Big Country was a Scottish rock band that formed in 1981 and broke through in America with the song "In A Big Country" in 1983.  That track was a major hit on MTV.  They never reached that level of airplay in America, but remained successful in the UK.

Lead singer Stuart Adamson was found dead in a hotel room months after what was supposed to be the band's farewell tour.  The remaining band members reunited in 2007 to celebrate the band's 25th year and toured again in 2010 with Mike Peters of The Alarm as lead singer.  It was kind of trippy for me to see and hear Mike singing those songs!

This track remains one of my favorites of the 1980s...

 

COLUMNS

BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 8/10/26

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Des & the Swagmatics, Bamberdost, Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves, Jonny Couch, Sean Henry Tonight!, and Ava LaMonte. Plus a look back at "Duluth" by Particle Zoo.

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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Soaked" by Kiaura Rose

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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 08/06/2026

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This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from August 4-10, 2026

 

MORE NEWS

The Soundtrack of Resilience: Explore Music's Role in Post-9/11 America at the Lacey Library

(FORKED RIVER, NJ) -- In honor of Patriot Day, the Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library will host "The Soundtrack of Resilience: Music and 9/11" on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The event begins at 2:00pm.

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Albert Music Hall presents Pineystock on Sunday

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"Amazing!" Bruce Hornsby LIVE! at Ocean City Music Pier

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The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday

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Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday

 

UPCOMING SHOWS

2026-27 Season Preview: Split Level Concerts at Jersey Shore Arts Center

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Split Level Concerts at the Jersey Shore Arts Center (JSAC) in Ocean Grove has announced the full concert lineup for its third season. All shows will take place beginning at 8:00pm in JSAC's Palaia Theater. The season lineup includes Willie Nile, John Gorka, Dan Bern, Catie Curtis and Band, Stephen Kellogg, Abbie Gardner, Heather Maloney and Band, and Kim Richey. As they have done in prior years, artists from the Asbury Park music scene will open many of the shows.

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McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th

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51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place Labor Day Weekend in Asbury Park

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The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Newton Theatre on September 5th