There are fascinating roots to THE CASBAH CLUB Bruce Watson and Mark Brzezicki spent nearly two decades in one of Scotland's finest rock bands BIG COUNTRY. Bruce Foxton was a founder member of first generation punk/new wave's legendary JAM. The Jam gave Big Country their first break on the British live circuit. Opening for them at Wembley Arena for six nights back in 1982, which were their final dates. With the break up of Big Country and then the passing of STUART ADAMSON in 2001, Bruce and Mark have been working with other acts, but had a yearn to be in a band that was part theirs as opposed to being paid session men. Besides, when Bruce was working with FISH and DEAD MEN WALKING recently, there was a lot of demand for Big Country songs. Bruce and Mark had met for the first time in awhile when recording the new Fish album and decided that it was time for them to make their own waves. Encouraged by Big Country manager Ian Grant, Bruce and Mark approached Big Country bass player Tony Butler but he was not available, as he has temporarily retired from live work. Bruce says, "I am really looking forward to being in a band again. The only danger is that there are now two Bruce’s." Mark Brzezicki and Bruce Foxton had a mutual wish to work with each other and nearly did in 2003 with Simon Townshend, so when it became known Tony wasn’t available; it was obvious whom to call. Bruce has been working with STIFF LITTLE FINGERS for the past 14 years, and more recently with 3 MEN & BLACK playing acoustic shows around the UK. When Mark called Bruce said, "Count me in"! Bruce says, "I am very excited about the forthcoming shows. With such a wealth of material and, dare I say, talented line up, this band really has great potential. Here's to the future”. There is a business connection as well in that Ian Grant was there at the outset of The Jams career in that he gave them their initial gigs in London at The Nashville Rooms and Red Cow (both legendary venues of the pub rock/punk rock era). The musical combination of these three whets the appetite. Add to it former Big Country keyboard player JOSH PHILIPS with singer JJ GILMOUR formerly of THE SILENCERS and one can unashamedly drool over its musical potential. Josh's career began when he was fifteen with an appearance in the film and soundtrack of 'Quadrophenia. He has since worked with acts such as Pete Townshend, Phil Collins & Procul Harum & also worked on stage with Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, & Sting. JJ has his own band and last year recorded and released a superb solo album "Sunnyside (P.A.L)". It is an emotionally charged intensely personal album, a record of rare honesty, which throughout identifies certain important, influential or amusing people and moments in his life. The chemistry that this new line up will no doubt have will create and exciting melting pot of their combined talent. The band will be performing songs from all their individual incarnations. They embark on their first tour this April at include the following Irish dates - Venue/Ticket details as follows Belfast: Friday 16th April Tel: 0870 234 4455 Buy on line: www.ticketmaster.co.uk Dublin/Limerick: Saturday 16th & Sunday 17thApril Tel: 0818 719 330 Buy on line: www.ticketmaster.ie Bruce Watson - Guitar Bruce Foxton - Bass JJ Gilmour - Vocals, guitar Josh Philips - Keyboards Mark Brzezicki - Drums Facts. The Jam were on the UK album charts for 162 weeks. Big Country were on the UK album charts for 142 weeks Both bands had number 1 albums The Jam had 13 Top Twenty singles (including 4 number 1’s) Big Country had 8 Top Twenty singles (highest peaking at 7) There is a planned convention proposed for Saturday 16th April at the Russell Court Hotel on Harcourt Street in Dublin. Go to www.bigcountry.co.uk for details. All members will be present. There will be acoustic performances plus signing sessions etc.