CONTRARY to what you may read elsewhere, Big Country's gig on Friday at Fibbers in York is NOT a 30th anniversary show for the check-shirted Scots' third studio album, The Seer, the one best known for the late Stuart Adamson's duet with Kate Bush on the title track.

Instead, the focus will be on "the best of Big Country and more – live", says publicist Dave Hill. "They'll be perform classic hits and live favourites including Harvest Home, Fields Of Fire, East Of Eden, the two-million selling In A Big Country, Chance, Wonderland, Just A Shadow, Where The Rose Is Sown, their biggest UK success Look Away and The Teacher."

Big Country were formed in 1981 by guitar-playing founder members, the late Stuart Adamson and Bruce Watson, both born in the band’s hometown of Dunfermline. Initially driven by a shared vision of widescreen guitar melody and harmony, the 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, working in tandem with producer Steve Lillywhite, recorded the classic debut album The Crossing in 1983. Steeltown followed in 1984, The Seer in 1986 and Peace In Our Time in 1988.

The band now comprises Bruce Watson on guitars and vocals, Mark Brzezicki, drums and vocals, and Jamie Watson, guitars and vocals, augmented on stage by singer and guitarist Simon Hough and bassist Scott Whitley.

Tickets cost £22.50 at fibbers.co.uk or on the door from 7.30pm.