Official Big Country Website

1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1986
1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992
1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998
1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003

1983

January
"Fields Of Fire" recorded, produced by Steve Lillywhite.

Band open for The Popsicles at London's Venue.

February
"Fields Of Fire released 7" and 12", peaking at No 10 in UK chart.

Big Country open for U2 at Hammersmith Palais

Dingwalls tours, taking in Sheffield, Liverpool, Hull and Newcastle.

March
Band record session for Radio One's John Peel.

April
First extensive UK tour, 16 dates (headline Lyceum).

First "Old Grey Whistle Test" appearance.

May
Record first album, "The Crossing", with Steve Lillywhite.

"In A Big Country" released and reaches No 17.

TV appearances on "Cheggers Plays Pop, The Switch, Top Of The Pops, Three Of A Kind and No 73".

June
First major headlining tour of UK, 34 dates including Hammersmith Palais.

July
"The Crossing" released in the UK, entering chart at No 4, peaking at No 3. Album achieves platinum sales in the UK, gold in USA and double platinum in Canada. Album remains in the UK chart for 83 weeks.

Live TV broadcast from Sefton Park, Liverpool.

August
"Chance" released on 7" and 12" with 12" picture disc and climbs to No 9 in UK charts.

Band appear on "Hold Tight" for Granada TV.

Big Country appear at Phoenix Park, Dublin with U2, Simple Minds, Eurthymics and Steel Pulse.

Big Country are special guests of The Stranglers at Reading Festival

September
US showcase to American radio/press/record company in New York. Two nights at the Ritz.

HTV live television from Shepton Mallet.

Big Country headline two nights at Hammersmith Odeon as part of UK tour.

Band direct documentary for Channel 4 series, "Play at Home"

October
European tour.

Record "Wonderland" single.

November
First North American tour commencing in Vancouver.

Shoot video for "Wonderland" at Mt Hood, Oregon, USA.

"The Crossing" peaks in the States at No 18.

December
"In A Big Country" reaches No 17 in the US single chart.

Band appear on "Saturday Night Live" in the States and continue touring.

Tony Butler plays bass on "Back On The Chain Gang" for The Pretenders.

New Year's Eve show at Glasgow Barrowlands filmed for Polygram Video.

Top