March 22nd 2024 – 1865, Southampton
Supported by: The Icicle Works
Back to the 1865 for some rock legends. This was a walk down memory lane with my first watch ever of The Icicle Works and also Big Country, sadly no Stuart Adamson around these days, but wonderful none the less.
Southampton’s 1865 isn’t just a venue—it’s a vibe. Nestled among local favourites like The Joiners, The Engine Rooms and The Brook, it’s the kind of place where you get from a nod from security, the bar staff are there to have fun too, and the crowd are all fans, not just there for the name. It’s no wonder artists love coming back—and tonight, two titans of the post-punk and alt-rock world are here to remind us why we fell in love with live music in the first place.
The Icicle Works: Hollow Horses and Scouse Sorcery
Before the main event, we’re treated to a reunion that’s been 35 years in the making. Ian McNabb—aka “Boots” to his mates—takes the stage with original Icicle Works bassist Chris Layhe, and it’s like the 80s never left. With his 12-string Gretsch acoustic and a twinkle in his eye, Ian channels a Liverpudlian Neil Young, full of charm, wit, and that unmistakable voice.
I’m loving this. It’s one of the great conundrums in my music world – why have I got 3 albums and never seen these guys live (or Big Country for that matter)! They were integral to my 80’s music seen with “Birds Fly (Whisper to a scream” and “Love is a Wonderful Colour”. Anyway, better late than never, I’m here now!
They kick off with “Hollow Horse” and “Little Girl Lost,” and the crowd—clearly in on the nostalgia—sings along like it’s a hometown pub gig. The chemistry between Ian and Chris is electric, and you can feel the joy radiating from the stage. It’s not just a performance—it’s a homecoming.
A nod to their VHS-era glory days comes with “Out of Season,” evoking grainy oil rig footage and live cuts that defined a generation. “Starry Blue-Eyed Wonder” sparkles, and “Understanding Jane” gets a country twist that somehow works perfectly. When “Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream)” lands, the Stranger Things crowd in the audience perks up—this isn’t just retro, it’s pop culture gold.
They close with “Love is a Wonderful Colour,” a track that still sounds like it belongs on every mixtape ever made. This is my past in wonderful colour! The applause is thunderous, and Ian heads to the merch table to greet the “Southampton VIPs” with a grin.
Big Country: Steeltown Still Shines
Then it’s time. Big Country—Scottish rock royalty—take the stage to celebrate 40 years of their sophomore smash “Steeltown.” For longtime fans, this is more than a gig—it’s a pilgrimage. Stuart Adamson may be gone, but his spirit is everywhere, and tonight’s lineup does him proud.
Gil Allan’s bass rumbles into “Flame of the West,” and suddenly we’re back in the trenches of 80s rock warfare. “East of Eden,” “Steeltown,” and “Where the Rose is Sown” hit like sonic sledgehammers, with Mark Brzezicki proving once again why he’s one of the era’s most underrated drummers. Bruce Watson and son Jamie bring the signature guitar sound that made Big Country stand out from the pack—bagpipe tones and all.
The full “Steeltown” album gets a live airing (minus “The Girl with Grey Eyes”), and it’s a masterclass in how to do an anniversary show right. No filler, no fluff—just pure, unfiltered Big Country.
Then come the hits. “Look Away” brings the drama, “Chance” brings the tears (“Oh Lord, where did those feelings go…”), and “In a Big Country” brings the house down. “Fields of Fire” turns into a jam session, complete with a cheeky Thin Lizzy “Whiskey in the Jar” detour. And just when you think it’s over, they roar back with “Restless Natives”. A cracking end to a cracking night of nostalgia.
Nostalgia, Fire, and a Whole Lotta screaming “HA!”
Tonight wasn’t just a gig—it was a celebration of friendship, legacy, and the kind of music that got me through difficult times. Whether you came for the jangly charm of The Icicle Works or the thunderous roar of Big Country, you left with your heart full and your ears ringing.
Long live the 1865. Long live the legends.
Set List
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