Customer Reviews

Big Country - Final Fling

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was lucky to get this DVD from the Big Country website and I can't say enough about how wonderful it is. There are two concerts contained on the two discs in the package: an '88 show from East Germany (just before the wall came down), and their final show in 2000 at The Barrowlands in Glasgow (where they performed in kilts).

Of course, as I watched I found myself thinking of Stuart Adamson's death and the tragedy it was, but I also couldn't help but think of what an awesome musical legacy he left behind. It was indeed fortunate that he produced so much music while still "on our earthly plane," as it were.

The element that connects the two shows is passion. Big Country were all about passion and their live shows, really from the beginning, had this quality in abundance. Every song from the East German show, even their cover of "Honkey Tonk Women," is just loaded with energy. There are some technical gremlins, especially regarding the sound mix of the keyboards (played by Josh Phillips) and Tony Butler's backing vocals, but both of these things get sorted out as the concert progresses.

The Barrowlands show is song after song of pure joy. The power of the sound, especially of the rhythm section, just shakes the walls. I found myself realizing that, although the band played many of these songs hundreds of times over the years, it sounded like the first time out for most of them.

The sound quality for both shows is excellent, and the way the 5.1 mix fills the room is an added bonus. I thought that the DVD would only be released in stereo. The bass tends to be a bit overpowering, but you can clear that up with a touch of your remote.

It's really difficult to pick highlights, but check out "Restless Natives," "Just a Shadow," "The Seer," "King of Emotion," "Driving to Damascus," "Where the Rose is Sown," "Come Back to Me," "Your Spirit to Me," and the triumphant "Fields of Fire," which concludes the DVD on an appropriate note, although I'm sure the irony will not be lost on people as they hear Adamson tell the crowd to "stay alive." Nonetheless, I still take that message to heart.

Any Big Country fan should love this release. I sincerely hope that there's more to come.

This one is for the late singer from this magnificent band. I just got the dvd and i not only felt sad for the good memories of the crossing and peace in our time albums that rocked my college years but also it is kind of a tribute for Mr. Adamson. It is incredible that I met people from where i am from that listened to this band and follow their step all they way through, which certainly certifies that Big Country music will stay forever. Title of my review is just simply because it is the best Big Country song.

A HIGHLY recommended DVD! Big Country in concert in 1988 (Germany) & 2000 (Glasgow). Concert one features Big Country at their peak with great energetic versions of many tunes (including Where the Rose Is Sown, The Seer, Just a Shadow, Wonderland, In a Big Country, Fields of Fire...)! This concert is marred (slightly) by the addition of Josh Phillips' poorly mixed keyboards (too loud) but is my favorite to listen-to & watch! The second concert is very pleasing (if not as impassioned). The band does seem a little precise, and the newer material is more poppy/less eclectic. Amusingly, the band are all in kilts for the Glasgow concert! The sound on this concert is flawless (Mark's drums sound especially lovely :P). Included in this show are lovely renditions of Harvest, The Storm (!), Where the Rose Is Sown, Come Back to Me, Dive into Me, Look Away, Lost Patrol, 13 Valleys, Wonderland, Porroh Man, In a Big Country, & Fields of Fire... * The EXTRA's on this DVD are scant but interesting (previews of other DVD concerts ostensibly to be released in the future from BC's official UK site, the band's rider contract for booking, photos, a brief behind the scene clip, and text from the 2000 tour book...) A lovely surprise US release from a sorely missed band!

This 2 disc DVD is phenomenal, to say the least! Both concerts are passionate performances from dedicated and talented musicians, and captured very nicely on DVD. This is one deep, emotional band! Their originality was stunning. It was bittersweet watching them perform (my first time seeing them live), given Stuart Adamson's untimely death. I only recently became aware of how prolific and excellent 'Big Country' truly was, given their extensive catalog of releases! My wife ordered about four of their most recent CD's from this website, and I must say, their music is top notch. Man, did I miss out all these years. Most people only know them from 'The Crossing' and their hit song on MTV. I am coming to realize now, at age 41, that they were one of the best bands to ever carry the 'alternative' torch!

I have to admit that the first time I saw this video I laughed out loud. Why? Four grown men in t-shirts and kilts playing rock and roll. Wow. Well, now when I laugh it's shear joy...at their fantastic seasoned, fun, high energy performance. Bruce plays his heart out; Tony, cool as ever, ads his own magic on bass; Mark on the drums--clear and crisp--really showcases his talent. And Stuart....he was having a blast. You can see his love affair with the audience, and he gives above and beyond with energy, extra guitar solos, and, well, like I said, you could tell he was having fun (not as much fun perhaps as he did in Berlin at the peace concert--man, there he was shining, too, but in a younger "look at this crowd!" bright eyed and commanding demeanor). Back to Final Fling--here you see a mature Stuart and Company comfortable in their Scottish colors and....tennis shoes? And Tony is in black ankle boots,which is a hoot in itself. I've said a lot about the visual on this DVD but I have to add that the audio is outstanding...mesmerizing. This is a fantastic DVD.

This is a fantastic DVD. 5 Stars is not enough to rate it. Had the pleasure of seeing them twice, and both times they delivered the energy, fun and passion that you get to see in both concerts on this DVD.
I played the DVD for a friend who had never heard of them, and he was blown away that he had never heard of them. He's now a fan.
Throughout the DVD I couldn't help reflecting on the sad sad end to Stuart's life. If only...

I purchased this dvd from the Big Country website... I'm thrilled to see it available here. If you are a fan of talented musicians passionately performing rock music live, you owe it to yourself to check out this dvd. Few people in the US are aware of the fact that Big Country was recording and touring through 2000, and this set will clue you in to just how great they were. Visually, neither disc will impress, but it's all about the music. "The Final Fling" is especially great, as these guys seemed to rock harder with age. Big Country became my favorite band at age 17, and today at 37 their music still resonates with me. Some of the stuff I listened to back in the day seems silly or dated now, but not BC. I only wish Stu had found the strength to "stay alive". I feel cheated that I will not hear anything new, as some of the material he contributed to "the Raphaels" was fantastic and promised greater things in the future.

Another great and MUST HAVE Big Country DVD. I loved both concerts, GREAT ENTERTAINMENT! The Final Fling at the Barrowland was
a bit sad to watch, knowing it was the last concert with his band before he passed away. What a terrible loss to all who love his
and Big Countrys music. A MUST BUY!!!!

Not to go into what has already been coverd but this dvd set rocks! Have had this set for about two years and never get tired of it.I mainly watch the Glasgow's concert dvd not because I don't like the East Berlin concert, but the Glasgow concert brings back alot of good memories with the great music.As mentioned before in other reviews the sound is a fantastic 5.1 mix!The way all concert dvds should be.The video quality in the Glasgow concert is a little off at times but the show and music is so good you can't complain.A must for any level of fan of Big Country.

Hiya
This DVD is certainly worth the purchase - the sound and quality is excellent.....what a great band this was....if this doesnt
get you moving, check your pulse!
cheers
-Rob