big country spear of destiny tour

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1 LADYS LANE, NORTHAMPTON, NN1 3AH

Trains: Northampton Station (5 mins walk)

Parking: Mayorhold Car Park (1 min walk)

+44 (0)333 577 1688 (LINES OPEN MON-FRI / 10AM-4PM)

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BIG COUNTRY & SPEAR OF DESTINY:

27/05/2023 / admissions from 19:30.

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Big Country  broke massively worldwide with the release of the album’s classic singles ‘Fields Of Fire’, ‘Chance’ and signature song ‘In A Big Country’, which went on to become massive worldwide hits, selling over 2 million copies and driving ‘The Crossing’ to 3 prestigious Grammy nominations in the USA. The album reached #3 in the UK; overseas, it hit #4 in Canada and #18 in the US.

Formed in 1981 by guitar playing founder members,  Stuart Adamson  and  Bruce Watson , both native of the band’s hometown Dunfermline in Scotland. Initially driven by a shared vision of widescreen guitar melody, harmony and lyric, the classic  Big Country  sound was further enhanced later that summer by the arrival of drummer  Mark Brzezicki  and bass player  Tony Butler.

Big Country  are  Bruce Watson  (guitars/vocals);  Mark Brzezicki  (drums, vocals);  Jamie Watson  (guitars/vocals),  Simon Hough  (vocals/guitar) and  Gil Allan  (bass).

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Northampton train station is a five minute walk away please check on our google maps above for directions.

We do not have on-site parking however directly across from us is a multi-storey: Mayorhold car park.

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Official website for the legendary Scottish band – All the news and latest merchandise

• Steeltown Big Country 1:00
• Where The Rose Is Sown Big Country 1:00
• In A Big Country Big Country 1:00
• Fields of Fire Big Country 1:00
• Look Away Big Country 1:00
• River of Hope Big Country 1:00
• Beautiful People Big Country 1:00
• Alone Big Country 1:00
• You Dreamer Big Country 1:00
• Driving To Damascus Big Country 1:00
• The Journey Big Country 0:30

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AGMP presents BIG COUNTRY ‘The Crossing’ 40th Anniversary Tour + very special guests SPEAR OF DESTINY

Friday 21 april 2023 tickets £31, £36.

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This is an archived event and all information contained on this page was correct at time of publishing

Big Country celebrate their iconic 1983 debut LP 'The Crossing', 40 years on from release along with very special guests Spear of Destiny.

Big Country broke massively worldwide with the release of the album’s classic singles Fields Of Fire , Chance and signature song In A Big Country , which went on to become massive worldwide hits, selling over 2 million copies and driving ‘The Crossing’ to 3 prestigious Grammy nominations in the USA. The album reached #3 in the UK; overseas, it hit #4 in Canada and #18 in the US.

Gig Timings :

7.40pm Spear Of Destiny

9.10pm Big Country

All timings approximate and subject to change

Formed in 1981 by guitar playing founder members, Stuart Adamson and Bruce Watson, both native of the band’s hometown Dunfermline in Scotland. Initially driven by a shared vision of widescreen guitar melody, harmony and lyric, the classic Big Country sound was further enhanced later that summer by the arrival of drummer Mark Brzezicki and bass player Tony Butler.

Big Country are Bruce Watson (guitars/vocals); Mark Brzezicki (drums, vocals); Jamie Watson (guitars/vocals), Simon Hough (vocals/guitar) and Gil Allan (bass).

Suitable for all ages. U14s should be accompanied by an adult, and in seats

Please note that Booking Fees apply on the following transactions:

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Telephone : £3.50 per transaction + £2 postage or free collection at the Box Office.

In Person : There are currently no charges for booking tickets in person.

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We strongly recommend ticket buyers to take out Ticket Protection insurance with Secure My Booking available when you book your tickets at check out.

Please note that we are only able to post tickets within the UK. If you live overseas please select box office collection or print at home tickets. Tickets purchased for post will be sent 10 – 14 days before the show date.

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Book online: Pre-show dining can be booked online as an add-on when purchasing tickets for selected events. You will be purchasing a ticket to guarantee your meal before the show. Please note you must be a ticket holder to the show to book pre-show dining.

Already booked your tickets? If you’ve already booked tickets for a show and would like to add dining, please contact Box Office: [email protected]

On the night: If you have pre-booked please come to the bar to order from the gig menu and sit at one of the reserved tables.

Please be aware that we operate no re-entry for gigs. This means that once you have entered the building, you cannot go out and re-enter. This policy is in line with other major music venues across the UK and put in place on police advice. No re-entry is clearly signposted as you come through security on the front door. There is a fenced-off area on the terrace for people who go out to smoke or vape.

There are plenty of welcoming and good value B&Bs & boutique hotels in Bexhill. The De La Warr Pavilion regularly uses the following:

• Seapray Rooms
• The Driftwood
• The Cooden Beach Hotel
• Coast B & B
• Buenos Aires
• De La Warr View (Holiday Flat)
• By Rail Direct trains go from London Victoria, Brighton and Ashford to Bexhill. There are also trains from London Charing Cross, changing at St. Leonards Warrior Square and from London Bridge or Charing Cross going to Battle. Battle is only a short taxi journey away (15 mins approx). Visit www.nationalrail.co.uk  for up-to-date train travel information.
• Taxis Town Taxis:  01424 211 511 Parkhurst Taxis:  01424 733 456
• By Car If driving from the London area: Take the M25, then A21 to Hastings. Turn off at John‘s Cross and follow the signs to Bexhill. OR Take the A22 to Eastbourne, go across the Bishop roundabout to the A271 and follow the signs to Bexhill and the seafront. The De La Warr Pavilion is on the Marina. From the Brighton area: Follow the A27 out of Brighton until you arrive in Bexhill On Sea.
• Parking Please be aware the Rother District car park outside the De La Warr Pavilion operates paid parking until 7pm. After this time parking is free.

Within the limits of this Grade One listed building, the De La Warr Pavilion strives to be fully accessible with a range of facilities to support your visit.

Assistance Dogs are permitted into the building.

Please contact the Box Office on [email protected] to arrange a visit.

Facilities for disabled visitors

• Ramped access at the front of the building
• A low counter at the Box Office and  Information Desk
• Disabled toilets on two floors
• A lift to all floors
• Accessible galleries on both floors
• An accessible Café
• Spaces for wheelchairs in the auditorium for seated events
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• Two travel wheelchairs are available for use at the De La Warr Pavilion. To reserve, please call our box office and information desk on (01424) 229111 or ask a member of staff on arrival. The chairs are provided on a first come, first served basis and are intended for use inside the Pavilion. Please contact us for more information.

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• An T-Switch induction loop in some areas of the auditorium (please indicate when booking as this facility is not available on the balcony)
• British Sign Language interpretation tours of the building and exhibitions are available on request.

Big Country + Spear Of Destiny

Roadmender. saturday 27 may 2023 at 19:00.

This event is now in the past - Big Country + Spear Of Destiny at Roadmender on Saturday 27 May 2023 at 19:00.

Find more Big Country + Spear Of Destiny performances  

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Big Country + Spear of Destiny Tickets and Dates

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Past Big Country + Spear of Destiny Events

Big Country & Spear of Destiny

£33.50 advance + Booking Fee

All Standing

Big Country celebrate their iconic 1983 debut LP ‘The Crossing’ 40 years on from release along with very special guests Spear of Destiny.

Big Country broke massively worldwide with the release of the album’s classic singles ‘Fields Of Fire’, ‘Chance’ and signature song ‘In A Big Country’, which went on to become massive worldwide hits, selling over 2 million copies and driving ‘The Crossing’ to 3 prestigious Grammy nominations in the USA. The album reached #3 in the UK; overseas, it hit #4 in Canada and #18 in the US.

Formed in 1981 by guitar playing founder members, Stuart Adamson and Bruce Watson, both native of the band’s hometown Dunfermline in Scotland. Initially driven by a shared vision of widescreen guitar melody, harmony and lyric, the classic Big Country sound was further enhanced later that summer by the arrival of drummer Mark Brzezicki and bass player Tony Butler.

Big Country are Bruce Watson (guitars/vocals); Mark Brzezicki (drums, vocals); Jamie Watson (guitars/vocals), Simon Hough (vocals/guitar) and Gil Allan (bass).

Cheese & Grain, Market Yard, Justice Lane, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1BE

We can be contacted on 01373 455 420 or click the Contact button at the bottom of this page.

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Big Country & Spear Of Destiny thrill Sussex gig goers

Big Country & Spear Of Destiny at De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea 21.4.23 (pics Tony Ham)

BIG COUNTRY + SPEAR OF DESTINY – DE LA WARR PAVILION, BEXHILL-ON-SEA 21.4.23

Big Country were back in action in Sussex this evening, with their venue of choice being the rather excellent De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea. This year the band are on a 42-date tour in celebration of the 40th anniversary of their debut album, ‘The Crossing’, which was originally released on 29th July 1983.

Big Country last performed a headline gig in Brighton on 4th March 2022 when they rocked on up to the Concorde 2 (Review HERE ) and prior to chat, they appeared at the same venue on 18th October 2019 (Review HERE ). Their last visit to our city was as support to From The Jam at the Brighton Centre on 3rd December 2022 (Review HERE ), but for Big Country’s current 2023 tour, there was no Brighton date, thus we headed out of town to the nearest concert, thus Bexhill beckoned us.

Big Country’s ‘The Crossing’ album reached No.3 in the official UK charts and it hit No.4 in Canada on the RPM national Top Albums Chart, as well as reaching No.18 in the USA on the Billboard 200 in 1983. The record went on to be certified platinum in the UK and Canada. It contains the song ‘In A Big Country’ which was their only U.S. Top 40 hit single. The album’s classic singles ‘Fields Of Fire’, ‘Chance’ and signature song ‘In A Big Country’, went on to become massive worldwide hits, selling over 2 million copies and driving ‘The Crossing’ to 3 prestigious Grammy nominations in the USA.

They outfit were originally formed in 1981 by guitar playing founder members Stuart Adamson and Bruce Watson, both native of the band’s hometown Dunfermline in Scotland. Initially driven by a shared vision of widescreen guitar melody, harmony and lyric, the classic Big Country sound was further enhanced later that summer by the arrival of drummer Mark Brzezicki and bass player Tony Butler. This is the Big Country that (with producer Steve Lillywhite), recorded the classic debut album ‘The Crossing’ in 1983.

The band’s “classic” lineup between 1981 and 2000, consisted of Stuart Adamson (vocals, guitar) Bruce Watson (guitar) Tony Butler (bass guitar) and Mark Brzezicki (drums). Following Adamson’s death in 2001, the band reformed in 2007, with the surviving members. Between 2010 and 2013, the band reformed with Mike Peters of The Alarm on lead vocals. Since then the band has continued with two of the original members (Watson and Brzezicki) and Simon Hough on vocals. This evening, the band consists of Bruce Watson (guitar and vocals), Mark Brzezicki (drums), Jamie Watson (guitars), Simon Hough (vocals and guitar) and Gil Allan (bass).

The house lights went down and the intro tape played ‘The Storm’ as the lads took to the stage and Big Country set to work by performing all ten tunes from ‘The Crossing’ as well as other fan favourites. The album wasn’t played in its running order, but interspersed throughout their 94 minute set which ran from 9:10pm to 10:44pm.

The quintet opened up with ‘1000 Stars’, after which they were warmly greeted by their eager fans via a loud applause. The balcony above appeared to be at full capacity, but the standing area could have fitted in a hundred or so souls in order for it to be at full capacity.

From our left to right, Big Country were lined up as Jamie Watson on Fender guitar and backing vocals, next to him was his father (and founding member) Bruce Watson, who was the spokesperson for the outfit, he also plays a couple of guitars and offers some backing vocals. To his left (our right) was Simon Hough, who has been taking care of lead vocals for the past decade as well as playing acoustic guitar. At the far end of the stage is new boy Gil Allan on unusually styled headless bass who arrived a couple of years ago. To the centre rear of the stage and hidden behind his drumkit is the long-term member Mark Brzezicki, who came on board in 1982.

Astonishingly, Bruce announces that this is their first time in Bexhill, and they launch into ‘Look Away’ (from 1986 ‘The Seer’ album) with its catchy “So look away, look away” chorus. After some father and son banter between the Watson’s, we were away with track three, ‘Close Action’ which featured “I will carry you home with the gods in my eyes; I will carry you home while the westerlies sigh”. ‘Lost Patrol’ was up next with its repeated “Yeah yeah yeah aye ohh” and “We save no souls; We break no promises” It was back with ‘The Storm’ again, but the full live version, which commences “I came from the hills with a tear in my eye”.

Bruce took the opportunity to switch guitars and to explain that for their second album ‘Steeltown’, the band flew to Stockholm to record it in ABBA’s recording studio, and now they were going to play a couple of numbers from it, which turned out to be ‘Just A Shadow’ and title track ‘Steeltown’ , which Bruce informed us “OK boys and girls it’s disco night” and the guys got down and funky. With the deviation from their rock mode, they were still a tight unit.

After this number, Bruce asks for the house lights to be put up so that he can see “all those faces”. The lighting engineer obliged, and Bruce jokingly swiftly requested that he immediately put them down again. The band then adopted the slow style American ballad for the ‘the newest’ tune of the night 1991’s ‘Ships’, from their ‘No Place Like Home’ album. This was a big indication of the band playing what the punters want to hear, as opposed to performing the less successful later albums: ‘The Buffalo Skinners’ (1993), ‘Why the Long Face’ (1995), ‘Driving To Damascus (John Wayne’s Dream)’ (1999) and ‘The Journey’ (2013). They are therefore a heritage band as there hasn’t really been anything new for a decade now.

It’s time for Bruce to switch back guitars and sneak a vape puff (yes we saw you each time!) and they let loose with their distinctive fake bagpipe sound which is made by the guitars. This was performed on two numbers from ‘The Crossing’ that ran into each other , ‘Porrohman’ (with the memorable line “We are waiting in the forest deep and dark behind the wall” ) and ‘Harvest Home’ with its rather decent drumming from Mark.

It was audience participation time next, when Simon led us off by singing “Oh Lord where did the feeling go” and many punters around us at the front continued with “All the rain came down; On a cold new town” for the tune ‘Chance’.

The guys had now arrived in big hitter territory and the punters knew it! They began this final section with arguably their Celtic theme tune ‘In A Big Country’, which saw Bruce running his guitar left to right against his mic stand. Suffice to say the outcome at the end was the biggest cheer of the night thus far!

This was followed by their standalone 1984 hit single ‘Wonderland’ which Bruce announced “It’s time to get punky!” Ahem! I don’t think so sunshine, that’s not punk. Anyway, move on…and they did by segueing straight into ‘Fields Of Fire’ which the crowd eagerly clapped their way through. Simon even added in a few lines from Thin Lizzy’s ‘Whiskey In The Jar’ midway through ‘Fields Of Fire’ which seemed to work quite well.

The band then briefly vacated the stage only for Mark to return for a drum solo moment, which the punters enjoyed, but the other four swiftly accompanied him and the tune became the final number from ‘The Crossing’, namely ‘Inwards’, with its relatively catchy “I wouldn’t want to go home on a night like this”. Now if you had to say Big Country had a punk number, then this would be the leading contender based on this performance, although having said that, Simon’s vocals did stray into Meat Loaf territory!

And that was it…well except for drummer Mark coming to the front of the stage and again introducing his bandmates – they had previously been individually introduced at separate times throughout the set. He added that he loved this place, let’s face it, who wouldn’t like this iconic structure. He signed the band off with “God bless Mr Stuart Adamson” and they all vacated the stage at 10:44pm.

Band members: Bruce Watson – guitar and vocals Mark Brzezicki – drums Jamie Watson – guitars Simon Hough – vocals and guitar Gil Allan – bass

Big Country setlist: (Intro tape) ‘The Storm’ (from 1983 ‘The Crossing’ album) ‘1000 Stars’ (from 1983 ‘The Crossing’ album) ‘Look Away’ (from 1986 ‘The Seer’ album) ‘Close Action’ (from 1983 ‘The Crossing’ album) ‘Lost Patrol’ (from 1983 ‘The Crossing’ album) ‘The Storm’ (from 1983 ‘The Crossing’ album) ‘Just A Shadow’ (from 1984 ‘Steeltown’ album) ‘Steeltown’ (from 1984 ‘Steeltown’ album) ‘Ships’ (from 1991 ‘ No Place Like Home’ album) ‘Porrohman’ (from 1983 ‘The Crossing’ album) ‘Harvest Home’ (from 1983 ‘The Crossing’ album) ‘Chance’ (from 1983 ‘The Crossing’ album) ‘In A Big Country’ (from 1983 ‘The Crossing’ album) ‘Wonderland’ (a 1984 single & from 1990 ‘Through A Big Country: Greatest Hits’ album) ‘Fields Of Fire’ (from 1983 ‘The Crossing’ album) (encore) ‘Inwards’ (from 1983 ‘The Crossing’ album)

www.bigcountry.co.uk

As luck would have it, the other band on the bill this evening were Spear Of Destiny who are playing no less than 20 support slots with Big Country as part of their 42 date tour. In between these dates, they have been and will be playing their own headline gigs, one of these being a mere handful of days ago in Brighton at The Prince Albert . That review was penned by Guy Ramone who is also in attendance this evening. You can read his account HERE .

This evening Spear Of Destiny was allotted a whole hour in which to win the punters over. This is quite some time for special guests and so frontman Kirk Brandon and his chums (Adrian Portas, Knut Knutson, Robin Goodridge and Clive Osborne) who are all dressed in black, got at it for 56 minutes from 7:49pm to 8:45pm with a 13 number set.

They are lined up from our left to stage right as bassist Knut Knutson; then Kirk Brandon on lead vocals and switching between two guitars; then Adrian Portas on lead guitar; and on the right, saxophonist Clive Osborne two had a choice of two to entertain us with; and behind them was drummer Robin Goodridge.

Spear Of Destiny had planned to play the same live set as they did in Brighton five days ago minus the encore tunes, and if there was time, they would sneak their tune ‘Mickey’ on to the end. Sadly there wasn’t time.

They opened with the first of three numbers from 1984’s ‘One Eyed Jacks’ album, in the form of ‘Rainmaker’ which is a solid track to start with and immediately after the song had finished, it was obvious that Kirk and gang already had the punters onside judging by the loud applause. ‘Young Men’ from the same platter followed, and highlighted what a unique and powerful voice Kirk has.

Song three ‘Strangers In Our Town’ (from 1987 ‘Outland’ album) offered up a decent cowboy western sounding bass and guitar. After this Kirk swapped his instrument for the first of two songs from last years ‘Ghost Population’ album, that being ‘Pilgrim’ with its pleasant saxophone break from Clive. The next number ‘Mile In My Shoes’ (from 1997 ‘Religion’ album), began with Kirk on solo guitar, until the lads joined in. After this, Kirk swapped back to his original guitar and they were off with 1983’s ‘The Wheel’, which can be found on their ‘Grapes Of Wrath’ platter. I particularly enjoyed the rumbly guitar intro on this tune.

The final number tonight from 1984’s ‘One Eyed Jacks’ album was given an airing next, that being ‘Liberator’, which for me is as close as Spear Of Destiny came to sounding like Kirk’s previous outfit, Theatre Of Hate . Not surprisingly it was my choice track of their set as it had a decent chugging beat with sax atop and a catchy chorus, its a gritty number.

The lead tune from 1983’s ‘Grapes Of Wrath’ was up next and Kirk gave his guitar a real old seeing to during this track and Clive’s sax reminded me of early Roxy Music, which is a good thing!

Prior to playing ‘Shine’, Kirk, who has barely engaged the audience thus far, preferring to let his compositions talk for themselves, briefly addressed the crowd stating that ‘Shine’ is from their ‘Ghost Population’ album and it wasn’t compulsory to purchase it. I knew what he meant, as in “We’re gonna play it for you and hope you like it!”.

The first of a trio of tunes from 1985’s ‘World Service’ album had reached its turn, thus the pseudo reggaefied beat of ‘Come Back’ was given an outing. It, like every song before, was met with crowd approval.

Another of their set highlights followed in the form of ‘Never Take Me Alive’ , which was even more eagerly greeted by those folk situated around me at the front. After this the sound of a piano was coming from somewhere, Kirk spoke to a punter at the front (off mic) and pointed to one of his foot-pedals, so it might have emanated from there? This was the intro for ‘World Service’, which as it turned out was to be the penultimate number. After the initial piano section, the whole band came crashing in and Kirk seriously got in the zone for the lyrics “But I oh oh oh hear music like you hear music”, and some fans sang them back at him. This was the most powerful number thus far. Incidentally I have found out that fans of this number can actually purchase a copy of the lyrics as a framed print – more information HERE .

Tonight’s set closed with ‘I Can See’ where Kirk opened up for the first time with his signature dance as he had discarded his guitar in favour of holding the mic. This number sounded like The Mission on steroids. It was now a quarter to nine and the crowd whooped loudly at the conclusion, so much so, that you would believe that Spear Of Destiny were the headliners!

Spear Of Destiny: Kirk Brandon – vocals, guitar Adrian Portas – lead guitar Knut Knutson – bass Robin Goodridge – drums Clive Osborne – saxophone

Spear Of Destiny setlist: ‘Rainmaker’ (from 1984 ‘One Eyed Jacks’ album) ‘Young Men’ (from 1984 ‘One Eyed Jacks’ album) ‘Strangers In Our Town’ (from 1987 ‘Outland’ album) ‘Pilgrim’ (from 2022 ‘Ghost Population’ album) ‘Mile In My Shoes’ (from 1997 ‘Religion’ album) ‘The Wheel’ (from 1983 ‘Grapes Of Wrath’ album) ‘Liberator’ (from 1984 ‘ One Eyed Jacks’ album) ‘Grapes Of Wrath’ (from 1983 ‘Grapes Of Wrath’ album) ‘Shine’ (from 2022 ‘Ghost Population’ album) ‘Come Back’ (from 1985 ‘World Service’ album) ‘Never Take Me Alive’ (from 1987 ‘Outland’ album) ‘World Service’ (from 1985 ‘World Service’ album) ‘I Can See’ (from 1985 ‘World Service’ album)

For more information visit: www.kirkbrandon.com

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Spear of Destiny announce a headline tour for 2023

• May 18, 2023

By Tyler Ody

SPEAR OF DESTINY

ANNOUNCE UK HEADLINE TOUR FOR 2023

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW  HERE

+ SUPPORT DATES WITH BIG COUNTRY

“Spear of Destiny are criminally underrated and are one of Britain’s best, Boys Own, punch the air, grandiose Rock ‘n’ Roll bands.”  - Louder Than War

“Kirk Brandon is one of the Uk’s best kept secrets.”  -  MOJO

“@kirkbrandon is one of our greatest musical geniuses.”  -  Jeremy Vine 

“Thirty years together makes for flawless musicianship, a unique sound, and some remarkable riffs and harmonies.”  -  Aberdeen Voice

Marking 40 years since their formation this year - SPEAR OF DESTINY - have announced a run of UK headline shows for 2023, alongside a set of dates supporting Big Country.

Kicking off in  York  on  5 April , the extensive live run will see Spear of Destiny play 38 shows across the UK in April, May and June, some as special guests to long-term friends  Big Country  and others as headline shows in their own right.

Having made a stir with their punk-influenced power-rock since 1983,  Spear of Destiny  emerged from the wreckage of iconic post-punk band  Theatre of Hate . Formed by original duo Kirk Brandon and Stan Stammers, the band named themselves after the weapon used by Roman centurion Longinus as he pierced the body of Jesus as he hung on the cross. 

Gaining traction in the UK, and with Melody Maker enthusing that  “by this time next year, [Spear] should be huge”,  their debut album  ‘The Grapes of Wrath ’ was released in 1983 on Epic Records. After releasing  ‘One Eyed Jacks ’ in 1984, and almost cracking the UK Top 10 with 1985’s ‘ World Service’ , Brandon disbanded the existing lineup and Spear of Destiny vanished for much of the next two years. 

After bouncing back with a completely new lineup, Spear finally achieved the success that had evaded them for so long, with 1987’s  ‘Outland’  spawning some of the band’s biggest hits to date including “ Stranger In Our Town ”, “ Never Take Me Alive ” and “ Was That Yo u”. They also toured with  U2 , eventually playing  Wembley Stadium  with the band that summer.

But, on the eve of a slot at  Reading Festival  and with their first American tour on the horizon, tragedy struck when Brandon was diagnosed with Reiter’s Syndrome. Over the following years Spear of Destiny struggled amidst Brandon’s diagnosis and legal problems that meant they were prohibited from using their own band’s name. 

After finally reclaiming the Spear name in the late 1990s, Brandon and the band have worked consistently ever since: their ninth studio album  ‘Morning Star ’ was released in 2003, followed by  ‘Loadestone’  and ‘ Imperial Prototype ’ in 2005 and 2007 respectively. 

Now in 2022, the current Spear of Destiny lineup is the longest serving to date, featuring  Adrian Portas  (New Model Army/Sex Gang Children),  Craig Adams  (Sisters of Mercy/The Cult/The Mission) and  Phil Martini  (Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind), as well as  Clive Osborne  on saxophone and  Steve Allen-Jones  on keys.

Over recent years Brandon has supervised a major reissue campaign of the band’s back catalogue, and Spear have played sell-out shows at the likes of London’s iconic 100 Club, Manchester’s Ritz and Oran Mor in Glasgow, as well as festival slots at Sign of the Times, Rebellion and Kubix.

Still continuing to look toward the future, Brandon has penned fourteen new tracks for the latest Spear of Destiny album ‘ Ghost Population ’. Set for full commercial release in May 2023, the record will be available on Brandon’s own Eastersnow recording Company via Code 7 Distribution.

SPEAR OF DESTINY UK LIVE DATES 2023

Thu 18 GUILDFORD Holroyd Arms

Fri 19 SOUTHAMPTON The 1865*

Sat 20 FROME Cheese & Grain*

Tue 23 EXETER Phoenix

Wed 24 LEICESTER Musician

Thu 25 BRISTOL Rough Trade

Fri 26 CARDIFF Y Plas University*

Sat 27 NORTHAMPTON Roadmender*

Wed 31 NEWCASTLE Wylam Brewery*

Thu 1 EDINBURGH Queens Hall*

Fri 2 ABERDEEN Music Hall*

Sat 3 GLASGOW QMU*

*as special guests to Big Country

Tickets available now  here .

FOR MORE INFORMATION

w/  www.kirkbrandon.com  

f/  www.facebook/com/ kirkbrandonofficial  

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SPEAR OF DESTINY — Announce UK Headline Tour For 2023 With Nottingham Date

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW  HERE + SUPPORT DATES WITH BIG COUNTRY

“Spear of Destiny are criminally underrated and are one of Britain’s best, Boys Own, punch the air, grandiose Rock ‘n’ Roll bands.”  –  Louder Than War “Kirk Brandon is one of the Uk’s best kept secrets.”  –  MOJO “@kirkbrandon is one of our greatest musical geniuses.”  –  Jeremy Vine  “Thirty years together makes for flawless musicianship, a unique sound, and some remarkable riffs and harmonies.”  –  Aberdeen Voice

Marking 40 years since their formation this year – SPEAR OF DESTINY – have announced a run of UK headline shows for 2023, alongside a set of dates supporting Big Country.

Kicking off in  York  on  5 April , the extensive live run will see Spear of Destiny play 36 shows across the UK in April, May and June, some as special guests to long-term friends  Big Country  and others as headline shows in their own right.

Having made a stir with their punk-influenced power-rock since 1983,  Spear of Destiny emerged from the wreckage of iconic post-punk band  Theatre of Hate . Formed by original duo Kirk Brandon and Stan Stammers, the band named themselves after the weapon used by Roman centurion Longinus as he pierced the body of Jesus as he hung on the cross. 

Gaining traction in the UK, and with Melody Maker enthusing that “ by this time next year, [Spear] should be huge ”, their debut album ‘ The Grapes of Wrath ’ was released in 1983 on Epic Records. After releasing ‘One Eyed Jacks’ in 1984, and almost cracking the UK Top 10 with 1985’s ‘ World Service ’, Brandon disbanded the existing lineup and Spear of Destiny vanished for much of the next two years. 

After bouncing back with a completely new lineup, Spear finally achieved the success that had evaded them for so long, with 1987’s ‘ Outland ’ spawning some of the band’s biggest hits to date including “ Stranger In Our Town ”, “ Never Take Me Alive ” and “ Was That You ”. They also toured with  U2 , eventually playing  Wembley Stadium  with the band that summer.

But, on the eve of a slot at  Reading Festival  and with their first American tour on the horizon, tragedy struck when Brandon was diagnosed with Reiter’s Syndrome. Over the following years Spear of Destiny struggled amidst Brandon’s diagnosis and legal problems that meant they were prohibited from using their own band’s name. 

After finally reclaiming the Spear name in the late 1990s, Brandon and the band have worked consistently ever since: their ninth studio album ‘ Morning Star ’ was released in 2003, followed by ‘ Loadestone ’ and ‘ Imperial Prototype ’ in 2005 and 2007 respectively. 

Now in 2023, the current Spear of Destiny lineup is the longest serving to date, featuring  Adrian Portas  (New Model Army/Sex Gang Children),  Craig Adams  (Sisters of Mercy/The Cult/The Mission) and  Phil Martini  (Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind), as well as  Clive Osborne  on saxophone and  Steve Allen-Jones  on keys.

Over recent years Brandon has supervised a major reissue campaign of the band’s back catalogue, and Spear have played sell-out shows at the likes of London’s iconic 100 Club, Manchester’s Ritz and Oran Mor in Glasgow, as well as festival slots at Sign of the Times, Rebellion and Kubix.

SPEAR OF DESTINY UK LIVE DATES 2023 APRIL Wed 5 YORK Crescent Thu 6 NEWCASTLE-U-LYME Rigger Fri 7 MANCHESTER Ritz* Sat 8 LIVERPOOL Hangar 34* Thu 13 BATH Moles Fri 14 NORWICH Epic Studios* Sat 15 LEAMINGTON SPA Assembly* Sun 16 BRIGHTON The Albert Thu 20 BRADFORD Tapestry Fri 21 BEXHILL ON SEA De La Warr Pavillion* Sat 22 BIRMINGHAM The Crossing* Sun 23 LONDON Water Rats Wed 26 STOCKTON-ON-TEES Georgian Theatre Thu 27 CANNOCK The Station Fri 28 SHEFFIELD Foundry* Sat 29 LEEDS Beckett Union*

MAY Wed 3 WINCHESTER Railway Live Thu 4 MILTON KEYNES Craufurd Arms Fri 5 LONDON Islington Assembly* Sat 6 BURY ST EDMUNDS Apex* Thu 11 HUDDERSFIELD Parish Fri 12 NOTTINGHAM The Level* Sat 13 LINCOLN Engine Shed* Wed 17 BLACKPOOL Waterloo Thu 18 GUILDFORD Holroyd Arms Fri 19 SOUTHAMPTON The 1865* Sat 20 FROME Cheese & Grain* Tue 23 EXETER Phoenix Wed 24 LEICESTER Musician Thu 25 BRISTOL Rough Trade Fri 26 CARDIFF Y Plas University* Sat 27 NORTHAMPTON Roadmender* Wed 31 NEWCASTLE Wylam Brewery*

JUNE Thu 1 EDINBURGH Queens Hall* Fri 2 ABERDEEN Music Hall* Sat 3 GLASGOW QMU*

*as special guests to Big Country

Tickets available now  here .

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SPEAR OF DESTINY ANNOUNCE UK HEADLINE TOUR FOR 2023

Jun 6, 2023 | Events , Music

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW HERE + SUPPORT DATES WITH BIG COUNTRY

“Spear of Destiny are criminally underrated and are one of Britain’s best, Boys Own, punch the air, grandiose Rock ‘n’ Roll bands.” – Louder Than War

“Kirk Brandon is one of the Uk’s best kept secrets.” – MOJO

“@kirkbrandon is one of our greatest musical geniuses.” – Jeremy Vine “Thirty years together makes for flawless musicianship, a unique sound, and some remarkable riffs and harmonies.” – Aberdeen Voice

Marking 40 years since their formation this year – SPEAR OF DESTINY – have announced a run of UK headline shows for 2023, alongside a set of dates supporting Big Country.

Kicking off in York on 5 April, the extensive live run will see Spear of Destiny play 38 shows across the UK in April, May and June, some as special guests to long-term friends Big Country and others as headline shows in their own right.

Having made a stir with their punk-influenced power-rock since 1983, Spear of Destiny emerged from the wreckage of iconic post-punk band Theatre of Hate. Formed by original duo Kirk Brandon and Stan Stammers, the band named themselves after the weapon used by Roman centurion Longinus as he pierced the body of Jesus as he hung on the cross. Gaining traction in the UK, and with Melody Maker enthusing that “by this time next year, [Spear] should be huge”, their debut album ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ was released in 1983 on Epic Records. After releasing ‘One Eyed Jacks’ in 1984, and almost cracking the UK Top 10 with 1985’s ‘World Service’, Brandon disbanded the existing lineup and Spear of Destiny vanished for much of the next two years. After bouncing back with a completely new lineup, Spear finally achieved the success that had evaded them for so long, with 1987’s ‘Outland’ spawning some of the band’s biggest hits to date including “Stranger In Our Town”, “Never Take Me Alive” and “Was That You”. They also toured with U2, eventually playing Wembley Stadium with the band that summer.

But, on the eve of a slot at Reading Festival and with their first American tour on the horizon, tragedy struck when Brandon was diagnosed with Reiter’s Syndrome. Over the following years Spear of Destiny struggled amidst Brandon’s diagnosis and legal problems that meant they were prohibited from using their own band’s name. After finally reclaiming the Spear name in the late 1990s, Brandon and the band have worked consistently ever since: their ninth studio album ‘Morning Star’ was released in 2003, followed by ‘Loadestone’ and ‘Imperial Prototype’ in 2005 and 2007 respectively. Now in 2022, the current Spear of Destiny lineup is the longest serving to date, featuring Adrian Portas (New Model Army/Sex Gang Children), Craig Adams (Sisters of Mercy/The Cult/The Mission) and Phil Martini (Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind), as well as Clive Osborne on saxophone and Steve Allen-Jones on keys.

Over recent years Brandon has supervised a major reissue campaign of the band’s back catalogue, and Spear have played sell-out shows at the likes of London’s iconic 100 Club, Manchester’s Ritz and Oran Mor in Glasgow, as well as festival slots at Sign of the Times, Rebellion and Kubix.

Still continuing to look toward the future, Brandon has penned fourteen new tracks for the latest Spear of Destiny album ‘Ghost Population’. Set for full commercial release in May 2023, the record will be available on Brandon’s own Eastersnow recording Company via Code 7 Distribution.

SPEAR OF DESTINY UK LIVE DATES 2023

MAY Wed 17 BLACKPOOL Waterloo Thu 18 GUILDFORD Holroyd Arms Fri 19 SOUTHAMPTON The 1865* Sat 20 FROME Cheese & Grain* Tue 23 EXETER Phoenix Wed 24 LEICESTER Musician Thu 25 BRISTOL Rough Trade*

**Fri 26 CARDIFF Y Plas University Sat 27 NORTHAMPTON Roadmender* Wed 31 NEWCASTLE Wylam Brewery* JUNE 2023 Thu 1 EDINBURGH Queens Hall* Fri 2 ABERDEEN Music Hall* Sat 3 GLASGOW QMU*

*as special guests to Big Country

Tickets available now here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION w/ www.kirkbrandon.com f/ www.facebook/com/kirkbrandonofficial

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Chris Stapleton Announces Australia and New Zealand Tour

The country singer will be bringing his headline ‘all-american roadshow tour’ down under.

Chris Stapleton is set to make his debut tour in Australia and New Zealand.

The country singer will be bringing his headline ‘All-American Roadshow Tour’ Down Under next year.

His Australian tour kicks off on Tuesday, February 25th at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, followed by Brisbane Entertainment Centre on February 28th, and Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney on March 4th. He will then head to New Zealand, performing at Auckland’s Spark Arena on Friday, March 7th.

Grammy-nominated blues rocker, Marcus King, will be joining him as a special guest for all dates.

A Live Nation pre-sale begins on Thursday, April 11th at 11 am, running until Friday, April 12th at 10 am. General public tickets will go on sale on Friday, April 12th at 11 am. 

Kentucky-born Stapleton is a multi Grammy, CMA, and ACM award-winner. He recently won two awards at the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards: Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song for his hit, “White Horse.”

In recent years, Stapleton has collaborated with Adele, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Justin Timberlake, P!nk, Sheryl Crow, Santana, and more.

Stapleton is bringing his talents to our shores following the release of his acclaimed fifth studio album, Higher , which features the hit single “White Horse”. Other fan favourite tracks include “You Should Probably Leave”, “Starting Over”, and a popular cover of “Tennessee Whiskey”.

CHRIS STAPLETON’S ALL-AMERICAN ROADSHOW GOES DOWN UNDER

Australia & new zealand 2025.

With Special Guest Marcus King

Tuesday, February 25th Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

Friday, February 28th Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

Tuesday, March 4th Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney

Friday, March 7th Spark Arena, Auckland

Pre-sales commence Tuesday, April 9th from 10am.

Vodafone customers can get tickets early from Tuesday, April 9th at 10 am until Thursday, April 11th at 10 am. Visit Vodafone.com.au/ticket.

Mastercard cardholders in Australia can access presale tickets from Tuesday, April 9th at 10 am until Thursday, April 11th at 10 am. Preferred ticket access is available on Friday, April 12th from 11 am. Go to www.priceless.com/music for details.

General public tickets – on sale on Friday, April 12th at 11am. All times local.

For more information head to livenation.com.au

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Upcoming concerts for Spear of Destiny

• Sunday August 04, 2024 The Pack, Spear of Destiny, and Theatre of Hate 100 Club, London
• Friday November 15, 2024 Spear of Destiny and The Skids 229, London
• Friday December 13, 2024 The Skids and Spear of Destiny Engine Rooms, Southampton

Sunday 16 April 2023

Spear of Destiny

Discover more in Brighton

48 Trafalgar Street BN1 4ED Brighton, UK 01273 730499 princealbertbrighton.co.uk

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