Bruce’s Blog

Local Musician Has Doves For Breakfast

2009-07-17T20:47:00.002Z

Don't worry bird lovers out there, I havn't done an Ozzy Osbourne and bitten the heads of our fine two feathered friends. Doves are a great bunch of guys and musicians who fell into my house just before their T In The Park performance last Sunday and ate me out of house and home. Next week 'A Flock of Seagulls' are popping over for a shot in my jaccuzzi. Let's Rock

Rockers, You Rock

2009-06-14T16:10:00.007Z

Good evening and welcome to 'Britains Got Toilets' Try not to slip on that piss on the floor. Rockers is a venue slap bang in the middle of Scotlands musical capital. Think CBGB's then think lower. I nearly never made it onstage as my feet were stuck to the 'dressing room' carpet, and guess what? We loved it. What, a great venue. Thanks to one and all for making the effort to come and support Jamie and myself in Glasgow. Especially Big Kenny from Blairgowrie. Kenny you are the guy that put me of jam for life. I did a bit of berry picking when I was young and the sight of a grown woman relieving herself into a bucket of berries just to make it heavier quite frankly gives me the boak. We both had a great evening and are looking forward to playing there next month with Dave and Miles.

Waking The Witch

2006-09-27T07:28:00.000Z

‘Boys from the Abattoir’, the new CD from Waking the Witch will be released on Feb 1st 2007. This album, produced by Dave Creffield, (who also produced Embrace’s platinum selling album , "The Good Will Out"), brings a grittier, more urban Waking the Witch than has been heard before – still featuring the four girls trademark voices and acoustic guitars, but this time backed up throughout by a powerful rhythm section It will be available through HMV, Amazon and Play.com.

New Guitar Endorsement

2006-09-10T16:31:00.000Z

Hi all here is a pic of me and my new acoustic guitar from Freshman. Big thanks to Sean and Duck from Guitar Guitar for sorting the deal out for me. She sounds fantastic and I have christened her Beryl. Whether gently fingered or given a damn good plucking she sounds the business. Blondes definately have more fun.
FA300JEMS, Cedar Creek, Electro Jumbo
The Top made from Canadian Sitka select Spruce. The Back and sides Quilted Canadian Maple. Fingerboard and Bridge Made of Rosewood.
The Electronics Schertler Onboard, Transducer Based pickup
Finish, Natural

Krozka Sharpe Pic's

2006-07-30T21:02:00.000Z

By popular demand, here are some close up pics of my new Krozka Sharpe guitar. The only modification will be to move the volume pot, down and back, so that I can have better access to use the tremelo. Also new scratch plate with P90 pickup fitted, all hopefully done in the next few weeks. You will hear this guitar on future recordings with FOURGOODMEN.

The Evening I Got My Head Stuck Down Cleo's Cleavage

2006-07-30T20:28:00.000Z

Another drunken evening at the London Rock Cafe. One minute I was chatting with Sandra Bernhardt about 'The King Of Comedy', the next I had my head down Cleo's lovely jubblies and all hell broke loose. It's a dirty job but someone has to do it.

New Guitar Debut

2006-07-13T19:01:00.000Z

Here is the new guitar making it's debut with 4GM. As you can see by my face I have either hit the almightiest bum note or spotted the largest pair of breasts in the world on show at Glasgow Green.

Atum - Re Custom

2006-07-10T10:54:00.000Z

Here is the finished guitar that Dave and Joe have built for me. The Krozka Sharpe made it's debut at the Four Good Men Gig on the green in Glasgow on Sunday. This is the first time I have used a guitar with a Bigsby trem so I am looking forward to having some fun with it.

A Day At The Seaside

2006-06-19T19:38:00.000Z

The full band in action at the amphitheatre South Shields, Sat 10th June 06

Bruce playing the guitar as if it wasn't stolen
Mick tickling his ivorys

Ian dreams to sleep

Jane takes centrestage

Something has tickled Derek

Carrie steals the show.

God why is Smiley so miserable

George Shites His Pants

2006-03-26T22:15:00.000Z

Left to right, Piper, Eric, Fish and George. It has been my great privilege over the past twenty odd years to be involved in many projects with my good pal 'Fish'. I first met the big man way back in eighty-five where we both attended 'Live Aid'. At the time he was still singing with 'Marrillion' who were doing great business in Europe. He was talking about moving back up to the Edinburgh area and as I was still living in Dunfermline we spoke about getting together to do some recording or gigs together. Years later I got a call from him asking if I would like to take part in a benefit gig for the people of Lockerbie. I told him I was more than happy to participate and I ended up playing in the same band as Hal Lindes from 'Dire Straits', Janick Gers from 'Iron Maiden' and John Keeble from 'Spandau Ballet'. We played a blistering set at Lockerbie Rex Cinema and Bingo Hall, made some great new pals and managed to raise a little money for what was one of the twentieth century's worst air disasters. One of the most memorable times I spent with him was when we recorded an unofficial Scotland world cup song and appeared on the late night Channel 4 programme, 'Under the moon'. The song 'Scotland by our side' was written by ex con Eric Rowan. I never actually met the other musicians at the recording as my guitar and mandolin were the last instruments to be over dubbed so it was great to actually meet up with the guys at Waverley station. The first guy Eric introduced to me was Big George. Big George is a legendary figure in Glasgow. Weighing in at around Six stone, approximately six and a half-foot in height, cowboy hat and dressed from head to foot in Black rock god garb, He looked like a really thin version of Johnny Winter. I was unlucky enough to share a table with George for the entirety of the train journey. Most of the other guys produced the usual tins of beer but George was a different style of drinker altogether. He pulled a bottle of Gordons gin from a co-op bag and started slugging it down like it was 'Irn Bru'. Eric's partner Abigail had hired in a suitcase full of tartan gear and traditional Scottish dress, as we would be appearing on stage with a couple of guys from the Wallace Clan Trust. These guys were heavy-duty Scots men who wore traditional Scottish clothes all the time. They had been involved in the making of 'Braveheart', 'Rob Roy' and a host of other Scottish movies that were becoming popular at the time. I can honestly say that I have never seen so much drink going down peoples necks, and I have been in rock 'n' roll for twenty years. George who was now on his second bottle kept accidentally flicking his fag ash into my tin of beer. I would open another one and again he would flick his ash into it, apologising every time. I was relieved when he lapsed into a coma as we passed through Doncaster. Our accommodation for the evening was to be spent at the old rock 'n' roll favourite, 'The Columbia'. We checked into the hotel and sorted out a rooming list. I was in with Fish, Eric was in with Abigail and there was a toss up between the other five members to see who would be sharing with George. As Fish and myself started to unpack there came an almighty mighty scream from next door. I went out to investigate and Eric rushed past me wearing only a towel, he then proceeded to throw up into our toilet. Abigail was still screaming as she ran out into the corridor.
'Bruce don't go in there 'she shouted.
I cautiously entered the room and then the smell hit me. It was one of the most repulsive smells I have ever came across and there standing in the middle of the floor was Big George, bollock naked and covered in shit from the waist down. Two minutes earlier Abigail had asked George to come into the room for a clothes fitting as Eric was having a shower. George, still under the effect of the alcohol started to strip of in front of Abigail and as he cocked his leg to get his trousers of, his bowels exploded and pebble dashed the entire suit case full of clothes. I kid you not there was shit every where, on the carpet, down the walls and on the bed.
'You filthy fuckin' bastard' screamed Abigail
George sheepishly apologised and proceeded to wipe himself clean with Abigail's bathrobe. By now everyone on the whole floor were coming out of their rooms to investigate.
'What's that fucking smell?' being the most commonly asked question.
George got himself cleaned up but came downstairs wearing the same shitty trousers as he hadn't brought a change of clothing with him. He was rancid and completely stunk out one of the limo's that Channel 4 had sent round to take us to the studio. As we entered the make up room, the make up lady nearly fainted as George walked passed her.
'Are you all right Sir?' she enquired.
'Apart from the fact that I've just shat myself I feel sound as a pound hen' he replied.
George disappeared of to the green room and came back with a crate of Becks that he had liberated from the fridge. He then stripped to the waste and asked the make up lady to paint a big blue 'Zorro' scar across his chest. She was so scared of him that she did. The wardrobe lady then entered the room to see if any body needed any ironing done. George stripped of his shitty trousers and told her not to put a middle crease in them.
All I can say is thank god we were miming that night .I was so pissed I couldn't even speak in tune, never mind sing.

Escape From Colditz

2006-03-26T20:20:00.000Z

'It's not just a job, it's an adventure'. So the brochure says. Travelling on the Rolling Stones 'Voodoo lounge' tour we found our selves 'bored out of our skulls and out of welding rods' between Leipzig and Berlin. High on yonder hill there stood a castle that looked a bit familiar. As usual, being the global nosy bastards that we are, we decided to investigate. It turns out that 'yonder castle' is none other than 'Colditz' castle, world famous for being the castle that is known as Colditz, slap bang in the middle of a small town, known locally as Colditz. We made our way into the 'bad boys camp' and found ourselves in the imposing courtyard. What a fucking grim place to be incarcerated in I thought. It was a glorious sunny day on the outside of the Castle walls but inside, the high walls ensured that no light got in. A scruffy looking chap approached us and in his best English told us that we could wander free around the court yard but to be reasonably quiet as the former POW camp was now in use as a mental hospital. 'Home at last I thought' this would be the perfect place to spend an afternoon that would usually entail sitting on a tour bus with the same people that one has spent the last fifteen years sitting on a tour bus with. I decided to leave the group to get a smoke then some shut-eye. I wandered of into this room which I found out later was where they kept the Dutch prisoners. I don't know if it was the effect of the 'welding rods' or maybe I was just too tired but I was awakened an hour later by our scruffy friend. Seemingly I had wandered into another part of the castle and got my self locked in a wine cellar. The only way out was through one of the ill-fated tunnels that were partially concrete'd up. I was told that luckily I was still in the non-hospital side of the castle because if I was caught in the working part they would have kept me in thinking I was a patient trying to go 'walkies'.

Brzezicki Out Redgrave In

2006-03-26T20:15:00.000Z

Big Country’s latest tour of the Balkans was thrown into chaos when drummer and flamboyant bachelor Mark Brzezicki pulled out due to a groin injury. Ginger Baker, Phil Collins and Steve Gadd were all in the frame for the gig but were pipped to the post by Vanessa Redgrave. On her return from the tour, a tired and emotional Redgrave stated that the boys were fuckin’ great.

Country Boys In Knighthood Shocker

2006-03-24T20:36:00.000Z

Ladies and Gentlemen, An act of unspeakable vulgarity, The worlds tallest drummer bows down to the worlds smallest Queen. After a fleeting visit to the opening of the new Coronation Street set, our local heroes stepped into the Rover's for a pint of Newton and Ridley's finest. Little did they realize that outside was a very special guest cutting the ribbon. The inebriated pair spotted Her Maj' and decided to get in on the act. Tour stories were retold by both parties but the gag about getting 'stuck into Betty's hotpot' was definitely most frowned upon.
We are not amused!

Country Boys 'Stoned' In Grudge Game

2006-03-19T22:30:00.000Z

Well into their late 30’s but still able to play a significant role at the top level of snooker, Big Country made what they described as the best comeback of their career at the 1995 Gallaher 'Park Drive' World Championship.
After a nail-biting 10-9 defeat of Keith 'Ricochet' Richards in the first round at the Voodoo Lounge, Watson recovered an 8-2 deficit against Charles 'Charlie' Watts to win 13-10 and reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1990.
The match was thrown in to chaos when a urine sample for a random drug test accidentally got mistaken for apple juice.

The Boy In The Bat Suit

2006-03-19T22:25:00.000Z

The surgeon removed the festering gauze bandage from my swollen face. Memories from the horrific incident with those genetically modified guppies came flooding back. ‘Mr Watson’ he said. I could here his words circling around my head. I was in a dream like state and was convinced I was holding my entire bodyweight whilst hanging upside down. ‘Mr Watson’ he said again, my name becoming clearer as the anaesthetic wore off. ‘You may feel a little discomfort for a while, but the sensation will wear off and we will have you up and about in no time’. The fat nurse ushered me to the bathroom for toilet training and that is where I saw the extent of my horrific facial injuries for the first time. Christ! I made the singing detective look like fucking Narcissus. My mother wept, screaming ‘ My Boy, My beautiful son, what have they done to him’. From that day on I wasn’t allowed out in public with out the costume. The kids in the street knew me simply as ‘The Boy in the Bat suit’

The Horror....

Dunfermline Carnegie Hall 21/10/78

2006-03-19T21:56:00.000Z

Here is an early picture of myself playing with The Delinquents. The gig was Carnegie Hall Annexe in Dunfermline (now a dance school) where we were supporting The Simple Minds. The Minds were unsigned at the time and from memory they had 2 guitar players on stage. In fact Derek Forbes remembers the gig well saying that they got signed to Zoom records straight after the concert and that the other guitarist was called Duncan Barnwell.The picture was taken by Mike (SKIDS) Baillie's wife Jill.

The Day I Evacuated Liverpool Airport

2006-03-12T22:44:00.000Z

Here is an email to my manager Ian Grant.

Hi Ian. You are never going to believe this, but today I inadvertently evacuated John Lennon airport in Liverpool. I arrived at Edinburgh airport to discover that my briefcase that holds my guitar effects pedals was missing. I was on my way to report this to service air when I heard the message ‘ Would Bruce Watson please contact Service air desk immediately’. I was a bit shaken by this so anyway I went to the desk where the nice lady behind the counter handed me a mobile phone. The voice on the other end said that he was A DCI with the airport police and that they had found my case and wanted to know urgently what was in it. The case was locked and they couldn’t open the combination lock. I said jokingly to him” you haven’t blown it up have you’ to which he replied ‘not yet but we are just about to’. I told him that the case contained guitar effects pedals a power supply and a battery operated guitar tuner which were all linked together with cables. I then gave him the combination code. He said to wait 5 minutes and then he would get back to me. True to his word he got back in touch and told me that the case and its contents were safe. The security people had noticed that my case was going round on the carousel long after everybody else’s had been picked up. They tried to open it but couldn’t so they had a customs guy put it through the X ray machine. The DCI’s exact words to me were that the guy who put the case through the X ray took one look at it and shit himself. They immediately evacuated the whole airport thinking it was a bomb in a case. All this trouble was caused because a baggage handler in Amsterdam put my case on the Liverpool flight instead of the Edinburgh one. Now they are sending my case back to Amsterdam tonight then flying it over to Edinburgh tomorrow.Apart from that I had a great weekend.

Cheers

Bruce

Two Good Men and One Hot Chick

2006-03-05T20:14:00.000Z

4GM go into demo mode this week. We have around ten brand new songs to get through. Ian is working on the lyrics for the first 3 songs and we shall be preparing drum loops and pulses for Smiley to play drums along with. These will be done at Derek’s home studio. The real drums will be recorded at Ivory Blacks night-club in Glasgow and the overdubs done at Mick’s and in a local recording studio. We hope to have the tracks mastered by the third week in March and the results will be sent to various radio stations in the UK and USA. So far we have 3 USA stations interested. We will probably have edited versions of these songs as downloads on our myspace sites
The group had hoped to be playing some dates in Israel but these have been postponed by the promoters who cannot guarantee our safety at this time. The South Shields date has been confirmed for the 24th of June and there are half a dozen other shows in Scotland being pencilled in over the next few months. We should have our electronic press kit finalised by the end of this week and everybody has been working hard behind the scenes on this. On a different note I went to see Nazareth last night at the Exchange in Edinburgh. They are still the best rock ‘n roll band in the world in my opinion. They had to rush offstage and drive up to the north of Scotland to catch the ferry to the Orkneys where they are playing tonight. Where do they get their stamina?

Four Good Men South Shields Festival

2006-03-02T21:54:00.000Z

FOUR GOOD MEN
Saturday 24th June 2006Venue:
The Amphitheatre
Sea Road, South Shields, NE33
Website: www.southtyneside.info
Enquiries: South Shields Tourist Information 0191 4546612

Too much to drink please barman 2006

2006-02-28T22:02:00.000Z

Just thought I would share this picture of 3 amazingly different shaped heids. On the left we have the one and only Tony 'The Bison' Butler ,The greatest rock 'n' roll bassist in the band.
In the middle 'playing the drums as though they weren't on hire purchase, Mark 'The King Of The Soft Shoe Shuffle' Brzezicki.
And signing in for the criminally insane on the right, my goodself Bruce 'Hotlips' Watson.
Picture by Ian ' Show them the door' Grant

AFGM mini tour

2006-02-26T20:40:00.000Z

Thanks to all the BC, SM and H2o fans for supporting us at the past 3 gigs, Callander was a roaring success and the School got their white board. Port Patrick was a bit different with us playing in what resembled a fishermen's refuge to a very enthusiastic audience. Ian treated us all to some of his favourite whaling songs but I wont divulge who was caught sucking a fisherman's friend. Tried to get Mick to play some sea shanties on his squeeze box but he politely declined. Hotel was fantastic and there was laughter in the air as the English contingent were introduced to some Chewin' The Fat DVD's. It was great going back to Belfast, a place I always love going to. The Spring And Airbrake is a lovely new club right next door to The Limelight. Much fun was had at the hotel with Jane and Carrie taking on the boys at pool. Highlight of the night was the young lady with the tattooed breasts. From a distance they resembled two lumps of blue veined cheese and Derek renamed her Stilton tits

Stirling Observer article

2006-02-19T19:27:00.000Z

Here is the article from the Stirling Observer. The concert is a charity affair in a bid to raise cash for Port of Mentieth primary school.

Eggle Guitar Pictures

2006-02-04T22:17:00.000Z

Here are some shots of my Patrick Eggle guitar. Big thanks to Gordon for taking these pictures

The headstock and bridge was modified by Dave Grant from Strings in Dunfermline

Blast From The Past

2006-02-04T21:49:00.000Z

Just found this advert from the Dunfermline Press in the attic. It shows what we were all up to back in 1978/79. Ray and myself had to change the name of the band from The Delinquents to The Delinx as no one would book us. Great to see The Damned and Skids up there but I can't remember Cissy Stone. The band we supported wasn't the great guitarist from U2. The Edge was actually John Moss and Lu from The Damned. I actually worked for the Ballroom and was part of the load in/out crew for The Damned and Ruts gig. The Captain was in top form wearing his budgie suit and highlight of the night was Rat doing 'Shakin' All Over' nude on top of PA stack. The guitarist in Activan was called Graham Bell (Bellsy) and he went on to be part of the Sound Control empire, now is part of the Guitar Guitar empire. Great days.

In The Beginning

2006-01-28T17:25:00.000Z

1. MY WATER TIGHT ALIBI.
On the 22nd of November 1963 rifle shots exploded around Dallas Texas sending the brains of the 35th President of the USA all over the back of a 61 Lincoln convertible. Fortunately I was on the Queen Mary sailing home from Canada to Scotland as my father had been gold mining in Timmins, Ontario. Apart from the fact that I was only 2 years old at the time, this gives me a great alibi. Since the combined forces of the CIA and the FBI haven't pursued me I have been free to live out my life at the business end of a loud guitar.As you can see by my height deficit at this time there is no way I could have reached up to the sniper’s window in the Texas School book Depository.

Big Country At Number 4

2006-01-25T12:28:00.000Z

Top 10 Best Scottish Music Acts of all time

On Burns Day Radio Clyde celebrated the Top Tartan Talent with a countdown of the Top 10 Best Scottish Music Acts of all time as voted by Radio Clyde listeners. Wet Wet Wet 22.17% Texas 12.77% Runrig 10.87% Big Country 8.05% The Sensational Alex Harvey Band 7.91% Simple Minds 4.49% Deacon Blue 3.15% The Proclaimers 2.96% The Average White Band 2.92% Midge Ure/Ultravox 2.50%

Guitars In Progress

2006-01-19T23:45:00.000Z

Well here are the pics of new guitars in progress. They will be built by Dave and Joe in Newcastle so they should sound hard as****. The body is made from the highly poisenous Korina (same as a flying V), 'get those masks on guys'. The neck pickup is a tri sonic and the bridge a humbucker made in Aberdeen. Hope to debut them at the next AFGM shows in Feb.

Tony Blair link to Big Country

2006-01-19T23:30:00.000Z

I was watching the hilarious documentary on Tony Blair's attempt to be a rock star in the early seventies when a face and name from over 20 years filled my screen, Adam Sieff. Adam produced our second demo's at CBS studio in London. I seem to remember a story about him having to have 24 hour security as his father was the president of Marks and Spencers.
Before becoming Head of Jazz at Sony Music UK in 1995, Adam Sieff had already spent two decades on the other side of the music business as musician, producer and CD retailer.
In the early seventies, Adam began his musical career as guitarist in Jaded, a rock band who for a short time were promoted by future prime minister Tony Blair.
During the eighties, Adam produced records and recorded with a wide variety of artists including blues legend Alexis Korner, Italian rock superstar Edoardo Bennato,reggae band Matumbi and rockers Big Country.

New Recruit

2006-01-12T11:00:00.000Z

Backstage shenanigens from Oran Mor with Malky, Myself, Ian ,Derek, Jane, Mick and latest recruit (Scottish Footballing legend) Ally Mc Coist.Zoom in on my T Shirt and discover that I am crushing your head.

Electronic press kit

2006-01-10T22:34:00.000Z

AFGM have been working with Rob Mulholland on creating an electronic press kit.Rob is an established artist and designer based in Stirlingshire.He exhibits his work widely throughout Scotland and the UK. Please check his website out at http://www.robmulholland.co.uk/

Oran Mor Set List

2005-12-30T18:27:00.000Z

Thanks to everyone who attended the Oran Mor concert. Great meeting up with Ally McCoist again. Hopefully have some great pictures to share soon. Here is the setlist for the evening.
Someone Somewhere In Summertime - Simple MindsBoys Keep Swinging - David BowieChance - Big CountryDuel - PropagandaEverybody Wants To Rule The World - Tears For FearsDream To Sleep - H20Waterfront - Simple MindsReal Gone Kid - Deacon BlueDont Get Me Wrong - PretendersStarman - David BowieFields Of Fire - Big CountryLove Song - Simple MindsIn A Big Country - Big CountryFairytale Of New York - PoguesDont You Forget About Me - Simple Minds

Field Of Crows - Rockahead review

2005-12-30T18:24:00.000Z

FISH. Field Of Crows
Chocolate Frog Records CFVP017CD
Field Of Crows is the latest album from Fish and the follow up to the successful Felinni Days album. The album was recorded as ever in Fish's own studio and sees the return of a number of key musicians such as Frank Usher on guitar and Bruce Watson and Mark Brzezicki both of whom were previously in Big Country and of course worked with Fish on his debut solo album Vigil In A Wilderness Of Mirrors.Field Of Crows is sometimes lyrically very dark and personally I feel this album to be one of the best of Fish's solo career. The material ranges from the commercial Zoo Class, which has already proved to be a popular song via it's limited live performances through to the darker, Moving Targets and the quite chilling final track Scattering Crows. I feel that this album could quite easily be as big as Misplaced Childhood and that is no idle boast having lived with this album over a month I can quite honestly say that the album becomes stronger the more times I play it and in terms of a cohesive piece of music. Whilst Field Of Crows may not be a concept album in the accepted sense its themes and consistency of feel gives this album an aura of greatness which I am convinced will make this album a very strong piece of work onstage. With this in mind I would urge anyone to buy this album and also buy tickets to catch this tour as Fish will be touring the Field Of Crows album across Europe during the spring of 2004 and his band will feature the band that recorded the album. It is bound to be an excellent concert experience Field Of Crows is available from http://www.the-company.com/ For more details on the making of the album go to http://www.fieldofcrows.com/

News Of The World

2005-12-12T12:05:00.000Z

Here is yesterdays News Of The World article about Fish

New String Deal

2005-12-11T15:01:00.000Z

I have recently strated using these krozka - sharpe strings. They have made a big difference and seem to last longer than my other brands. Check them out at http://www.krozka-sharpe.com/

Sotteriano Hogmaney Show

2005-12-11T14:59:00.000Z

Few good Men to play a Hogmanay gig at new Glasgow Jazz Club/Italian Restaurant. Sotteriano is situated on Union Street, right beside the Rennie MacKintosh Hotel. We, AFGM were blown away by this stunning venue/restaurant and are really looking forward to playing there. Anyone who would like to attend this show/dinner on Hogmanay should call 0141-221-4340. Bring in the bells with AFGM and Sotterianos Hostess,(and owner). Issabella. Tickets for this Italian feast of great food and the very best in entertainment are £59.95pp. Hope to see you there. Ciao

Jamie joins Dead Men Walking 19 10 03 (from the archives)

2005-12-08T20:07:00.000Z

Live from The Shepherds Bush Empire London.Left to right, Jamie Watson (Dunfermline High School), Kirk Brandon (Spear Of Destiny), Mick Jones (The Clash), Mike Peters (The Alarm), Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols). What a line up!

Excerpts From My Journal

2005-12-08T20:03:00.000Z

Full story to come soon

Big Country Live In Germany DVD

2005-12-08T19:50:00.000Z

Big Country - Live in Germany 1995 DVDContent-Das Fest, KarlsrhueBonus concert - Voodoo Lounge, WolfsburgExtras.Camcorder footage including 'Broken String Blues' from Freiburg, Fun in Leverkusen, Backstage at Hockenheim and Leipzig and more.Photo gallery.
DAS FESTTracklisting1.GODS GREAT MISTAKE2.YOU DREAMER3.LOOK AWAY4.SAIL INTO NOTHING5.SEND YOU6.SHIPS7.I'M NOT ASHAMED8.WONDERLAND9.LONG WAY HOME10.WE'RE NOT IN KANSAS11.LOST PATROL (not Restless Natives)12.FIELDS OF FIRE13.IN A BIG COUNTRY14.CHANCE (or where did the feeling go?)VOODOO LOUNGETracklisting1. GODS GREAT MISTAKE2. YOU DREAMER3. LOOK AWAY4. SHIPS5. I'M NOT ASHAMED6. WE'RE NOT IN KANSAS7. FIELDS OF FIRE8. OUT OF THE BLUE (HEY HEY, MY MY)

Kingdom Come

2005-11-27T18:28:00.000Z

Just unearthed thanks to Allan Smith from Dunfermline. He has found issues 1,4,6,7,9,11, 12 and 13. these fanzines written by the late great Johnny Waller and depicted life in the Dunfermline/Edinburgh music scene in 1977, 78. Loads of articles on Skids, Clash etc.It would be great if anyone else had anymore of these and could pass them on to me. I shall get them digitized then sent back to the owner.

Oran Mor Reminder

2005-11-25T12:34:00.000Z

ÒranMór, meaning the ‘great melody of life’ or ‘big song’ is a cultural centre and meeting place in the Heart of Glasgow’s West End. There are 2 bars, 2 restaurants, a nightclub and stunning private event space available for hire in the converted church, formerly Kelvinside Parish Church.AFGM will be playing on the 27th of December.The gig is situated at the top of Byres road in the west end of Glasgow.Tickets £12 plus booking fee from Ticket Scotland.

Kelvin Hall Glasgow

2005-11-23T21:58:00.000Z

Guys 'n Dolls

2005-11-23T21:48:00.000Z

Here we are with our guests, Carrie, Smiley, Steve and Jane. This pic was taken just before our Kelvin Hall show.

The Ultimate Collection Review

2005-11-21T21:40:00.000Z

http://www.rockahead.net/reviews/reviewpage.php?rev=67
Big Country
The Ultimate Collection
Classic Pictures /Track DVD 7023X
The DVD is exactly what it says on the box, The Ultimate Collection of Big Country’s finest visual moments. For some people Big Country will forever be the band that "Made Guitars Sound Like Bagpipes". Watching this DVD however many may be forced to admit that besides performing some incredibly catchy songs over the years which still stand the test of time. Big Country became an incredibly sophisticated rock band that deserved your attention and also that of the critics. For those long-time fans the early videos still have a charm to them and perhaps invoke memories of the early eighties when the band first broke onto the scene. For me however it is the latter material such as Alone and Fragile World that features fellow Scot Eddi Reader alongside the band’ As a visual timeline of the band however this DVD can’t be faulted and it’s twenty tracks stand as a fine body of work and also a fine testament to the talent of the late Stuart Adamson who’s presence permeates every one of the videos contained here. Ore for the fans then but also one for those who remember the early days of Big Country when songs like Fields Of Fire Big Country and the quite wonderful Chance resounded around theatres and stadiums the world over. Highly recommended

Instrumental music 21 11 05

2005-11-21T16:05:00.000Z

Just for fun I am posting this link to a piece of instrumental music that I recorded yesterday. The recording was made with a Tascam 8 track portastudio. I used my Eggle guitar through a Line 6 pod amp simulator. Drum machine was a 20 year old mono Yamaha. No bass.
http://media.putfile.com/01Instrumental

Dead Men Walking Print

2005-11-21T15:27:00.000Z

Here is a print of me which was done during my last stint with Dead Men Walking. It was created by Jack who was the agent on the tour.

Rarities VIII

2005-11-18T14:25:00.000Z

Here are the details on Rarities 8
All Go Together
Alone
Comes A Time
Eastworld
Small Town Big News
I Could Be Happy Here
Keep On Dreaming
Long Way Home
Sweet November Nothings, The One I Love, Pan American Irish Girl, Pink Marshmallow Moon, Simple's Always Best, The Selling of America, Seven Waves, Soldier of The Lord, Winding Wind

AFGM to play Oran Mor Glasgow 27 12 05

2005-11-17T11:29:00.000Z

ÒranMór, meaning the ‘great melody of life’ or ‘big song’ is a cultural centre and meeting place in the Heart of Glasgow’s West End. There are 2 bars, 2 restaurants, a nightclub and stunning private event space available for hire in the converted church, formerly Kelvinside Parish Church.AFGM will be playing on the 27th of December.The gig is situated at the top of Byres road in the west end of Glasgow.
Tickets £12 plus booking fee from Ticket scotland. More details to follow.

Glasgow Evening Times

2005-11-16T22:36:00.000Z

Here is the article for AFGM. Glasgow Evening Times 12 11 05

The Hammer Song

2005-11-14T21:32:00.000Z

Today I have been playing guitar on Kirk Brandon’s version of The Hammer Song. The song was originally recorded by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band for their album Framed. Kirk and I used to play this at Dead Men Walking soundchecks and his version will be available on his Dutch Master sessions on Itunes very soon.

Latest Guitar

2005-11-13T18:03:00.000Z

Here is a pic of my latest guitar. It was custom made for me by Ryan Smith from Smiggs Guitars, Kirkcaldy, Fife. Although the guitar is similar in shape to a Yamaha SG 2000, the construction is identical to a Gibson Les Paul, ie the neck is glued in rather than being a straight through affair. The tailpiece and bridge are Gibson. Machine heads are sperzals. Pickups are Seymour Duncans. Mahogany body with Maple cap. Rosewood fingerboard and mahogony neck. The guitar is absolutely stunning and is lovely to play. Check him out he is a genius.

Fake gold discs on eBay etc

2005-11-13T15:08:00.000Z

I have received a lot of emails from people asking me about the authenticity of Gold discs on eBay. All the ones I saw were manufactured by companies that had nothing to do with Big Country or Mercury Records. Pictured here is the genuine article from my own collection. The Union Jack is embedded on the top left corner. To the bottom left is The Crossing cassette sleeve with Chromium Dioxide printed on it. On the right bottom corner is a plaque which reads. BPI certified sales award. Presented to ----- ------ to recognise the sales in the United Kingdom of more than 100,000 copies of the Mercury album "The Crossing" 1983. Also on the back is a small gold sticker which reads. Century Displays. 21 Berrylands road, Surbiton,Surrey, Tel 01-390 1012 .

News Of The World free CD

2005-11-13T14:33:00.000Z

Big Country were featured in todays News Of The World. In A Big Country live from Germany 1995. Other artists featured, Proclaimers, Deacon Blue, Maggie Bell, Bay City Rollers, Frankie Miller, Nazareth, Hue And Cry, Rod Stewart, The Shamen.

Ivory Blacks 10th Nov 05

2005-11-12T15:50:00.000Z

Big thanks to everyone for supporting us at Ivory Blacks in Glasgow. We did a set consisting of our back catalogue plus a few other songs for fun. Great to meet Smiley and Steve from Spear Of Destiny. Great players and cool guys. Smiley was drummer for Joe Strummers Mescalleros and Steve has been playing with Gary Numan. Hope to do a couple of shows a month featuring new material as well as back catalogue.

My debut show

2005-11-07T21:27:00.000Z

Great fun last night playing my debut gig with A Few Good Men. We played a short set for the Scottish Sports person of the year awards in Glasgow. The set consisted of Big Country and Simple Minds songs. ‘Waterfront’, ‘Chance’, ‘Don’t You Forget About Me’ and ‘In A Big Country’. On Drums we had Malcolm Button, Vocals Jane Button and for the very first time on a Big Country performance. Carrie MacNeil on Bagpipes. Carrie is Mick’s niece and her performance on ‘In A Big Country’ was stunning. Mick also added some accordion and keys to the BC material which works really well.

Picture of Green Guitar

2005-11-03T13:56:00.000Z

Hi Andy and thanks for your nice email and pics. I had the guitar custom made for me way back in the early 90's by the Patrick Eggle factory. I used it mainly on the Buffalo Skinners tours. In fact there is a picture of me using it on the 'Without the Aid of a safety net' album. I used the guitar on the Rolling Stones Voodoo Lounge tour where my mate Joe Seabrook got Keith and Ronnie to sign it. It is a fantastic guitar and one that I enjoyed owning and playing. Nils is a big hero of mine and if you play his song 'Mud in your eye' you will hear something very familiar.

Andy and Nils

2005-11-03T13:50:00.000Z

Below is an email I recieved from Andy.
Hi Bruce, Hope you are well. I went to see Nils Lofgren on Friday with Buck Brown and he was amazing. I took along your green New York guitar for him to sign as I know he wrote a song about Keith Richards ' Keith Don't go ' so I asked him to sign it next to his name.( Rolling Stones '95 ) He was very impressed with the guitar and asked who's it was. I told him that it was yours and how I acquired it and he knew you straight away and said he admired your guitar playing , he knew of Big Country and seemed very happy to talk about your sound, talent etc.... I also got Buck Brown to sign it , he was some way away so didn't hear the conversation so when I told him that he was signing a Big Country guitar he immediately said was it Bruce Watson's guitar ??!!! You seem to be very popular Bruce , they were both really interested in you.....I was so proud to get him to sign it but I was blown away by how they both knew you and admired you. My brother took some photo's which I haven't developed yet , if you like I could send you some ( that's if they come out !! ) Thanks Bruce. Andy

Sports Personality of the year Scotland

2005-11-01T18:25:00.000Z

A Few Good men will be appearing at the Sports Personality of the year event at the Radisson SAS on Friday the 4th Nov. Rehearsals for up and coming shows commence on the 2nd. Looking forward to it, should be good fun
Ian has done an interview with Vicky Davidson at The Glasgow Evening Times. Should be published this week. Real Radio also played ‘I Dream to Sleep’ and advertised Ivory Blacks show.

Rockpalast DVD

2005-11-01T11:26:00.000Z

Here is the cover shot of the forthcoming Big Country Rockpalast DVD. As you can see it is a very good shot of Stuart

Scotish Sun article

2005-10-30T19:23:00.000Z

This is a copy of the Scottish Sun article from the 14th Oct. Good publicity as it was a double page spread.

AFGM from their website

2005-10-30T13:18:00.000Z

The idea for what has now become A FEW GOOD MEN emerged during a conversation Derek and Ian had at a Dead Men Walking gig at King Tuts in Glasgow, late 2004. Derek had joined Spear of Destiny earlier that year and was there to see Kirk Brandon from Spear; part of the Dead Men line-up that night. Ian was there for a happy skip down memory lane. A mutual friend of the pair, James Newall, instigated the meeting after the gig ended. To put together a Scottish version of Dead Men Walking, was the outcome.The next step they took was an unusual one, to say the least. Without anything near a full line-up, a debut show was arranged. Not a quiet, low key appearance, like most bands would have insisted on. They decided to accept headline spot at The Special Olympics Closing Ceremony, Glasgow Green, on July 7 this year. The expected audience, 15,000.The race was on to make contact with the musicians they wanted for the band and hope they were available for rehearsals and the show.Jim Prime, keyboards player with Deacon Blue was first to get on board. Then, Bruce Watson, guitarist, from Big Country. And with Mel Gaynor from Simple Minds agreeing shortly afterwards, the line-up was complete. Well, not quite; Ian brought in Jane Button, who had supplied backing vocals for a couple of H20 gigs in 2003, to add height and weight to the harmonies.But with the final part of the unit in place, things immediately began to go wrong. A string of dates for Bruce's full time project, The Casbah Club were arranged, and he was forced to pull out. Fortunately, Steve Harris from Gary Numan's band took his place. Organizing a time when everyone would be free to rehearse turned out to be a nightmare, too. After frantic rescheduling on every-body's part, a single rehearsal was agreed. The night before the gig. Mel was working in Germany, and was due to arrive in Scotland that evening; the rest of the band had arrived earlier in the afternoon. He didn't make it. All flights out of Germany were disrupted due to the Bombings in London that day.
At 8.00pm, Jane called her husband Malc, who is a drummer in a local band; Big Vern, to ask him if he would leave work and come straight to the rehearsal room in Glasgow. Malc listened to the songs en route in his car. The band ran through the songs twice after he arrived, and they were ready.
Glasgow Green, July 8.
It was a beautiful warm evening; the audience was in excess of 15,000.At 9.30 AFGM opened up with 'Waterfront'. The crowd reaction was amazing, bouncing as one in time with the opening bass riff. From there, the band went straight into 'Real Gone Kid' then 'Dignity' and finally 'Don't You Forget about Me'. A perfect debut.
The Mull of Kintyre Festival, August 21. Headliners of Survivors Night.
Bruce was still on tour with the Casbah Club. And Steve was in Switzerland with his band Archive. Kirk Brandon, singer with Spear of Destiny and Dead Men Walking volunteered to play guitar for the show, with a little bit of friendly persuasion from Derek. The set was a longer one this time. 'In A Big Country', 'Chance', 'Someone Somewhere in Summertime', 'Dream To Sleep' and Kirk performing his own, 'They'll Never Take Me Alive' were all included. 800 tickets for the show sold out in an incredible 54 seconds! Like the Glasgow Green show, the reaction from the audience was amazing! With 3 encores, it was mission accomplished again.

New guitar

2005-10-29T20:10:00.000Z

The guitar I shall be using in the near future is made by Dave Sharpe who runs a company called KROZKA SHARPE in North East England. I am very exited about this collaboration with him. The guitar in the picture has a glue in neck and one humbucker at the bridge. Sperzal machine heads and string s through body setup. The guitar he is building me will have a P 90 and a bigsby trem. The colour will be white.

Ivory Blacks

2005-10-29T14:47:00.000Z

A FEW GOOD MEN are the original artists from the Scottish bands who recorded and performed some of the biggest hits of the 80's and 90's.
Lineup includes:
Derek Forbes Simple Minds
Mick MacNeil Simple Minds
Ian Donaldson H20
Bruce Watson Big Country
First gig is Ivory Blacks in Glasgow 10th Nov 05