Hi Chris
Please post this on your website.
I saw Mike Peters use his Sparrow at this year's Gathering in Prestatyn. Guitar looked the biz and sounded great!
Wow; what a show! Has to be one of the best music events I've been to. I could only attend the Friday night but it was fantastic. After Rusty Egan's DJing, Mike kicked off the evening with a solo spot. Introduced by Gaz Top - a master presenter indeed - Mike came to the small centre stage. Just him, his Gibson acoustic and a harmonica. He had the crowd in his hands and he delighted all his followers.
His performance - as always - is totally honest; bearing his soul through his music and lyrics. After half a dozen solo numbers, the band appeared and we were given a further treat - this one more sonic with drums, bass, keyboard and a lead guitar (albeit acoustic; but who cares when you're listening to James Stevenson). A fantastic session!
A bit of a breather and blow me if Mike doesn't appear with Big Country on the main stage. More treats were delivered! (Actually I've already seen him in action with BC in Liverpool, so it was second helpings of tasty numbers for me - and many other Gathering goers too.)
Mike has grasped the nettle by taking on the Big Country frontman role. But what a great job he's doing. And, you can tell that the other members of the band gel with him. He isn't trying to take the place of the late and great Stuart Adamson but he is doing his memory proud. And what of the others? Big Country rock 100% - one of the tighest groups on the planet. Bruce and Jamie Watson crank out the melodies, with Tony Butler and Mark Brzezicki providing solid sonics. Tony's bass playing is outstanding.
Big Country with Mike on lone from his Alarm duties - a fantastic combination no one should miss!
Anyone reading this that missed this year's Gathering - do yourself a favour and keep an eye out for the next one. In the meantime note that Mike is supporting Ocean Colour Scene at Llandudno on February 10th and Cardiff on February 11th.
