There are a few incredibly underrated bands and Big Country is very close to the top of my list. I'll certainly never ever forget Stuart Adamson and what an incredibly cool guy and songwriter/musician he was. I never knew him but I after seeing Big Country live here in Los Angeles many times, I feel like I did, if that makes any sense. I was truly gutted when he died. Seeing Big Country for the first time in 1983 when I was 17 honestly was a life changing experience for me. RIP Stewart.
So many live versions of this song on UA-cam, and no two alike, but all brilliant. There will never be a band like this again. RIP Stuart, your music lives on and is being enjoyed by future generations.
Instrument snafus happen to all great musicians but what defines the best is how they handle it in front of thousands of fans. I must've watched the opening 45 sec a dozen times in absolute AMAZEMENT at how Stuart, his guitar crew & the band handled it. It's so seamless and well-executed that you could almost believe it was planned (to switch guitars in mid verse lol). I've watched shows where a similar problem would cause a total train wreck. Musicians flip out, break instruments, stop the show, or in rare cases throw grand pianos into the audience (Billy Joel, we still love you). This has to be the finest example of how a true professional handles a stage crisis without missing a beat, while sounding awesome, and without breaking the energy for a micro second. I'm sure it helped for him to know that he had a kickass band backing him up. BC was one of those "Boeing 747 bands" where at any time 3 engines could go out and 1 would be enough to fly the plane. Notice how the rhythm section owns that half verse while he's switching guitars. Lordy what an incredible band.
This is Big Country at their very best. Tony is loving it, Mark, as usual quality, Stuart leading from the front and Bruce with the biggest attitude I've seen him with. Love it
Upon soaking up the amazing and exhilarating sounds of this song I lose all fear, and I gain all hope, all bravery and all determination. Immeasurably!
there is still an electricity about this band that has never in my time been equalled....i look at the troubles in the east and i read the lyrics to "the hostage speaks" from the no place like home album.....22 yrs later.......say no more. big miss stuart. r.i.p.
This concert was arguably their Best, So on top of their game, having so much fun, they were ALL Incredible here. And to think it was just a stone's throw away when I lived on Long Island but I didn't discover the "greatness" of BC until after Stuart's passing. I guess better late than never but this would have topped all other concerts that I have been to... BC was absolutely Brilliant...
***** I think that goes even more so for their final album "Driving to Damascus." Many of the songs on it are fantastic. In fact, I find it to be their second-best album behind "The Crossing." However, the way the songs were performed during the Final Fling tour is far superior to the album versions - especially "Somebody Else." Should have been a second breakthrough album and re-launching of their career, instead of a swan song that was largely forgotten by all but Big Country fans.
Got my first car in 1986 and this album was one of the first cassettes to be tossed into and played repeatedly. Always loved how they made their guitars sound like bgpipes.
I first saw Stuart Adamson in 1978 when he was in the Skids and even back then his ability with the guitar was plain for all to see - he became an instant hero to many people. He really came into his own with BC though and of the many times I saw them I think this could be one of the best live performances - truly brilliant! Goin seeing them in Liverpool Jan '11 Mike Peters (The Alarm) taking centre stage - another one of the greats!
This was my very first live concert, I remember it being filmed, but never saw the footage..this is insane! I was in the 3rd row sporting a U2 unforgettable fire t-shirt. I remember the ticket was 12 bucks and my friend Brendan rushed the stage at one point.
No doubt about that mate. Been watching loads of old live Big Country stuff the last couple days. I almost had forgotten how truly brilliant they were live. Cheers.
back in the day when BIG Country was a brilliant band. My first CD was The Seer!!!! I do LOVE that album. not just because of that. The music is amazing. Amazing good!!!!
I seen b/c many times , they were truly brilliant , so sad about Stuart , but there music will always bring a smile to my face , memories will never fade .
I have always thought the solo in this was pure Big Country magic. I love the way he incorperates the piece of Prokofiev at 2:50 to 3:07. it fits so well, what a talented guitarist / musician he was.
Fantastic comments from obviously a true fan. Wish I seen this comment earlier as I would have replied to it straight away. Big Country are still as popular today in Scotland as they were when you were at that concert. They were the first band I ever seen live around 83 and that "celtic" sound has influenced my musical tastes to this very day. I hope they played Porrohman that night. Fantastic live. Love NYC. Been 8 times on vaccation and returning this September. Bleeker St here I come! Regards
Hell yeah! The troika from Lt. Kijé, brilliant addition. I was so pleasantly surprised by that, and how perfectly he slipped it into the bridge. Big Country forever!
Electrifying, soul stirring and utterly, thoroughly and irresistibly mesmerizing! No wonder the Scots were so deeply feared, fearsome and fearless in battle, as the gloriously wailing and playing of the bagpipes gave that hardy race this strength, courage and ferocity that rendered them near invincible when rushing towards the sounds of gunfire, fierce combat and entrenched adversaries. Also, with this song playing and sounding throughout the whole immediate atmosphere no force on Earth would be able to withstand the mad, frenzied and inspired onrush of several thousand psychologically transmogrified and savagely determined Scottish warriors (followed by several thousand Irish and Gurkha soldiers, all of them thirsting for deadly combat and eager to engage their hated, often formidable foes in the fine and vicious art of hand to hand combat. Though when following in the rough and turbulent wake of the supernaturally charged Scottish warriors there would probably be none left to ruthlessly engage and kill). Amazing, and wonderfully rousing!
Pure gold to the ears, thanks Stewart gone far to soon but never forgotten .The X factor can kiss my ass with the crap they spew onto the music world this is music.!!!! FACT . And that rift at 2.18 GOLD.
Great band, I knew of them for their hit "Big Country" and heard they were a great live band, now here's proof. RIP Stuart, Like so many rock tragedies, he had a lot more great music in him.
I was at this very show, one of the first I ever saw (I was 13). It remains the best I've ever seen. I may be mistaken but I remember them doing "Fields of Fire" a second time during the encore. Where did you find this video? Is there a DVD somewhere? I would pay a pretty penny for it so that I can show it one day to my grandkids and let them know how a good show is really put on. Hearing him say "stay alive" again made me sad and upset, too. He left behind so many people who loved him.
This is one of those bands that sound better live. The Crossing was a great album but seems “sterile” when I listen to it. The emotions of the songs are so much better when they are played live.
@rodders51 Oh is that Prokofiev? I only know it from Greg Lake's "I believe in father christmas". Shame about Stuart, really. Such a sad ending. Especially, in the case of this video, in the light of his last words.
3:30 did anyone notice those bouncers brutally trying to get that guy away from the stage? That's how I would be if they ever came to play in America one last time.
I noticed a few people posted said they were at this gig, can you tell me where in NYC this concert was. I saw BC once (and it was in NYC), but I'm not sure of the year, or whether or not this clip is from that show. Let me know...cheers!
I was always shocked that for such a talented vocalist Stuart really half assed singing in his live performances. Guitar work was still great but damn, he used no vocal "range" whatsoever. Still love the band though and all their studio stuff.
Just to let ya know, Ya neva Grow up ya just get older and certain things ya used to do with ease take a little mare time / effort, but the sound ohh BC neva goes away!
Brings a lump to my throat and a tear to my to see and hear this. What a truly underrated band BC were. Proud to be a Fifer.
thinking the exact same right now..... :(
My All Time Favourite idols. Great Musician Craftsmen, So Awesome.
That guitar tech was on point.
as a Englishman growing up listening to BC , all I can say what a band ,love the tunes if this don't get you pumping nothing will
There are a few incredibly underrated bands and Big Country is very close to the top of my list. I'll certainly never ever forget Stuart Adamson and what an incredibly cool guy and songwriter/musician he was. I never knew him but I after seeing Big Country live here in Los Angeles many times, I feel like I did, if that makes any sense. I was truly gutted when he died. Seeing Big Country for the first time in 1983 when I was 17 honestly was a life changing experience for me. RIP Stewart.
better than anyone in 80's --sincerity in the bravest sense --great musicians
So many live versions of this song on UA-cam, and no two alike, but all brilliant. There will never be a band like this again. RIP Stuart, your music lives on and is being enjoyed by future generations.
Instrument snafus happen to all great musicians but what defines the best is how they handle it in front of thousands of fans. I must've watched the opening 45 sec a dozen times in absolute AMAZEMENT at how Stuart, his guitar crew & the band handled it. It's so seamless and well-executed that you could almost believe it was planned (to switch guitars in mid verse lol).
I've watched shows where a similar problem would cause a total train wreck. Musicians flip out, break instruments, stop the show, or in rare cases throw grand pianos into the audience (Billy Joel, we still love you). This has to be the finest example of how a true professional handles a stage crisis without missing a beat, while sounding awesome, and without breaking the energy for a micro second.
I'm sure it helped for him to know that he had a kickass band backing him up. BC was one of those "Boeing 747 bands" where at any time 3 engines could go out and 1 would be enough to fly the plane. Notice how the rhythm section owns that half verse while he's switching guitars. Lordy what an incredible band.
Zero, So Well Versed, Love Reading This, Genuinely And Also Gracefully Put.
Just watched it a few times myself. Ultimate professionalism.
This is Big Country at their very best. Tony is loving it, Mark, as usual quality, Stuart leading from the front and Bruce with the biggest attitude I've seen him with. Love it
Nothing fancy nothing nasty and nothing bad ---just pure electric genius music played by some lovely guys----BRILLIANT-
Absolutely Brilliant !!! Makes me proud to be a Scotsman ....
Upon soaking up the amazing and exhilarating sounds of this song I lose all fear, and I gain all hope, all bravery and all determination. Immeasurably!
Never gets old
These guys were having fun and it shows.
there is still an electricity about this band that has never in my time been equalled....i look at the troubles in the east and i read the lyrics to "the hostage speaks" from the no place like home album.....22 yrs later.......say no more. big miss stuart. r.i.p.
I cannot put into words the emotions this clip brings up
This concert was arguably their Best, So on top of their game, having so much fun, they were ALL Incredible here. And to think it was just a stone's throw away when I lived on Long Island but I didn't discover the "greatness" of BC until after Stuart's passing. I guess better late than never but this would have topped all other concerts that I have been to... BC was absolutely Brilliant...
Only band I've listened to that sounds even better live than in studio.
***** I think that goes even more so for their final album "Driving to Damascus." Many of the songs on it are fantastic. In fact, I find it to be their second-best album behind "The Crossing." However, the way the songs were performed during the Final Fling tour is far superior to the album versions - especially "Somebody Else." Should have been a second breakthrough album and re-launching of their career, instead of a swan song that was largely forgotten by all but Big Country fans.
U2 also
Fantastic performance really stirs the soul.
1986! The year of their glory! Bless them all.
best band in the world love to watch clips of them live, still listen to them everyday without fail R.I.P
Stuart you are sadly missed
Great band such an amazing sound!! ;)
Got my first car in 1986 and this album was one of the first cassettes to be tossed into and played repeatedly. Always loved how they made their guitars sound like bgpipes.
I first saw Stuart Adamson in 1978 when he was in the Skids and even back then his ability with the guitar was plain for all to see - he became an instant hero to many people. He really came into his own with BC though and of the many times I saw them I think this could be one of the best live performances - truly brilliant! Goin seeing them in Liverpool Jan '11 Mike Peters (The Alarm) taking centre stage - another one of the greats!
This was my very first live concert, I remember it being filmed, but never saw the footage..this is insane! I was in the 3rd row sporting a U2 unforgettable fire t-shirt. I remember the ticket was 12 bucks and my friend Brendan rushed the stage at one point.
No doubt about that mate. Been watching loads of old live Big Country stuff the last couple days. I almost had forgotten how truly brilliant they were live. Cheers.
I was there. August 1986.
RIP Stuart 12 years ago today we lost your amazing talent......."Because you played chance with a lifetime's romance,And the price was far too long!"
back in the day when BIG Country was a brilliant band. My first CD was The Seer!!!! I do LOVE that album. not just because of that. The music is amazing.
Amazing good!!!!
I seen b/c many times , they were truly brilliant , so sad about Stuart , but there music will always bring a smile to my face , memories will never fade .
This is now my favorite video, beginning to end
Man... What a band! I miss you so much Stuart!
R.i.P.
Stu said "stay alive" at the end...I started crying really hard.
Saw them on the Seer Tour, Dec 8th 1986 NEC Birmingham... best concert have ever seen. Truly on top of their game at this time.
I have always thought the solo in this was pure Big Country magic. I love the way he incorperates the piece of Prokofiev at 2:50 to 3:07. it fits so well, what a talented guitarist / musician he was.
rodders51 Disco Stu Adamson was a musical genius!
What piece is that taken from? I only know Dance of the Knights
@@craigmurphy1204 Lieutenant Kije
Pure gold to the ears, thanks Stewart gone far to soon but never forgotten .
FANTASTIC
WONDERFUL
AMAZING
BIG COUNTRY IN EVERY TIME
Fantastic comments from obviously a true fan. Wish I seen this comment earlier as I would have replied to it straight away. Big Country are still as popular today in Scotland as they were when you were at that concert. They were the first band I ever seen live around 83 and that "celtic" sound has influenced my musical tastes to this very day. I hope they played Porrohman that night. Fantastic live. Love NYC. Been 8 times on vaccation and returning this September. Bleeker St here I come! Regards
Brilliant guitarists.
great video thanks for posting, I've never seen this concert footage before. Best song by the best band ever. They were so awesome live !!
Wat a guitar genius u were Mr adamson
Great to see the crowd really enjoy themselves.
Great concert obviously fields of fire favorite big country song favorite concert footage barrowlands this is excellent in addition
Fooking Brill Stuart, even John Wayne woulda got off his horse and danced to this!
One word - EPIC!!!!!!!
Hell yeah! The troika from Lt. Kijé, brilliant addition. I was so pleasantly surprised by that, and how perfectly he slipped it into the bridge.
Big Country forever!
JHC... GOOSEBUMPS! ♥️💔
we need this on dvd.. seriously
So many good memories!! Amazing still!
I'm so looking forward to seeing them for the first time the end of the month!
Electrifying, soul stirring and utterly, thoroughly and irresistibly mesmerizing!
No wonder the Scots were so deeply feared, fearsome and fearless in battle, as the gloriously wailing and playing of the bagpipes gave that hardy race this strength, courage and ferocity that rendered them near invincible when rushing towards the sounds of gunfire, fierce combat and entrenched adversaries.
Also, with this song playing and sounding throughout the whole immediate atmosphere no force on Earth would be able to withstand the mad, frenzied and inspired onrush of several thousand psychologically transmogrified and savagely determined Scottish warriors (followed by several thousand Irish and Gurkha soldiers, all of them thirsting for deadly combat and eager to engage their hated, often formidable foes in the fine and vicious art of hand to hand combat. Though when following in the rough and turbulent wake of the supernaturally charged Scottish warriors there would probably be none left to ruthlessly engage and kill).
Amazing, and wonderfully rousing!
Irish, Gurkha and ENGLISH soldiers as well, ALL of whom would be following the blazing battlefield wake left by the fearsome, rampaging Scots!
No race on earth like the Scots.
@@Robertd-lq7jp 😀😀👍👍
@@Robertd-lq7jp You can say that again🏴🏴🏴
Beautiful energy - Stu inspired my playing and this was my favourite early BC song
Pure gold to the ears, thanks Stewart gone far to soon but never forgotten .The X factor can kiss my ass with the crap they spew onto the music world this is music.!!!! FACT . And that rift at 2.18 GOLD.
class..what a band
absolutely brilliant
0:45 Changing tires on the F1 car
AWESOME AND PACKED FULL OF SPIRIT.
bloody brilliant,
The good old days 😁
There is only one band, this is them, large as life, the real deal.
Dogsbody WELL SAID man, ev got tears in ma eyes tae man, SUPERB, you said it all in 1 line CLASS
Great band, I knew of them for their hit "Big Country" and heard they were a great live band, now here's proof. RIP Stuart, Like so many rock tragedies, he had a lot more great music in him.
brilliant. miss you stuart.
Big Country did many things well! Great songs and passion. Better than U2 in many ways but not nearly as famous.
chris you are so right great live and alot if it is on you tube
ohhh Troika excellent!!!
another great version if this song live is barrowlands from around 1984
best shit ive seen in a long time
I was at this very show, one of the first I ever saw (I was 13). It remains the best I've ever seen. I may be mistaken but I remember them doing "Fields of Fire" a second time during the encore. Where did you find this video? Is there a DVD somewhere? I would pay a pretty penny for it so that I can show it one day to my grandkids and let them know how a good show is really put on.
Hearing him say "stay alive" again made me sad and upset, too. He left behind so many people who loved him.
This is one of those bands that sound better live. The Crossing was a great album but seems “sterile” when I listen to it. The emotions of the songs are so much better when they are played live.
He didn't heed his own advice..
Such a shame he left us at 43...too young
EEEEZA GO SON SCOTTISH PRIDE WE MISS YOU AWESOME !!!
Stu the best,RIP
another great live version is from barrowlands around 1984 i guess equals this slightly different
@10baroness They def. do have a certain echoing of BC's style. I like those guy's a lot as well.
@rodders51 Oh is that Prokofiev? I only know it from Greg Lake's "I believe in father christmas". Shame about Stuart, really. Such a sad ending. Especially, in the case of this video, in the light of his last words.
class daz cannock
Watching a couple Fields of Fire in a row, did he always/often change guitars during this one? Just curious
He done it at 83/84 at the barras as well I think
i think he broke a string, no? i could be mistaken
3:30 did anyone notice those bouncers brutally trying to get that guy away from the stage? That's how I would be if they ever came to play in America one last time.
Can anyone ID those fender amps behind Stuart ?
I noticed a few people posted said they were at this gig, can you tell me where in NYC this concert was. I saw BC once (and it was in NYC), but I'm not sure of the year, or whether or not this clip is from that show. Let me know...cheers!
The Pier 1986
Ben Donnit Cheers Ben...Epic Night...that was the one.
The original clip and song is here to be seen:www.dailymotion.com/video/x1w6m97_big-country-fields-of-fire_music
Just curious. Does anyone know why Stuart changed guitars in the beginning of this song?
And remember, stay alive... 😢
Wahnsinn
@TheRealPitchWhite You weren't the only one mate.
Stuart ♥
Stay Alive
I was always shocked that for such a talented vocalist Stuart really half assed singing in his live performances. Guitar work was still great but damn, he used no vocal "range" whatsoever. Still love the band though and all their studio stuff.
It's because he had to play most of the lead guitar while singing, pretty hard to do.
Big Country > The Skids
fields of fire shite drain the electricity into the BBc barque :)
Just to let ya know, Ya neva Grow up ya just get older and certain things ya used to do with ease take a little mare time / effort, but the sound ohh BC neva goes away!
ripoff bollocks nothing like it lol
Kind of close to a ripoff of the 60s song, Little Latin Lupe Lu
Doesn't sound anything like it.