Kirsten’s dad Stuart Adamson took his own life in 2001. She has written her dad a letter to thank him for his music. Facebook: / bbcscotland Twitter: / bbcscotland Instagram: / bbcscotland
I met Stuart twice, the first briefly; the second time was when I interviewed him for a German newspaper. In conversation, Stuart was modest, friendly, down to earth and had a sense of humour. It has often been said that meeting one of your heroes can be a let-down. The very opposite was true when, as a big BC fan, I met one of mine.
Brilliant your father was a masterclass in music,and big country was one of my favourite bands, Kirsten you must be proud of your dad and good luck in your future take care xx
Just turned 59 and your Dad's music still resonates with me. Someone quoted from East Of Eden here in the comments section.." Some days will stay a thousand years, some pass like the flash of a spark...who knows where all our days go? " Those words struck a chord with me in 1984 and still affect me to this day. Bless you and take care!
well I cried. I know he's a proud dad, and he was one of the most important musicians ever, a total genius. it's not that hard to write songs in a minor key, angry or sad, that sound good, but to write happy songs that don't sound sappy, trite, or derivative, is a real challenge, and he was a profoundly talented crafter of music of any mood he wished to convey. uplifting anthems, if I had my own country I'd've hired him to write us a national anthem.
I miss your father every day. You look so much like him. Big Country's music has gotten me through some very difficult times. I simply can't understand why their music didn't catch absolute fire over here in the States. Thanks so much, Kirsten. Keep playing music.
This a daft thing in a way but means so much to me...I literally bumped into your Dad at the petrol station that used to be beside MFI in Dunfermline. I paid my petrol bill at the till, turned to walk out and there he was, or should I say his chest! He was a big guy. I made my apologies as did he and I walked out into my car. " I just bumped into the Big Man" I thought. I felt blessed but not as much as I did when I heard of his passing. You're Dad was and still is a legend. I still blast his songs on my car audio at 52. He'll always be a legend. Well done on your vid hen :)
In 1989 I lost my son through divorce and almost took my life on the other side of the world from where my wee baby boy was .. I still remember that day everyday ... My saving grace was your Dad's voice and the band blasting into my ears .... The song Fields on fire and the words gave me the strength to carry on .. many years have passed and my life has not been easy but in tuff times I turn up the volume and listen and reflect ... sending condolences from and old Scottish Soldier.... God bless you
I am crying my eyes out watching this. Stuart was certainly one of the most amazing and prolific songwriters ever. I reached a point of despair, where I almost left my daughters and son. I'm glad I did not succeed. Big country music has been an inspiring in stabilizing force in my life. I can never take for granted the strong bond between a father and his children. Thank you for posting this, and reminding me how vital that bond of love is.
Kirsten I would like to tell you I had the pleasure of seeing your Dad and Big Country live on 25 occasions. 1st till the last tour. I was lucky enuff to meet the band on numerous occasions. The band no-one has ever come close to in my eyes. Those live shows, electric. Stuart was a musical genius, a musical god, read what Eric Clapton has to say about him. The Edge comments also. Band individually sublime, collectively sound on another level. The big man will always be one of my biggest hero’s. His music and lyrics will live forever.
As a Dad of 2 cheeky daughters. Who I adore so much. I can't imagine leaving them any time soon. I hope. Kirsten ur dad was and still is a hero to us all.
I listened to your dad's music from " into the valley " right up to " Driving to Damascus " , and loved them all along the road of my life , it is only in my later years , with children of my own , that some of your dad's lyrics make sense " Some days will stay a thousand years , some pass like the flash of a spark , who knows where all our days go "
Your dad was the greatest singer and song writer ! It ripped my heart out to ! What a wonderful letter to your father. Come UP SCREAMING , May the Father bless you, and be with you and your family and all of Mankind. I will not Consent. Feed the people, stay alive.
Heartbreaking and uplifting too! Had he heard these words in his time of crisis, he would still be with us today! Stuart is immensely proud of you both!
Kirsten, my thoughts to you, your brother and your mother. We are only fans who loved and lived your dads music. Big Country was my band when I was a kid, but to be the daughter of this special, unique, humble man...... Your dad would be so proud of you and Calum with your career/interest in music. My love and best wishes to you and your family. When its my time, I will have on my headstone.. Some days will stay a thousand years Some pass like the flash of a spark Who know were all our days go!! Take care Kirsten and continued good health to you and your family. Stay alive!!!
Beautiful. I too lost my Dad to alcohol but unlike you I did not have much in the way of good memories or much I could be proud of my father for. You are obviously very proud of your Dad and so you should be, he was very talented. I remember him in the skids and then Big Country and remember watching the performance on the Tube in the early 80's whilst doing my college homework. I was blown away by the energy and how much fun they appeared to be having. I too play guitar and always sight your Dad and john McGeoch as big influences. Two late great players who stood out from the crowd due to their unique and clever approach and sound. Nite Godbless Stuart RIP X
Very emotional, such a brave thing to do, must have been tough. Stuart was such a musical hero to so many people, but such a troubled soul (and most of us had no idea...)…
Your dad's music has moved me so much. Given the loss I still feel over your dad's death, I can't imagine how you must feel. Nonetheless, he must be so very proud of you.
Kirsten if you had read all the words of Eiledon I would have cried all night. Sorry never got to see you with the Gillyflowers but as Callum said you were scared of crossing that roman wall. Followed you're dad from the skids to that Final fling at the Barras, so I wish you all the luck in the world and callum. Love Gareth xx
I loved your dad's singing and musicianship. He seemed a true poet to me. I'm sorry that he left you. That was unfair of him. Your forgiveness of him is uplifting. He was a great man and a complex man. So sad that he took his own life. I wish you every happiness and enough peace to enjoy it.
Stuart would be proud of you such a lovely letter to him. I met your such talented Father several times. When I lived in Canada I would listen to Big Country and dream of living in the UK and visit Scotland when I came over. It eventually happened. I saw him walking down the street in Camden town in London one time. I was like did Stuart Adamson just walk by me? I ran back and asked was he Big Country singer he said Yeah. He said come to the show tonight and I did. I had actually just bought some of his music on cassettes that day the truth. At the gig he was so nice and friendly and I had a photo taken with him. He gave me the set list after the gig and guitar pick. I really looked up to him and couldn't believe I was hanging after the show with him. His music touched me in a way I will never forget, it is timeless emotional and full of soul. I met him a few other times in Ireland and the UK and he always remembered me. His music is so original and full of hope and dreams, this is what i brought to me.Big Country reminded me of what and where I wanted to be. Which was in the UK surrounded by countryside and being happy. The music was very deep to me and Im sure Stuart was also but he was very kind to people. Its so great to see you playing music. Big Country had a really positive influence on me. Its weird as I dreamed that I would meet your Father one day,It did come true all by Chance such a great song. I still listen to his music all the time as they will never be a band or musician like Stuart. RIP
Hi Kirsten I saw Big Country in 1989 Peace in our time tour at leeds Uni it was one of the best concerts ever your Dad could do things with a guitar that us mortals only dream of the music of Big Country touched me like a fire and still makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck to this day and takes me to far away places in my minds eye
You ve brought tears to my eyes , as I think , of the legend , STUART ,he brought so much to every body he meet , and sharred time with him ! god bless you , your family and friends , we love you stuart !
I almost cried hearing your letter to your dad . I met the band outside a gig in Leeds and your father was most accommodating to this slightly drunk fan . A lovely talented man .
One of the greatest things I ever saw was you sing on stage with your dad kirsten. "Fragile thing" was blown away by this performance and miss his drive enthusiasm talent and charisma . Big country just not the same no matter how hard they try with out "the front man" fond memories sleep easy Stuart you're daughter is a strong and grounded young woman you should be proud of her, I'm sure in life you were god bless Kirsten x .
Stuart changed my life with his music and lyrics. I can’t believe it’s nearly 20 years since he left us. You should be immensely proud of your background!
When I was a young kid (in the 2000's, and very early 2010's) my dad often played Big Country songs, or watched live performance videos of them on TV (my dad is from Scotland after all.) Back then, I had no idea Stuart, the voice I was hearing in the songs, was no longer around. And here I am, a 17 year old, in 2021, finding that out. Stuart, you're an absolute legend. Rest easy, bud.
I have no wise words, I'm sorry I just loved everything that Stuart Adamson did. I cried when he passed and his/Big Country's music will always move me and make me feel emotional. R.I.P. Stuart
Amen to everything stated in this video. Stuart did leave the world with some brilliant, meaningful music and lyrics. I think it's rare to have that kind of combination of talent these days.
When an inspirational parent dies, their inspiration doesn't die with them and their final moments should not be what defines the life they lived. People still tell me how much my mum inspired them as their teacher and it is a really uplifting feeling when that happens. I hope Kirsten and Callum feel equally rewarded knowing their dad made a difference in people's lives via the art of words and song.
This was so moving. Big Country’s music and songs got me through a lot of hard times. Stuart’s guitar skills were great and first encountered them listening to The Skids. The Crossing album made me want to visit Scotland and encounter the emotions that exuded from it. I lived in Inverness and Stirling for a few years and walked many a mountain inspired by the music. Eiledon is one of my favourite songs off The Seer.
I saw Big Country twice in the late 80s and at the second Stuart did his mingle with the fans, i shook his hand and he looked me in the eye an smiled that infectious cheeky smile! That 1 song in particular has always been my favorite EILEDON The e-bow on his Yamaha SG 2000 almost sounding like bagpipes! Those lyrics, he was a modern day poet! Sadly missed, but the music never dies! RESPECT TO KIRSTEN! X
I just spent my evening watching big country at a live gig! Your dad was there, his words and music echoing around that venue, played by his old band members and the new, 40 years old some of the songs and they sound like yesterday to me And a nice tribute to your dad at the end too. He, his music and his legacy are loved 🙏
für uns Fans war Stuart der Kopf der Band, der Songwriter der meisten BC-Songs, der Sänger der sein Publikum in der Hand hatte, der sympathische Kerl aus Dunfermline. Die Band Live erleben zu dürfen, diese Energie, die Power - die hatte nur Big Country, die hatte nur Stuart. Das ist die Seite der Fans. Kirsten zeigt uns die Seite einer Tochter. Es bricht mir das Herz, den ich kenne ihren Schmerz, den auch mein Vater starb als ich Teenager war. Danke Kirsten Adamson - all the best
An open letter that is a tale of heartbreak and loss but ultimately triumph. All those years later, the same year as the Twin Towers atrocity and yet it feels so recent. What I miss most about him is his perceptive turn of phrase. Even when he was young Stuart seemed to have the insight of a wizened old man. The Seer. Whatever the future holds it wont herald the fresh thrill of unwrapping another box of Stuart Adamson mellifluent similes, metaphors and witticisms but the past is replete with them and that ultimately is our triumph and yes his triumph. His songs will live till the end of time.
What an amazing tribute, you brought tears to my eyes. Your dad was a hero to me when I was young at school, he was my teenage idol. I will never forget him .
Wonderful words from a daughter to her father in heaven, I loved his music since the first time I heard heart and soul many years ago And stil do and always will , God bless you
One of my favourite ever bands and Stuart was a great musician and singer. I saw them live at the Hummingbird Club in Birmingham twice and they had the place rocking, one of the best live bands I've seen. I was shocked and saddened by the news of his passing, but he left behind great music and memories.
Wow. Seeing Kirsten and hearing her voice and talking about not just our Stuart but her dad was a mix of emotions. At first sadness and tears for myself but more for her and Stuart but then happiness knowing a part of a great man lives on in his beautiful daughter along with his amazing songs. I hope Kirsten truly is happy and has a great life. Im sure her father is watching and smiling through the tears. God bless you Kirsten and God keep you Stuart. We miss you more than you could ever know.
Kristen, know that there was Bono, there was Simon Lebon, there was Jim Kerr, there was Sting......then there was your dad, in a unique class of his own. Your father was much bigger than his fame. He continues to inspire so many of us. Saludos from Texas!
I wasnt even born when Stuart was making music, but his music still gives a special feeling that very few others can even mimic. Stuart makes me proud to say im Scottish, thank you for everything.
We still love Stuart. A Superstar that could rouse a rabble. I hope you're ok. I will never forget being at Big Country gigs aged around 16. What a rush. Your Dad means a lot to many people x
This is beautiful kirsten. I was born and raised in the states and came of age in the 80's and the sound of big country was a big part of my early life. I still play it at 51. My grandmother was born and raised in Dalmuir and I feel that small part of scotch resonate in me, especially when I hear your father's music. For that I am most grateful. Best of luck with whatever you do.
Words are not enought to describe the depth and beauty of this. From a father of two daughters and a son, thank you Kirsten. Your dad's words are a gift to the world and his music lives on forever.
Your father was a great musician, with a special style of his own. It is such a blessing to listen to what he created, and gave life to, both in music, and you! We miss, and love you Stuart! Rest in peace!❤💯
I've been listening to Kirsten's Friday live streaming sessions on her Facebook page. I can hear and see a lot of Stuart's beautiful traits in her.. . but she's a brilliant musician and singer in her own right... she's a credit to her dad.
Wow, made my eyes water! Stuart wrote some of the most amazing songs that will live on forever as part of his legacy. It's just a shame he's not still with us, but at least a part of him can be found in his wonderful daughter!
I just want to say that I go back 30 years with Big Country. I love them and their music means a lot to me. My boys have strict instructions that 2 songs must be played at my funeral. Street Fighting Years by Simple Minds and Eiledon by Big Country. Thanks from Nick in New Zealand.
He and Big Country had a great positive influene in many ways for my life. Wherever he is now - Thanks for the music! With love and greetings from Hannover
Your dad was awsome and in a big country is one of the greatest songs of all time I hope your heart will heal. Much love and respect from santa Cruz nor cal
Kirsten ... Your dad gave a lot of people a happy heart .. I was just a kid from Belfast .. a war torn child and your dad made me feel like I mattered . I'll always remember him that way.
Always been part of my life kirsten your Dad was my hero and always looked up to him everywhere i go when music comes into conversation i always tell people about Big Country and what an amazing band they were
