 1983 'War' tour. Mike had the champagne brought to the stage and shared it with both band and audience alike before echoes of 1983 could be heard in the moving version of 'Tracks Of My Tears' that followed. This was not the only high point in what I can honestly say must be regarded as being one of the best BC shows of the 'new era' so far. For me 'the', high point came during an incredible version of 'Another Country' that surely is a significant signpost to the future awaiting this band. In all my years following Big Country, I've never been more excited or felt such a keen sense of anticipation as I do about them now. and I can't wait to hear more of what this 'new' band has to offer.

Get them in the studio Mr. Grant!

Dublin Olympia photos

Country Club Reporter - Scoop Edwards