Big Country Members, Gear & Sound
Members
Select a Big Country band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Big Country is a Scottish rock band acclaimed for their unique fusion of rock, Celtic, and new wave influences. Formed in 1981, the group was spearheaded by Stuart Adamson (vocals, guitar), who was joined by Bruce Watson (guitar), Tony Butler (bass), and Mark Brzezicki (drums). Known for their anthemic sound characterized by bagpipe-like guitar effects, Big Country emerged as a standout act in the early '80s with their debut album, The Crossing. Their music captures the spirit and energy of Scottish landscapes and traditions, offering a fresh take on the rock genre.
How to Sound Like Big Country
The sound of Big Country is marked by its rich, melodic guitar lines that mimic the resonant, evocative qualities of traditional bagpipes. This distinctive sonic signature is achieved through the use of ESP Yellow ESP Stratocaster and Gibson ES-335 Dot guitars, which deliver both clarity and depth. The band's use of effects like the MXR M117R Flanger adds layers of texture, creating a lush, expansive sound that is both uplifting and nostalgic. Complementing this, the rhythm section's energetic drive and dynamic range form a powerful backdrop, allowing the guitars to soar while maintaining a strong, rhythmic foundation.
Discography
The Crossing
1983
Steeltown
1984
The Seer
1986
The Seer (Re-Presents)
1986
Peace In Our Time
1988
Peace In Our Time (Re-Presents)
1988
No Place Like Home (Re-Presents)
1991
The Buffalo Skinners (Deluxe Version)
1993
![Without the Aid of a Safety Net (Live) [Deluxe Version] album cover](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/album/image/96191/without-the-aid-of-a-safety-net-live-deluxe-version.jpg)
Without the Aid of a Safety Net (Live) [Deluxe Version]
1994
Restless Natives & Rarities
1998
Driving To Damascus (Deluxe Edition)
1999
The Journey
2013
In Concert
2013
We're Not in Kansas (The Live Bootleg Set 1993-1998)
2017
Eclectic (Live)
2018
Why the Long Face (Deluxe)
2018
Live at Rockpalast (Live, 1986 Essen)
2018
Live at Rockpalast (Live, 1991 Bonn)
2018
Why the Long Face (Bonus Tracks & Demos)
2019
The Compulsion Years: Demos
2021
Get the Big Country Sound
Want to sound like Big Country? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
