The Sun
AN ICONIC Scots rock band has issued a furious statement amid an explosive row over the group’s name in a legal battle.
Original members of Big Country, from in Dunfermline, Fife, have gone to war over the moniker.
Formed in 1981, members included lead singer and guitarist Stuart Adamson, guitarist Bruce Watson, bassist Tony Butler and drummer Mark Brzezicki.
The row comes after it was announced in January that the band will move forward under the name Big Country Redux.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the passing of frontman Stuart Adamson.
He was tragically found dead in his hotel room in Hawaii in December 2001 aged just 43.
Announcing the name change earlier this year, Watson said: “Stuart’s words, music, and presence were at the very heart of Big Country.
“Without him, it can never truly be what it once was.
“Big Country Redux allows us to acknowledge that, while still performing the music we created as Big Country.
“It brings clarity, draws a line under recent uncertainty, and it is the right thing to do at this stage.”
But a furious statement was issued by the band yesterday on behalf of Stuart Adamson Estate, Tony Butler and Bruce Watson over use of the name ‘Big Country’ by Mark Brzezicki.
In the letter, they state they do not consent or endorse Brzezicki to use the name.
The members claim they have previously supported his touring project From Big Country, but stated his intention to use the original name for upcoming tour dates “is being undertaken without approval”.
Brzezicki is heading to the US for the Lost 80s Live gig – and the Big Country name and logo is featured on the poster.
The statement read: “The Stuart Adamson Estate, together with original members Tony Butler and Bruce Watson, do not authorise, consent to, or endorse any use of the name ‘Big Country’ by Mark Brzezicki.
“While we have previously supported Mark’s touring project ‘From Big Country’, his intention to use the original band name for upcoming tour dates is not agreed upon and is being undertaken without approval.
and so on and so forth
