The Life & TRAGIC Death of Big Country's Stuart Adamson

What happened to Big Country's singer and songwriter Stuart Adamson? In 1983, Big Country's hit "In A Big Country" took the US airwaves by storm, making the band a one-hit wonder there, despite having 15 Top 40 hits in the UK. The story of Stuart Adamson, the genius behind Big Country, is one of triumphs and struggles, beginning with his punk rock roots in the 1970s, leading to success with bands like Skids, and ultimately forming Big Country. Known for their unique Scottish sound, Big Country’s debut album, The Crossing, reached critical success, but despite international recognition, their US fame remained limited. Tragically, Adamson’s life ended in 2001, but his legacy lives on through his profound influence on music and the unforgettable songs of Big Country.

[markwaters]

I was lucky to know all the band, I met them first whilst they were recording and writing at a residential recording studio owned and run by a great friend of mine. It was a tragic loss to lose Stuart, the last time I saw him was at an evening session of joke telling and fun, he sat on the sofa and played acoustic guitar all evening. When he left the room to got to bed I said to him how I wished I’d had recorded all those songs, he thanked me and went to bed. 2 days later I visited the studio and someone said Stuart has been looking for you so I went and found him and he just smiled and then handed me a cassette with a lovely message on the front. He had gone into the studio and recorded all the songs he had played that night, I couldn’t believe it.what a lovely gesture. I spoke with Bruce Watson on New Year’s Eve and told him the story, he was amazed and asked me to send the cassette to him to get it digitised. I now have to get into the loft to retrieve it. They are all great guys and obviously Miss Stuart immensely. I have great memories of our time together. God bless you Stuart

[IainFrame]

Big Stu was a total legend and a credit to Scotland. That music will live on.

[DeniseFactor]

Thanks for getting in touch. I'm from the UK and in the summer of 1995 I saw them at a rock festival in the north of England. It was in a tent with around 7, 500 men, women, boys and girls all jumping up and down in total unison packed in together like sardines and singing every word to every song. When the opening bars to 'Fields of Fire' started up, the place went absolutely crazy. I've seen many many fabulous bands down the years, I'm 68 now, but that was one of the most memorable gigs I've ever been to. Take care bud.

[segnigeremu]

Stuart Adamson, the frontman of Big Country, was a remarkable talent whose music resonated with many. His unique sound, characterized by anthemic melodies and poignant lyrics, captured the essence of the human experience. thanks for sharing dude

[m.aminelahyani]

I wasn’t aware that Stuart Adamson passed away in this manner, and I find it quite shocking. Thank you for sharing the details with us.

[FrankenstienArchive]

I met Stuart when working as a photographer in Edinburgh. He was the kindest rock-star i ever met. Completely down to earth and no issues of ego as you find with other artists

[MonktonJohn]

A great English guitarist who crossed over all borders to become a British and Scottish legend rest in peace big guy 🇬🇧👍

[ramalama]

I watched the Skids in their early days. It was at the Russell Club, Manchester (Factory Records and Tony Wilson).
It was a great place to go. The performers walked around in there as if they were fans too.
I met Stuart and the rest of the band. Stuart was the most humble of people you could ever want to meet.
He came across as a very shy person. No ego whatsoever. A really nice person.


I saw the Damned there too. They were the same, like all mates together having a chat and really funny to be with.

Oh, how I miss those days.

[TopShortz-cleh]

It's a poignant reminder that even those who seem to shine the brightest can face deep challenges. Rest in peace, Stuart; your music will continue to inspire many.

[DaveH-]

The Buffalo Skinners was his masterpiece. You can feel his pain in those great songs. I think of him often and feel a deep hurt for what he went through. He is greatly missed.

[kidusfikre]

Such a tragic loss. Stuart Adamson was an incredible talent who left a lasting legacy with Big Country's music. His struggles remind us of the importance of mental health. RIP

[Aymen-gw]

Such a heartbreaking story about an incredible talent. Stuart Adamson was a true legend, and his music with Big Country touched so many lives. It’s tragic to see how much he struggled despite his success. His legacy will always live on through his timeless songs. Rest in peace, Stuart. 🌹

[Amandasprou]

Thanks for letting the new generation know of these great artists.

[AnimeTear-]

Stuart Adamson's story is both inspiring and heartbreaking, a true musical genius whose legacy continues to resonate through the timeless sound of Big Country

[warreninker]

Grew up with Big Country, the song Wonderland for me, every day 😊

[kingjules]

My Dad used to love and listen to them every day, It's just sad what happened to Stuart and the big country.

[sarahwelty]

Big Country were one of my favourite bands back in the 80s when I was a kid. I loved their unique guitar sound they were amazing. I still love them now and listen to them regularly. I never got a chance to see them live I was too young so kudos to everyone that did. Stuart Adamson you are gone but never forgotten ❤❤

[philipwinn]

One of the greatest guitar players ever and also one of the nicest people ever. Sadly missed

[natnaeldiress]

3:52 Big Country's music was truly one of a kind, and Stuart's talent and passion left an unforgettable mark on the world. His tragic passing reminds us how important it is to support artists not just for their work but as people.

[NickFieldMedia]

I remember a reformed Big Country performing on a TV show called Watchdog in what would only have been a month or two before his passing. Shortly afterwards Stuart was reported missing, and may have gone missing again before he was found. Such a sad story.