Stuart Adamson: In a Big Country

by Allan Glen

The book that fans of the Skids, Big Country and the Raphaels have been waiting for - a critical perspective not only of Adamson's music and its wider cultural influence, but also the excesses of fame and how the music business really works. Stuart In A Big Country tells the story of how a teenager who was raised in a small Fife village released his first single at 19, wrote three Top 40 albums in the next three years and was written off as a has-been at 23, but then went on to form a new band and sell more than 10 million records worldwide, touring with the Rolling Stones and David Bowie. Although Adamson was one of the most respected and popular figures in the music industry, his personal life was complex and ultimately tragic, ending with his alcohol-fuelled suicide in a Hawaiian hotel in December 2001.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction, Rock N Roll

307 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2011

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ignore the criticisms that it doesn't explore his personal life in full detail (it wasn't all fun and games for him) and just enjoy reading about his time with the Skids and Big Country. Interesting to note that the author's first gig was also my first gig, namely the Clash, Richard Hell and the Void-oids, Lous and local band, Skids, who blagged an extra support slot. A defining moment in both my life and that of Allan Glen.

It still saddens me how it all ended for Stuart as he never showed his internal turmoil in public, but many with depression and/or an addiction become experts at hiding their pain. He would always say hello on the passing in Dunfermline. Often on the terraces at East End Park, usually with Tony Butler. In short a gentleman who was never less than lovely and approachable.

Well worth reading with some fine ancedotes, especially regarding Richard Jobson's false teeth. Since this was published eight years ago it pleases me no end that both the Skids and Big Country are still live and kicking. Granted there is no Stuart Adamson but he is there in spirit with both bands who are immense live.

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[Phil Altimas · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a big country seemed to be always on my cassette player in the 80 and its still on my iPod top ten played songs. Its a rock classic!
I got more and more into the Big country and their scots rock style. When I saw this book come up on Amazon I just had to read it.
It's the story of the late great Stuart Adamson, guitar hero and a rock god. From his early life to his sad death. From his days in the skids to the amazing rock band ‘Big country’
Yes, I know that not every album was gold standard but their canon of work is amazing and they produced some great songs.
A great read and very informative

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Michael Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’ve loved Big Country and their music for decades but have never delved into the bands story until i read this book. Wow what a roller coaster ride Stuart and the band had right up until Stuart’s tragic and sad death in 2001. I was devestated when Stuart passed away and always remember him each year on that fateful day he left this mortal coil. A true musical genius that inspired so many people and left a legacy that stays with us decades after his death. This book details his journey, the ups and downs, how Big Country were let down by the music business but still loved by their fans despite the troubles they faced on a professional and personal level. A must read for fans of Stuart and The Skids/ Big Country. Stuart Adamson, you may be gone but will not be forgotten.

[Nathaniel Wrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course a book for fans and it does a very good job of breezing through the life of the talented Stuart Adamson. Some may quibble it's not more in-depth but for me the level of detail was spot on. There was something admirable in how Adamson carved out a unique style and sound while not getting caught up in the superficial side of music. While there was obviously a troubled side to him, and the book refrains from delving too deep, that is a private matter for his family.

[Jennzebel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read this so badly I purchased a 200.00 Kindle to download this 10.00 book ha ha ha I enjoyed this, it is not a typical bio, its more of a timeline and about the music business etc and now SA was managing it all. The outcome being what it was (sad face) this will offer some solace and understanding as well as a nice skip down memory lane.

[Phil Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Skids were my generation and never a doubt that Stuart Adamson would go on to even greater success forming Big Country..The book took me back to 1979 ..happy memories ..a sad and emotional book but a great talent .a man of passion and spirit ..really good read if you were there ...

[Barry Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent enough account of Stuart's career and life from somebody who was there at the time! The band's best music still shines brightly, and has lost none of its passion and life-affirming Scotish heart.

[Paul M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stuart Adamson was THE most charismatic person I have ever seen live on stage. And I’ve seen a few…

[Terena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, as most people who know me know, Big Country are my favourite band of all time so I had to get around to reading this one eventually!

I mildly liked the Skids records I heard at the time, but didn't really know anything about them, so it was interesting to learn that part of things. As far as BC goes, I realise it was a combination of many things including the band members themselves, and also in some instances a matter of simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time, that the band didn't do better commercially than they did. But that's hardly exclusive to BC, we can all name examples of other people we thought would do better!

Mr. Glen just states the facts about Stuart's final months/days without either sycophancy or sensationalism, which is what is needed, we all have our own opinions, but in the end, only one person really knows the truth and maybe that's how he wanted it...

I don't need to explain to many fans that all family/friends/band, with the exception of Stuart's son Callum, declined to co-operate with the author in contributing to this book, so I didn't feel able to give it more than 3 out of 5 even though Mr. Glen has written as informedly as he was able to.

[elderfoil...the whatever champion · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not an "official" biography and there are no direct interviews with Stuart, but until any of that gets published I enjoyed this compilation of the history of The Skids and Big Country. Allan Glen obviously spent a lot of time to put this together, and he admittedly comes to it as one who marveled at them early on. Enough quotes and anecdotes were included to get a feel for Adamson's personality, life, vision, and compassion. Yes, we want more from Stuart's own words and the people who were closest to him, but until Big Country comes out with their own story, this is it.

If you have caught the big country and big heart of the Dunfermline gentleman known as Stuart Adamson, you will enjoy the reading. If not, let's refer you to those albums "The Crossing," "Steeltown," "The Seer," or something of The Skids, for of course it's only in the music that we'll ever hear what he knew.

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[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Stuart Adamson : In A Big Country' charts the rise of his career, from the beginning with Skids to his heyday as the lead man of Big Country.
This is more of a biography of Stuart's music, than of his life and details in detail the rise of Skids and the world-wide success of Big Country.
Stuart Adamson was one of the most respected guitarists in rock and Big Country were one of the most successful bands of the 80s. With fans including U2, Simple Minds and The Manic Street Preachers.
Stuart Adamson was an intense man, who loved music, Scotland and football. His morals and beliefs often lead to him leaving the music scene, only to reappear a few months later. During the height of his career he played venues all over the world with some of the greatest rock stars of all time.
It is clear though, from this book, that underneath the glamour there was a guy with alot of issues - he married twice and finally gave up the rock star life to live in Nashville.
As a massive Stuart Adamson fan, I found this book an excellent read - bringing back many memories and also learning things about Stuart and the band that I was not aware of.

[Dei Mur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memories of long lost tracks came flooding back as I read this book. A thorough history and plenty of music press interviews. I did feel however that there was a lack of information and anecdotes from other Big Country band members. A good read. Stuart Adamson RIP.

[Heather Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard the song on my way to work last week and got curious about where are they now. I enjoyed the book, but the story is a little depressing. Stuart Adamson was a talented artist who stayed true to his art and his family until the end.

[Richard Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst it is a great insight into the life of Stuart Adamson, including some behind the scenes details that fans may not know about, the writing style can be a little frustrating at times - not too difficult to look past as a fan, but for a casual reader it may prove quite distracting.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuart so missed

Wish there had been more about Stuart the man but hey any book on Stuart should be lauded. Made me revisit my Skids and Big Country records in earnest. Tragic death Stuart didn't realise just how loved he was.

[Jim Dunedin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both an insider's view and a thorough and detailed account of an extraordinary musician and fallible person.