Big Country Audley End Saffron Walden Essex 11th August 2022

 

Audley End house is a huge country pile not so far from where I live. Originally the site of a Benedictine priory, it became an aristocratic family seat after the dissolution of the monasteries in the reign of Henry VIII. Now in the hands of English Heritage the site combines history and entertainment as a means of funding the upkeep of the house and gardens. In this Audley End is not alone. In recent years stately homes, forests and even racecourses have doubled up as high end gig venues. The bills for these summer events (the UK climate dictates that these events only occur in the summer months!) tend to be filled with bands that had their greatest sucesses in the 1980's, which makes sense when the organisers are looking to draw in an audience who can drive to the venue with family and friends. I have no real problem with this as a revenue stream if it contributes to keeping historic buildings and forests standing, but that said this set up is not for me... and its not just because I can't abide Simple Minds!

Soft Cell have recently played these events, and I love Soft Cell. Unfortunately, my Soft Cell is the sleaze sodden, drug fuelled car crash of a band of 'The Art of Falling Apart' era rather than the Radio 2 friendly electro-pop duo that your Gran would tap her toes to. What I am trying to convey is my disdain such 'Picnic in the Park' type affairs which sets designed to appeal to the most casual of gig goers.

Here, I can already hear cries of 'What about The Stranglers playing castles'. Point taken, but having been to the Caerphilly gig, the atmosphere was not much different to a normal Stranglers gig and I guess that this is due to the fact that the bill sets to tone, support coming in the form of Ruts DC in this case. I imagine the same will be true of Warwick and Lincoln.

Anyway, at the Audley End event Big Country were providing support for Simple Minds, this date forming part of a bigger 40th Anniversary tour. I am not a big fan of Big Country (although they have never provoked me in the way Simle Minds do!). I fully understand why they (BC) are as popular as they are, and I appreciate how loved Stuart Adamson was, especially in Scotland. So here they are... and who should pop up.... Jobbo! So I give you 'Skid Country' or perhaps 'Big Skid' (no perhaps not!). 

FLAC: https://we.tl/t-GRcihQmXnP

Artwork: https://we.tl/t-9v0bhcxqZA