Big Country was originally formed in 1981 by guitar playing founder members Stuart Adamson and Bruce Watson both native of the band’s hometown Dunfermline in Scotland.

Initially driven by a shared vision of widescreen guitar melody, harmony and lyric, the classic Big Country sound was further enhanced later that summer by the arrival of drummer Mark Brzezicki and bass player Tony Butler. This is the Big Country that (with producer Steve Lillywhite), recorded the classic debut album ‘The Crossing’ in 1983.

The band broke massively worldwide with the release of the album’s classic singles ‘Fields Of Fire’, ‘Chance’ and signature song ‘In A Big Country’, which went on to become massive worldwide hits, selling over 2 million copies and driving ‘The Crossing’ to 3 prestigious Grammy nominations in the USA.

The run of success continued throughout the 1980′s with the release of the anthemic single ‘Wonderland’ and the second album ‘Steeltown’ (1984), which debuted at Number 1 in the UK and contained the hit singles ‘East Of Eden, ‘Just a Shadow’ and ‘Where The Rose Is Sown’ . In 1985, Big Country appeared at Live Aid in London followed by further successful album releases ‘The Seer’ (1986, which included the bands biggest UK hit ‘Look Away’, which also reached Number 1 in the Irish Singles chart) and ‘Peace In Our Time’ (1988), which saw the band playing the first ever privately promoted gig in Russia at the Moscow Sports Stadium.

At the start of the 90’s ‘Through A Big Country’, featuring all the bands classic hits was released, followed by the fifth studio album ‘No Place Like Home’ (1991) taking the band’s total record sales to well over five million copies.

Further studio albums Buffalo Skinners (1993) and ‘Why The Long Face (1995) followed, which saw Big Country landing the special guest slot on the Rolling Stones ‘Voodoo Lounge’ European tour and several shows in the UK and Ireland with Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and Robert Plant in 1995.

In August 1998 they were once again invited to open for the Rolling Stones on their ‘Bridges To Babylon” tour of Europe prompting Mick Jagger to say that Big Country were “one of the best opening bands we ever had”.

Two songs written at that time (‘Somebody Else’ and ‘Devil In The Eye’) were co-written with Ray Davies of The Kinks who invited the band to back him on the main stage at Glastonbury to perform a storming set in the rain.

By now singer Stuart Adamson had relocated to Nashville, Tennessee and so his fellow bandmates decamped to America to join him in writing and recording the album ‘Driving To Damascus’. It would be the last album they recorded together. With Stuart at the helm, Big Country, scored 17 top 30 UK singles achieving 5 gold and platinum status albums along the way. Stuart and Big Country would tour Europe one final time in 2000 and on the closing night at their beloved Barrowlands in Glasgow the band were fatefully joined on stage for one last song by Alarm singer Mike Peters and Bruce Watson’s son Jamie on guitar.

On December 16th 2001, Stuart Adamson took his own life in Honolulu, USA. He is survived by his children Callum and Kirsten. A celebration of Stuart’s life was held at Glasgow Barrowlands in May 2002 featuring the remaining members of Big Country with special guest vocalists including Mike Peters who would also sing with the band at a fan club convention in Zaandam, Holland.

The remaining three members had no real thoughts of performing as Big Country again. But, Tony Butler, Mark Brzezicki and Bruce Watson re-united in 2007 to celebrate the band’s Twenty-fifth anniversary. “It wasn’t a come-back… it was just the three of us having fun, as friends and as a band, and hoping to give the fans some enjoyment by playing our songs live, to celebrate 25 years” – Bruce Watson

In the summer of 2010, Bruce Watson finally picked up the phone and asked Mike Peters to do what he had previously been reluctant to do and sing with Big Country officially. In order to celebrate 30 years since the band was formed, Mike (a longstanding friend of Stuart’s who credits the words of ‘In A Big Country’ as literally inspiring him to ‘Stay Alive’ through two very public cancer battles), instinctively agreed and dates were booked. The first was fittingly in Glasgow, Scotland on New Years Eve 2010 and the second in the band’s hometown of Dunfermline. There was instant chemistry with the band also being joined by Bruce Watson’s son Jamie on guitar as Big Country again sought solace in the music and the freedom to express their love and admiration for their departed friend Stuart Adamson (who’s usual space at the centre of the stage was left symbolically vacant).

Two years of intense and emotional shows followed with the ‘new’ Big Country fuelled by a renewed energy and once again revelling in the dreams and visions that had brought them together in the first place, finding instant and respectful acceptance by fans and critics alike.

With the promise of a new era dawning for the band and the realisation that Big Country now have the platform to once again record and tour on a world wide scale, bassist Tony Butler has decided that his time in Big Country has come to a close and so he has retired gracefully from the stage. The band now welcomes Scott Whitley on bass.

In April 2013, Big Country released The Journey and toured across the globe in support of this highly acclaimed album throughout the year.

Coming into 2014, new challenges arose for Big Country. With Mike Peters dedicating his efforts full-time towards the support of the 30th Anniversary of The Alarm’s Declaration, Big Country have been joined by Simon Hough to perform vocal duties.

2021 sees the 40^th Anniversary of the band, and we are delighted that they have chosen to celebrate with us at A New Day

Inglorious are five young men with a mutual love and respect of the classics of Hard Rock music, big guitar riffs, and soulful vocals.  Their influences stem from iconic rock and roll shrine of Rock albums from the 1970s – many years before the band members were born.  
The same albums that have inspired generations of musicians and performers are noticeably evident when you listen to the Inglorious debut album.  This is the music they were born to play together - inspired by bands in the classic rock genre as diverse as Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Whitesnake, Bad Company, Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, to name a few.  
Formed in February 2014, the band is fronted by Nathan James, who made a name for himself having sung for the multi-platinum selling Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Scorpions guitar legend Uli Jon Roth.  Nathan was looking for like-minded musicians that desired to make incredible rock music in a very honest fashion.  
Inglorious is composed of the inimitable frontman Nathan James, guitarist Danny Dela Cruz who partners Dan Stevens in an Inglorious dual axe attack, renowned Brazilian bassist Vinnie Colla, and drummer Phil Beaver (who was once  signed to Mick Fleetwood’s label while still at school) A line-up that heralds a brand new era for the rising British stars.  
The debut album attracted a lot of great press and praise. Queens Brian May said “You guys really do look like a potent young Deep Purple but with a new slant - very Classic! And the musicianship is stunning. Amazing vocals, by the way!”  

The follow up album was released on May the 12th and made the UK official midweek top ten and hit number one in the official UK rock chart. Mixed by the legendary Kevin Shirley who has worked with the likes of Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Joe Bonamassa and Black Stone Cherry to name a few. Kevin said " This is the best British band since, well I could say the Darkness but I really mean Led Zeppelin, amazing singer, amazing band.

Originally formed in 1973 by the Troy brothers, Tino and Chris, Praying Mantis became one of THE most influential bands of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). The band is also one of a very small number of bands from that era to have remained a going concern over the intervening years, and to still record and appear live regularly.  
The band first came to prominence in the UK through the championing of grass-roots fans and rock DJs, most notably perhaps by Neal Kay at the semi-legendary Bandwagon Rock Disco in North-West London. Mantis appeared alongside Iron Maiden and other seminal NWOBHM bands on the landmark release, “Metal for Muthas”, in early 1980, and went on to tour extensively with Iron Maiden, doing over 100 shows with them in the early years.  

The debut Praying Mantis album, “Time Tells No Lies” (Arista) was released in 1981 to critical acclaim, and it remains a significant NWOBHM recording. On-going problems with record labels and management led to the band all-but disappearing from public view. Following a short-lived reformation of most of the original line-up of Praying Mantis in 1987, the band went back on hiatus until offered the chance to play in Japan with ex-Iron Maiden members Paul Di’Anno and Dennis Stratton in 1990. This experience injected new life into the band, and also marked the beginning of a productive 15 year partnership with Dennis Stratton. The band’s second official studio album, “Predator in Disguise” was released in 1991, and the band have continued to write and release new material every two to three years ever since, with a shifting line-up which has featured the likes of Doogie White, Gary Barden, Bernie Shaw, Bruce Bisland, Mike Freeland, Gary Mackenzie and many other figures from the cream of Britain’s rock fraternity.  
To mark the 30th anniversary since the release of “Time Tells No Lies”, the band re-recorded 5 tracks from their early years as a commemorative EP, “Metalmorphosis”, in early 2011 – classic tracks given a contemporary make-over. The band couldn’t have anticipated the incredible response to this release – it’s been almost impossible to find anything other than rave reviews! The past couple of years have also seen the band take to stages across Europe as well as visit Japan (where they still have a fanatically strong following).  
The Troy brothers, along with guitarist Andy Burgess and newest recruits, John 'Jaycee' Cuijpers on vocals and Hans In T' Zandt on drums & vocals, remain committed to the blend of melody and power in their music that has become a trademark of the Praying Mantis sound, and, some three decades after forming, the band is still completely dedicated to entertaining a seemingly ever-growing army of fans across the globe.

Pearl Handled Revolver deal in a unique blend of primal blues, cult film scores, bare bones Stoner Rock and blackened psychedelic soul. 

Over the past decade they have secured a reputation for visceral, high energy live shows, performing throughout the UK and Europe - from London’s Shepherds Bush Empire, Borderline and 100 Club to A New Day Festival, Cambridge Rock Festival, Legends of Rock, Rhodes Rock Spain, HRH Ibiza to Amsterdam’s Paradiso.

‘Imagine a late night tavern, exotically scented smoke in the air, Aleister Crowley and Anton LaVey in the corner booth, with Absinthe and out of body experiences on the menu. Pearl Handled Revolver would be the house band’– Rhythm Magazine

Their back catalogue (four EPs, two Live albums and four studio albums) has received widespread critical acclaim and is testament to a restless, ever evolving musical spirit.

'Think Nick Cave taking a giant bong hit with Pink Floyd'  - Classic Rock

 ‘People often deride the blues as static, but this psychedelic stew of rock and kaleidoscopic blues shows the medium can be progressive if bands sprinkle invention on it as well as this British outfit do'     - Powerplay Magazine

Pearl Handled Revolver are:

Lee Vernon:                                   Vocals / Harmonica

Organ / Keyboards and Bass:     Simon Rinaldo

Guitar:                                             Andy Paris

Drums:                                            Chris Thatcher

MYTHRA are one of the most mystical British Heavy Metal bands, and their recent reunion was a major event for many NWoBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) fans around the globe. Their name is as respected as names of acts such as DIAMOND HEAD, PRAYING MANTIS or ANGEL WITCH, and their legendary debut EP from 1979, titled "The Death And Destiny", has cult status comparable to IRON MAIDEN and their "The Soundhouse Tapes". The band  
disappeared in 1981, but managed to leave great legacy, which inspired and still inspire Metal bands all over the world, and it's no big secret that even members of METALLICA used to list MYTHRA as one of their favorite acts.  

Reformed in 2014, they are still burning!  

Fresh from a year of packed and sold out shows in 2019, brothers Andrew & Jamie Pipe and David Neil Crabtree, better known as The Mentulls, are hitting their stride.

Winning over audiences with their own brand of progressive, bluesy/rock, The Mentulls music transcends genres, sounding new and fresh yet timeless and classic all at the same time. Add in Andrew’s searing, soaring guitar work, Jamie’s ‘prog star’ style Hammond, synthesiser and piano work plus the soulful vocals and multi instrumental prowess of David Neil Crabtree, and you have something truly unique and special.

Being genre defying and original has been the band’s objective since it was formed by Andrew & Jamie back in 2008. In the years following the formation of the band, they have carved themselves a niche on the international rock scene, impressing a growing fan base and critics alike.

In the words of one well respected journalist, “these are genuine rock stars with the chops to make it happen live as well as on album”, which perfectly sums up the band’s ability to bring the goods in the recording studio as well as creating an impressive show on stage. Currently filling the drum stool at live shows is sterling drummer Steve Gibson (Van Morrison, Chris Farlowe, Jack Bruce, Buzzcocks).

As well as touring internationally in their own right, the band have earned their stripes opening for and touring with legendary acts like Wishbone Ash, Focus & Walter Trout. They are also equally at home on major festival stages sharing the bill with the likes of The Stranglers, Feeder, and FM.

Their last album, the critically acclaimed 'Reflections', which included a two part opus as the title track, brought the band’s progressive side to the fore. The album which was deemed "Adventurous" by Classic Rock Magazine, was produced & recorded by esteemed producer/engineer Wayne Proctor on the edge of Sherwood Forest at Superfly Studios and mastered by legendary engineer Ray Staff at George Martin's AIR Studios, whose other work includes; Bowie's 'Ziggy Stardust', Led Zeppelin's 'Physical Graffiti', Elton John's 'Madman Across The Water' and Genesis' 'Duke'.

Away from the band, each of its members are respected in their own right, having worked with everyone from Grammy award winners to rock legends. Andrew is British Blues Award nominated, one of the youngest to be nominated for the award, two years running. David’s own work as a singer/songwriter is highly acclaimed and Jamie works with a multitude of top artists outside of the band.

As the band enters a new era, currently working on new material due for release in early 2022, one thing is certain, The Mentulls want to keep moving forward, becoming the best version of themselves they can possibly be.

When summing up the band, one reviewer proclaimed, “It’s hard to stand out, unless you are as superb as The Mentulls that is”

Big River's mission is to keep the spirit & passion of British Blues / Rock Bands such as Free & Bad Company alive but with the modern influence of artists such as Rival Sons, Chris Stapleton, Vintage Trouble and Clutch. They do their own thing, they don’t follow trends and they’re known for playing passionate, heart wrenching performances at every show, always leaving the audience wanting just that bit more sweat from their brows. 

Since forming in 2016 Big River have notched up some serious live performances & have been chosen to open for bands including; Cats in Space, Kip Winger, Burning Rain, Little Caesar, John Corabi, Marco Mendoza, Kris Barras, Frankie Millers Fullhouse, Dave ‘Bucket’ Colwell and many more...

They have played prestigious Festivals & venues such as Cambridge Rock Festival, Blues on the Farm, London 100 Club, Camden Underworld, Half Moon Putney, Black Heart Camden.  

Their debut album “Redemption” released in August 2019 received astounding reviews, being played on Radio Stations all over the world & making the Top 20 in The Netherlands Rock Chart as well as regularly featuring on Top 20 playlists on Radio and digital platforms.

In early 2021 Adam Barron (The Voice finalist / Mick Ralphs Blues Band) joined as the bands new vocalist. 

Adam says;

“I’ve known the band for a few years and always loved their sound so I didn’t think twice when they asked me to join. The music they play is right up my street and I can add definitely add something to it. Rehearsals are feeling and sounding great, I can’t wait to get on a stage and make some noise in front of people!”

The band have also recently signed a distribution deal with Sony / Universal via Levelheaded Records and are being represented by RafterMarsh who are one of the biggest names in the industry for Music & Entertainment Law. 

Big River are getting ready for a handful of select live shows in 2021, writing & recording brand new songs for a second album and a new single to accompany their Summer Festival dates. 

A Teenage Cancer Trust charity single will also be released where they will be collaborating with some well known names in the business, legendary producer Mike Bennett will be at the helm. 

Big River are; Adam Barron (vocals), Damo Fawsett (guitar), Ant Wellman (bass), Joe Martin (drums).