Hey man. So good to hear Marky get the recognition for his work, and finding him so inspiring. His work on Steeltown is awesome, as is everything we did together. Good to know there is another drummer with his influence and chops out there. I’ll keep you in mind. All the best. TB
Wow Tony’s bass playing was also incredible .i loved the original lineup they where huge they invented a whole new way of playing in mainstream rock that involved tone technique musicality effects and pure talent and hard work ...they also had a sound that was totally original and unique...I remember hearing Tony interviewed and he said at the beginning of big country he also got asked to join the pretenders thank goodness he didn’t cos his playing sound and vocal was magical ....
Rob, I like you even more because you like Big Country! So many people think they only had a couple hits, and I'm always telling people they missed out on a truly great band... Peace bro.
I’m only 15 and my dad loves big country like literally he’s there biggest fan. I’ve loved Mark since I was about 6. I am goin to the big country and the skids concert in the academy in Dublin ireland. A friend of my dad reached out to Richard Jonson and showed him a video of me singing The saints are coming live and he loved it and I now get to see them live in Dublin from side stage
As much as I love Bonham and Peart, they've been done to death on videos like this. It's great to see Brzezicki finally get some well deserved props from a great player!
The first time I saw Mark play was on the Big Country at Barrowlands VHS tape (yes I'm really that old) and it just blew me away! I've just got my first kit and now I'm getting the chance to play along to all those great songs.
His solo on Roger Daltrey's Keith Moon tribute song 'Under a Raging Moon' is so ballsy! All the invited drummers are doing bombastic solos, and Mark goes totally against the grain and does this subtle askew pattern that is so him, LOL!
His drumming on The Cults Love album is incredible!! Ive been drumming for 37 years and I still cant cop the rhythm he plays on the intro of the song Big Neon Glitter. Thanks for this video.
Just to say this vid has been picked up by various BC FB pages, and it has been passed onto Mark too to watch. Thanks for recognising what an awesome talent this man is.
Saw Big Country for the first time in Dec 82 at Wembley Arena (The Jam’s farewell tour). They blew everyone away: it was just amazing. A fan since then. Nice video, you’re a true gent 👍😎
I not only love Big Country and find them disasterously underrated but Mark is a tremendous drummer. They are still at it and I'm sure he'd be blown away by your video because he's a good humble dude.
Great to see Mark get some credit here. I was totally in to Big Country and I love the way they combined rock with an authentic traditional Scottish sound. Mark was very creative and pretty much pioneered a new style of playing that involved beautifully executed snare chops and syncopated tom rhythms. Tony Butler was a killer bass player a well and a great singer. Very sad about Stuart's passing. Thanks for the great video.
Hi Rob! Yes….Big Country is my favorite band of all time! Mark had a huge influence on my playing as well. I was so lucky to see them live in 1993 at an impromptu show at the Roxy in Hollywood. It is still one of the highlights of my life. I am so glad to hear there are others out there that love my favorite band and drummer! Thank you for this video!
Mark was an enormous influence on every drummer in the 80s ... he brought a whole new style of drumming very creative and musical .i met him after a gig they played on the driving to Damascus tour he was so humble and kind loved talking drums and gear ..he stills play great ....
One of my all-time favourite bands and drummer... He is a fantastic sticks man... Much can be learned from his playing, for sure! Long live Big Country, long live Mark Brizecki(that's how it's pronounced, by the way)... R.I.P. Stewart Adamson...
I was lucky enough to meet Mark at a Drum clinic with Natal at Absolute Music in the UK this week,I learned a lot and it was an amazing evening! Mark is a well deserved drumming legend but what a brilliant guy as well. He shook hands and spoke with everyone in the room and took extra time with the younger ones in the crowd, it was really heart warming. The Natal walnut kit sounds great by the way!
A big thumbs up to Rob for his appreciation of Mark's talent and influence. Mark and Bruce have an ongoing commitment to Big Country and are gigging 'The Seer' thru '16 into '17 across U.K., Norway and beyond. There's some techniques the beginner will say incredulously what's IS he playing there? And others which the seasoned pro will reflect on are his thorough, syncopated workouts and great interpretation. Also his role as part of the song writing team wasn't to just keep the beat and through his exploitation of rhythm, timbre and tempo & phrasing ensured the BC sound was creatively unique. Yes, since 1981 I've been a fan too and despite his focussed, serious countenance (facial expression) when playing in his earlier days, the big guy's definitely smiling more and relaxed in recent YT interviews.
To those who haven't, try Sailor from The Seer. A song of two halves with an awsome last few bars. A lot of people didn't get BC in my day. To say they missed out is an understatement. Ps if you like Mark's work, check out the Love album by The Cult, especially Big Neon Glitter.
Rob, you nailed this video. I remember my older brothers listening to Big Country on their record player in our house. My mom would always yell, "Turn it down!" lol. Anyway, all the members of Big Country had a unique style with their songs but Brzezicki's drum style stood out. From Fields of Fire to Steeltown, his style could be heard through the music. He always added something different for each song. Thanks for sharing.
Oh wow, amazing to hear other drummers who love Mark’s work with Big Country. He was a MAJOR influence for me when I first started playing. I nearly died of excitement hearing him play Angle Park on a live performance in the early 80’s. I was hooked after that. I still cannot believe how imaginative and exciting his drum parts are - Wonderland, for me, is the pinnacle. It also evokes Scotland perfectly so that’s a massive bonus! Anyway, thanks for shining some light on the underrated, massively talented Mark Brzezicki. I met him at a few drum clinics in the mid-80’s and have seen him live several times. Modest and decent guy!
Another great example of Marks playing is on Vigil in a wilderness of mirrors by Fish. Seen the album tour years ago live and his drumming was out of this world. He had a massive influence on my playing back in the day. :)
Rob, it’s great to hear that Mark Brzezicki is getting such high praise from accomplished drummers like yourself. Although, Neil Pearl has also had a tremendous influence on how I approach drumming, I am completely in-sync with you on how awesome Mark Brzezicki is. I am sure I have driven some of my family members crazy with how often and long I have been listening to Big Country. I am with you on the Steeltown album as well as I believe it is one of the very best albums produced, period. Big Country and Rush are definitely my two all time favorite bands and if I were to give you a pie chart of who has influenced me the most it would look something like 40% Neil Peart, 35% Mark Brzezicki and 25% a few other great drummers like Phil Gould, Stewart Copeland, Manu Katche, Scott Rockenfield and Alan White. Thanks for putting together this video and telling us how you grew up listening to Mark and Big Country. I really enjoyed it.
Geeez, guys. I knew of his work with The Cult but I was unaware of all the other projects/artists he was involved with. We hear so little of him over here in North America/Canada! Thanks for the education 🙂
When everybody else was into Neil Peart, I was practicing Mark B's fills from Big Country. Totally shocked but elated when "She Sells Sanctuary" came out and saw his name on the liner notes. Be well and thanks for the vid!
@@mushroomflyer6312 Shame he didn't play on that track. I would have liked to hear him on that. He would have made it really funky and interesting. (He's miming on the video, tho) ;-)
Very impressed . The whole band individually were amazing at playing their respective instruments. Mark along with Tony Butler on bass were phenomenal . Only a good ear can pick up the class
THANK YOU. Mark is one of my heroes and biggest influences as well. The Wonderland EP and Steeltown were huge for me. He's a criminally under-recognized drummer.
One of my fav drummers & also my fav big country album the intro drum fill to "Tall ships go" makes me smile every time I hear it - just wish I'd gone to see them in the 80's
Mark was a massive influence on me when he was seasoning for The Cult back in 85-86. The drum roll on Love still gives me goose bumps to this day. He was awesome in Big Country too. He actually judged me in a drumming competition when I was a teen (along with the Status Quo drummer - I didn't win).
Mark’s one of the best in the business, I saw him many times with Big Country and once with The Cult. He’s also worked with Pete Townshend, The Pretenders, Midge Ure amongst others. Here in the UK, the kids weekly music magazine “Smash Hits” didn’t attempt his surname, instead had a running joke calling him “Mark unpronounceable surname”…
You are obviously the smartest man in the drumming universe. Mark B. forever and ever! The greatest. I'm not a drummer. I just know great music when I hear it and Mark B. is the best!
As Jeff says below, respect for posting this video and for being a Big Country fan. Mark’s an unbelievable player; the whole band were incredibly talented and tight. The Crossing is my favourite album and I used to whack pillows with my mum’s knitting needles along to it. Nice one!
wow! great to see him get props. He is definitely one of my top 5 most influential guys. As you can see by username, I LOVE Steeltown and all of their CD's. HUGE influence.
Hey Rob, great video love Big Country from back in the day also . Almost with pronunciation - Mark Brzezicki pronounced "brezeeki" - saw him at a clinic years ago and he was a great guy. BTW love your channel - cool stuff . Rod Scherger.
Played on The Cult album Love. Always loved his work with Big Country. Thanks for giving more props to one of the most overlooked drummers. Cheers Rob...btw I used to air drum to Steel Town, The Seer, The Crossing and everything else by him and still do...lol.
Loved Big Country and Mark’s drumming from the first time I heard it - so distinctive. He sounded like two drummers playing at the same time, even when live. I had the pleasure of seeing them live several times, including in a pub.
That’s fun to hear, how you sat down and air drummed to the whole album. I did the same with « and then there were three » by Genesis. Every single song on it did it for me. I leaned soooo much and I still use it !!
Just came across this vid, I've been the biggest big country fan since I was 13 and I'm delighted you recognise mark's unique talent! As a pipe band drummer I've always admired his technical, military style. The band are still going strong to this day, albeit with some new members after Stuart's passing and tony leaving. Check them out people, you'll love them, and thanks again for this vid Rob 👍
Rob, I've been following your channel for a couple of years, but just discovered this! I am really happy to know that you're into Mark. He doesn't get enough love IMO. He's also a favourite of mine, and Steeltown is in my Top 10 albums of all time. Wonderland is my favourite song from Big Country.
Just blindly stumbled upon this video and thoroughly enjoyed it. I absolutely love your enthusiasm and heartfelt praise of an incredibly gifted man from a band loaded with same. I passed a link onto to Tony Butler. I hope he can pass it on to Mark for you. You did a great job on those parts. You've got a new subscriber. Well done mate.
I’ve been hooked on Mark’s drumming since the first time I listened to The Crossing. When I saw the MTV concert of them at Barrowlands I was blown away. Songs like Inwards, Lost Patrol, 1000 Stars just burned their way into my soul. Then Steeltown came out with those crazy drum bits on East of Eden and Where the Rose is Sown. Such great stuff ! I’m not even a drummer but I would listen just for marks rat a tat boom which is so pleasing. When I heard the Cult album with him playing. Big Neon Glitter kind of jumped out at me and grabbed me by the throat with that awesome sound of Mark’s.
Mark is an amazing drummer, one of the most musical drummers around. He finds little spaces to put subtle textures in and never gets in the way. My first drum teacher used to hang out with him. A huge inspiration for me too. Steeltown is the best album. I 100% agree. The drum sound alone on that album is ridiculous.
Fantastic that you are a big country fan and glad that mark os an influence.yes your right about steeltown album.in my opinion this is one of the best albums ever made.stuart adamson was a poet his lyrics have so much meaning.tony butlers bass playing on this album is out of this world.and bruce watsons guitar playing is outstanding.every album ever made by this band was a work of art.
You are spot on! Mark Brzezicki and Big Country have always been one of my favorites of all time. I was hooked when I first heard the drum intro on "In a Big Country". Yes, I know there are some overdubs, but that doesn't take away any of its coolness. Thanks for giving him props.
If you want to know more about Mark you may want to go here: www.bigcountryinfo.com/podcasts/index.htm It's an excellent series of podcasts about Big Country. Episodes 32-33 feature a very thorough interview with Mark, and episodes 37-42 tell you all about Steeltown. Another fascinating interview can be found here: globaldrumnetwork.com/Listen%20or%20Download%20Here.html (Go to ep. 9) Enjoy!
"Come Back To Me" and "Girl With Grey Eyes" are also great songs from Steeltown. Glad to have found your channel. Actually found it because this video was linked to from Mark's Facebook page! Hope you get a chance to chat with him!
Love Mark and Big Country. He was a major inspiration of mine in the late 80's and early 90's. He used to drink in one of the pubs I also frequented at the time. Spoke to him a few times.
Sorry for late comment, but loved this, Mark was and is a huge favourite of mine growing up and I tried as hard as I could to emulate his tasteful technical playing. Great tribute.
Thank you for this! The Seer is a great album too. There is a recent live video where Mark pronounced Brehzehkee (1st z is silent) is filmed playing the song "Remembrance Day" live -amazing. Think he has 2 or 3 snares going. Their debut album The Crossing is incredible as well.
Thanks Rob. Nice to hear such appreciation for Mark & Big Country. I am a huge Big Country fan & am amazed at the breadth & uniqueness of the Bands work back in the 80's & 90's. If they had toured Australia back then, I am sure they would have been a big hit. Not many know much about them on this side of the World.
Growing up, my favorite rock drummers were Simon Phillips and Brzezicki. Never heard anyone with a backbeat that slayed me like MB. His pocket playing and dynamics are insane. I'd say Gavin Harrison listened to "Chance" a few times. :)
Just discovered this "Heroes" series. Excellent. Mark was a huge influence on me, as well, in the 80s. I think I discovered Big Country via MTV (back when the M stood for Music).
yeah, Mark's one of those goosebump drummers. Superb. Had the same experience as you down here in Australia where they are playing this week ;-} ...As a kid, I played Steeltown over and over trying to copy his parts. That gets in one's bones. Those Octabans, Remo rototom spokes and the mounted timpani bass drum tom just looked awesome and made it shamelessly into my setup forever too!
I'm so glad to see Mark Brzezicki get props here. When I was learning I was always amazed that he could be so technically precise, while remaining completely original and totally compelling. I really can't think of anyone who plays quite like him! As an aside, I was lucky enough to meet and talk to him after a Big Country show here in Southern California. He was *very* humble and *very* kind. I thanked him for all of the great parts he provided drummers with over the years (check out The Cult's first album, "Love,") and he said "Oh thanks, but it's nothing special. Just drumming." It's A LOT more than that!
There’s a drummer in Denmark who also thinks Mark’s the best! I just stumbled upon this video by accident, and - wow - it brought me back. Like you Rob, I was a big fan of Big Country, and I think that Mark is an extremely underrated drummer in the drumming community today. Aside from Marks brilliant technique and his ability to come up with intricate rhythms without losing the feel of the groove, what really stands out for me is the collaboration between Mark and Tony Butler, the bass player. To me, they are the definition of a perfect rhythm section. I think that we, as drummers, often forget that we are a part of a rhythm section, and that the interaction with the bass player is just as important as our ability to control our instrument. Mark understood that in Big Country! Maybe this could be a theme for an upcoming video! Thank you for this upload, and now, I'm gonna find my old "Steeltown"-vinyl, make it spin on the turntable and play some air-drums along to it...
Props to you, Rob. Mark was a huge influence on me as well. He and Tony Butler were the tightest rhythm section of their era. Mark opened new doors for me in polyrhythmic applications and he was a wizard with cymbal effects. So much going on without overplaying. He is in my top 5 most influential drummers. CHEERS!
This is a wonderful story....Big Country wete my band as a kid from Bradford. ENGLAND....Their sound's were my dream's...i thought that I played drums until i listened to you and talents that can play this way
I’m with you sir.....Mark and the band are one of my favorites too and all your cool comments pay him a lot of respect. For a musician to inspire someone to play air drums.....on milk crates ....whole album......awesome.
Hey man. So good to hear Marky get the recognition for his work, and finding him so inspiring. His work on Steeltown is awesome, as is everything we did together. Good to know there is another drummer with his influence and chops out there. I’ll keep you in mind. All the best. TB
Wait, seriously? Rob, you got a callout from the other half of the greatest rhythm-section of the 80's! Tony, tell him how to spell "sown"!
Maaaan tony butler! Seriously, my favorite rhythm section. Ridiculously underrated, and so goddamn good.
Bass player pretty good too
Wow Tony’s bass playing was also incredible .i loved the original lineup they where huge they invented a whole new way of playing in mainstream rock that involved tone technique musicality effects and pure talent and hard work ...they also had a sound that was totally original and unique...I remember hearing Tony interviewed and he said at the beginning of big country he also got asked to join the pretenders thank goodness he didn’t cos his playing sound and vocal was magical ....
Beautiful! I love Mark's drumming too and "Steeltown" is a brilliant album! Thanks for giving this great drummer some credit!
"STEELTOWN"!....AGREED...JUST THE BEST ALBUM!!!....EVERY SONG!.....INCREDIBLE!
Rob, I like you even more because you like Big Country! So many people think they only had a couple hits, and I'm always telling people they missed out on a truly great band... Peace bro.
me too.....me too
I used to squeeze the the whole SteelTown album in every morning before school. It’s so good!
I’m only 15 and my dad loves big country like literally he’s there biggest fan. I’ve loved Mark since I was about 6. I am goin to the big country and the skids concert in the academy in Dublin ireland. A friend of my dad reached out to Richard Jonson and showed him a video of me singing The saints are coming live and he loved it and I now get to see them live in Dublin from side stage
Hearing him play on In a Big Country as a drummer was inspirational.
As much as I love Bonham and Peart, they've been done to death on videos like this. It's great to see Brzezicki finally get some well deserved props from a great player!
The first time I saw Mark play was on the Big Country at Barrowlands VHS tape (yes I'm really that old) and it just blew me away! I've just got my first kit and now I'm getting the chance to play along to all those great songs.
Before this video I never listened to Big Country and man are they good. The drumming is unreal.
His solo on Roger Daltrey's Keith Moon tribute song 'Under a Raging Moon' is so ballsy! All the invited drummers are doing bombastic solos, and Mark goes totally against the grain and does this subtle askew pattern that is so him, LOL!
Mark is so underrated.
I've never listened to Big Country before this and I'm absolutely loving the drumming on this album.
'Inwards' a gem...
Was fortunate to be in London, UK and attended the Big Country concert in Camden. Mark is as good as you say and more! What an evening.
He's always been one of the best. And he's certainly achieved his goal of "defining his own sound". I absolutely know it's him when I hear it.
His drumming on The Cults Love album is incredible!! Ive been drumming for 37 years and I still cant cop the rhythm he plays on the intro of the song Big Neon Glitter. Thanks for this video.
Great shout. I was going to talk about that album
It’s no coincidence that The Cult’s best album had Mark on drums
Just to say this vid has been picked up by various BC FB pages, and it has been passed onto Mark too to watch. Thanks for recognising what an awesome talent this man is.
facebook.com/MarkMBrzezicki/?fref=ts
+The Sailor That's pretty exciting, man. Thanks for letting me know 🙂
Mark is a great drummer. I saw them back in the 95. Saw them playing Live was se some of an Unique experiencia.
Saw Big Country for the first time in Dec 82 at Wembley Arena (The Jam’s farewell tour). They blew everyone away: it was just amazing. A fan since then. Nice video, you’re a true gent 👍😎
So glad you picked Mark Brzezecki!! Totally underrated. My favorite band all time!
I not only love Big Country and find them disasterously underrated but Mark is a tremendous drummer. They are still at it and I'm sure he'd be blown away by your video because he's a good humble dude.
Although I am not a drummer, I always loved and admired the drums of big country. Thanks for making this video.
Am I the only one who got embarrassedly emotional when you thanked him at the end?
Absolutely not Danilo. This is what music is all about. One legend thanking another legend for being awesome? What's not to love!
NOPE!!! Everytime I hear people praising Big Country 30 yearsish later, I get emotional. The people who listened to them seriously, did love them!
Great to see Mark get some credit here. I was totally in to Big Country and I love the way they combined rock with an authentic traditional Scottish sound. Mark was very creative and pretty much pioneered a new style of playing that involved beautifully executed snare chops and syncopated tom rhythms. Tony Butler was a killer bass player a well and a great singer. Very sad about Stuart's passing. Thanks for the great video.
Hi Rob! Yes….Big Country is my favorite band of all time! Mark had a huge influence on my playing as well. I was so lucky to see them live in 1993 at an impromptu show at the Roxy in Hollywood. It is still one of the highlights of my life. I am so glad to hear there are others out there that love my favorite band and drummer! Thank you for this video!
Mark was an enormous influence on every drummer in the 80s ... he brought a whole new style of drumming very creative and musical .i met him after a gig they played on the driving to Damascus tour he was so humble and kind loved talking drums and gear ..he stills play great ....
Woooow Mark is the reason im a drummer !!
How did I not see this until now? I'm beyond happy to see someone like you getting Mark's name out there...
mark also played on a bunch of pete townshends solo records. always loved the way he phrased his fills.
One of my all-time favourite bands and drummer... He is a fantastic sticks man... Much can be learned from his playing, for sure! Long live Big Country, long live Mark Brizecki(that's how it's pronounced, by the way)... R.I.P. Stewart Adamson...
I got nothing but love for people who love Big Country and their musicians. Great vid Rob !
Great to see all the drummers giving Mr. B the respect he deserves.
I was lucky enough to meet Mark at a Drum clinic with Natal at Absolute Music in the UK this week,I learned a lot and it was an amazing evening! Mark is a well deserved drumming legend but what a brilliant guy as well. He shook hands and spoke with everyone in the room and took extra time with the younger ones in the crowd, it was really heart warming. The Natal walnut kit sounds great by the way!
A big thumbs up to Rob for his appreciation of Mark's talent and influence. Mark and Bruce have an ongoing commitment to Big Country and are gigging 'The Seer' thru '16 into '17 across U.K., Norway and beyond. There's some techniques the beginner will say incredulously what's IS he playing there? And others which the seasoned pro will reflect on are his thorough, syncopated workouts and great interpretation. Also his role as part of the song writing team wasn't to just keep the beat and through his exploitation of rhythm, timbre and tempo & phrasing ensured the BC sound was creatively unique. Yes, since 1981 I've been a fan too and despite his focussed, serious countenance (facial expression) when playing in his earlier days, the big guy's definitely smiling more and relaxed in recent YT interviews.
To those who haven't, try Sailor from The Seer. A song of two halves with an awsome last few bars. A lot of people didn't get BC in my day. To say they missed out is an understatement. Ps if you like Mark's work, check out the Love album by The Cult, especially Big Neon Glitter.
Rob, you nailed this video. I remember my older brothers listening to Big Country on their record player in our house. My mom would always yell, "Turn it down!" lol. Anyway, all the members of Big Country had a unique style with their songs but Brzezicki's drum style stood out. From Fields of Fire to Steeltown, his style could be heard through the music. He always added something different for each song. Thanks for sharing.
Oh wow, amazing to hear other drummers who love Mark’s work with Big Country. He was a MAJOR influence for me when I first started playing. I nearly died of excitement hearing him play Angle Park on a live performance in the early 80’s. I was hooked after that. I still cannot believe how imaginative and exciting his drum parts are - Wonderland, for me, is the pinnacle. It also evokes Scotland perfectly so that’s a massive bonus! Anyway, thanks for shining some light on the underrated, massively talented Mark Brzezicki. I met him at a few drum clinics in the mid-80’s and have seen him live several times. Modest and decent guy!
Mark's performance on Townshend's song Slit Skirts is awesome. A few unbelievable breaks, fun to listen too!!
Another great example of Marks playing is on Vigil in a wilderness of mirrors by Fish. Seen the album tour years ago live and his drumming was out of this world. He had a massive influence on my playing back in the day. :)
Mark also played almost the entire "Love" album from The Cult. The best Cult's drumming ever.
Rob, it’s great to hear that Mark Brzezicki is getting such high praise from accomplished drummers like yourself. Although, Neil Pearl has also had a tremendous influence on how I approach drumming, I am completely in-sync with you on how awesome Mark Brzezicki is. I am sure I have driven some of my family members crazy with how often and long I have been listening to Big Country. I am with you on the Steeltown album as well as I believe it is one of the very best albums produced, period. Big Country and Rush are definitely my two all time favorite bands and if I were to give you a pie chart of who has influenced me the most it would look something like 40% Neil Peart, 35% Mark Brzezicki and 25% a few other great drummers like Phil Gould, Stewart Copeland, Manu Katche, Scott Rockenfield and Alan White. Thanks for putting together this video and telling us how you grew up listening to Mark and Big Country. I really enjoyed it.
Geeez, guys. I knew of his work with The Cult but I was unaware of all the other projects/artists he was involved with. We hear so little of him over here in North America/Canada! Thanks for the education 🙂
I know what you mean. I had to order anything I would find out about as $40-$50 imports from a local shop here in Massachusetts/New Hampshire!
When everybody else was into Neil Peart, I was practicing Mark B's fills from Big Country. Totally shocked but elated when "She Sells Sanctuary" came out and saw his name on the liner notes. Be well and thanks for the vid!
@@mushroomflyer6312 Shame he didn't play on that track. I would have liked to hear him on that. He would have made it really funky and interesting. (He's miming on the video, tho) ;-)
Very impressed . The whole band individually were amazing at playing their respective instruments. Mark along with Tony Butler on bass were phenomenal . Only a good ear can pick up the class
THANK YOU. Mark is one of my heroes and biggest influences as well. The Wonderland EP and Steeltown were huge for me. He's a criminally under-recognized drummer.
criminally underrated drummer from a criminally underrated band.
I’m not a musician and I don’t understand the ‘technicalities’ but my ears have always recognised Mark Brzezicki as an amazing drummer. Great video 👍
One of my fav drummers & also my fav big country album the intro drum fill to "Tall ships go" makes me smile every time I hear it - just wish I'd gone to see them in the 80's
Mark was a massive influence on me when he was seasoning for The Cult back in 85-86. The drum roll on Love still gives me goose bumps to this day. He was awesome in Big Country too. He actually judged me in a drumming competition when I was a teen (along with the Status Quo drummer - I didn't win).
Mark’s one of the best in the business, I saw him many times with Big Country and once with The Cult. He’s also worked with Pete Townshend, The Pretenders, Midge Ure amongst others. Here in the UK, the kids weekly music magazine “Smash Hits” didn’t attempt his surname, instead had a running joke calling him “Mark unpronounceable surname”…
You are obviously the smartest man in the drumming universe. Mark B. forever and ever! The greatest. I'm not a drummer. I just know great music when I hear it and Mark B. is the best!
As Jeff says below, respect for posting this video and for being a Big Country fan. Mark’s an unbelievable player; the whole band were incredibly talented and tight. The Crossing is my favourite album and I used to whack pillows with my mum’s knitting needles along to it. Nice one!
wow! great to see him get props. He is definitely one of my top 5 most influential guys. As you can see by username, I LOVE Steeltown and all of their CD's. HUGE influence.
+Steeltowner 'Steeltowner' Niiiiiice 👊🏽🙂
Hey Rob, great video love Big Country from back in the day also . Almost with pronunciation - Mark Brzezicki pronounced "brezeeki" - saw him at a clinic years ago and he was a great guy. BTW love your channel - cool stuff . Rod Scherger.
It's made my day to find this vid! Mark has always been my favourite drummer, so original and inspiring - thanks for making this!
Played on The Cult album Love. Always loved his work with Big Country. Thanks for giving more props to one of the most overlooked drummers. Cheers Rob...btw I used to air drum to Steel Town, The Seer, The Crossing and everything else by him and still do...lol.
+1 for "still do" - I do as well, in the kitchen, the car, you name it!
I love that military style riff Mark does in Fields of Fire, where he uses the whole kit instead of just the snare.
Loved Big Country and Mark’s drumming from the first time I heard it - so distinctive. He sounded like two drummers playing at the same time, even when live. I had the pleasure of seeing them live several times, including in a pub.
That’s fun to hear, how you sat down and air drummed to the whole album. I did the same with « and then there were three » by Genesis. Every single song on it did it for me. I leaned soooo much and I still use it !!
Incredible medley from one of the most highly underrated drummers of alltime
The Crossing and Steeltown have some of the most interesting drum parts I've heard. Mark is one of my favorite drummers.
This is legendary. What a great video! So much respect for the great Mark Brzezicki. Thank you for making this 😊
Just came across this vid, I've been the biggest big country fan since I was 13 and I'm delighted you recognise mark's unique talent! As a pipe band drummer I've always admired his technical, military style. The band are still going strong to this day, albeit with some new members after Stuart's passing and tony leaving. Check them out people, you'll love them, and thanks again for this vid Rob 👍
Rob, I've been following your channel for a couple of years, but just discovered this! I am really happy to know that you're into Mark. He doesn't get enough love IMO. He's also a favourite of mine, and Steeltown is in my Top 10 albums of all time. Wonderland is my favourite song from Big Country.
I was lucky enough to see them twice on tour with Stuart. Going to see them in Dorking next year, 2022. The East of Eden 12" remix is staggering.
I totally share your feelings about Mark and Big Country. Thank you for sharing !
Nicely done
His beat at the end of the Under A Raging Moon solos is as understated as it is ridiculously tasteful
What an amazing drummer Mark is.
Just blindly stumbled upon this video and thoroughly enjoyed it. I absolutely love your enthusiasm and heartfelt praise of an incredibly gifted man from a band loaded with same. I passed a link onto to Tony Butler. I hope he can pass it on to Mark for you. You did a great job on those parts. You've got a new subscriber. Well done mate.
YES! I love Big Country but I never got this album back in the day. I got it now and will be listening to it. Thank you Rob!
+Christian Canalita The title track is a killer, man. Turn it waaay up!
I’ve been hooked on Mark’s drumming since the first time I listened to The Crossing. When I saw the MTV concert of them at Barrowlands I was blown away. Songs like Inwards, Lost Patrol, 1000 Stars just burned their way into my soul. Then Steeltown came out with those crazy drum bits on East of Eden and Where the Rose is Sown. Such great stuff ! I’m not even a drummer but I would listen just for marks rat a tat boom which is so pleasing. When I heard the Cult album with him playing. Big Neon Glitter kind of jumped out at me and grabbed me by the throat with that awesome sound of Mark’s.
Big Neon Glitter is amazing, the intro is crazy on the drums
One of the Most Orignal Bands of all Time What A Drummer One My Favorites too.A Nice down to earth guy as well
He is my biggest influence as a drummer as well. And I love the "you're not going to see" part!
One of my most profound and proudest moments is when I first listened to Big Country"s "The Teacher" and "Hold the heart". immortal tunes...
Mark is an amazing drummer, one of the most musical drummers around. He finds little spaces to put subtle textures in and never gets in the way.
My first drum teacher used to hang out with him. A huge inspiration for me too. Steeltown is the best album. I 100% agree. The drum sound alone on that album is ridiculous.
Fantastic that you are a big country fan and glad that mark os an influence.yes your right about steeltown album.in my opinion this is one of the best albums ever made.stuart adamson was a poet his lyrics have so much meaning.tony butlers bass playing on this album is out of this world.and bruce watsons guitar playing is outstanding.every album ever made by this band was a work of art.
right on Rob his work on Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend albums in the 80s has killer grooves.
You are spot on! Mark Brzezicki and Big Country have always been one of my favorites of all time. I was hooked when I first heard the drum intro on "In a Big Country". Yes, I know there are some overdubs, but that doesn't take away any of its coolness. Thanks for giving him props.
If you want to know more about Mark you may want to go here:
www.bigcountryinfo.com/podcasts/index.htm
It's an excellent series of podcasts about Big Country. Episodes 32-33 feature a very thorough interview with Mark, and episodes 37-42 tell you all about Steeltown.
Another fascinating interview can be found here:
globaldrumnetwork.com/Listen%20or%20Download%20Here.html
(Go to ep. 9)
Enjoy!
Brzezicki has been one of my favorites since the original Big Country album, and I am always happy to see him, wherever he's playing.
"Come Back To Me" and "Girl With Grey Eyes" are also great songs from Steeltown.
Glad to have found your channel. Actually found it because this video was linked to from Mark's Facebook page! Hope you get a chance to chat with him!
Love Mark and Big Country. He was a major inspiration of mine in the late 80's and early 90's. He used to drink in one of the pubs I also frequented at the time. Spoke to him a few times.
Sorry for late comment, but loved this, Mark was and is a huge favourite of mine growing up and I tried as hard as I could to emulate his tasteful technical playing. Great tribute.
I always enjoyed especially the intro to their song "Big Country" and Fields of Fire. His drumming is incredible regardless.
Great video, Rob ! Love your air drum story 👍👍 Big Country are the best !!
Saw him with Big Country last night in the UK. Still amazing.
Great video, Rob, and very well earned tribute for Mark.
Mark was phenomenal. Truly outstanding. Those who know, know..
As a huge Mark Brzezicki fan thank you for that story. I'm not a drummer but i was when their music was on.
Thank you for this! The Seer is a great album too. There is a recent live video where Mark pronounced Brehzehkee (1st z is silent) is filmed playing the song "Remembrance Day" live -amazing. Think he has 2 or 3 snares going. Their debut album The Crossing is incredible as well.
Thanks Rob. Nice to hear such appreciation for Mark & Big Country. I am a huge Big Country fan & am amazed at the breadth & uniqueness of the Bands work back in the 80's & 90's. If they had toured Australia back then, I am sure they would have been a big hit. Not many know much about them on this side of the World.
Mark was a influence on me too. I saw that you did another on Phil Gould. Same too. great drummers. Drummers that play for the song.
Growing up, my favorite rock drummers were Simon Phillips and Brzezicki. Never heard anyone with a backbeat that slayed me like MB. His pocket playing and dynamics are insane.
I'd say Gavin Harrison listened to "Chance" a few times. :)
Just discovered this "Heroes" series. Excellent. Mark was a huge influence on me, as well, in the 80s. I think I discovered Big Country via MTV (back when the M stood for Music).
yeah, Mark's one of those goosebump drummers. Superb. Had the same experience as you down here in Australia where they are playing this week ;-} ...As a kid, I played Steeltown over and over trying to copy his parts. That gets in one's bones. Those Octabans, Remo rototom spokes and the mounted timpani bass drum tom just looked awesome and made it shamelessly into my setup forever too!
I'm so glad to see Mark Brzezicki get props here. When I was learning I was always amazed that he could be so technically precise, while remaining completely original and totally compelling. I really can't think of anyone who plays quite like him! As an aside, I was lucky enough to meet and talk to him after a Big Country show here in Southern California. He was *very* humble and *very* kind. I thanked him for all of the great parts he provided drummers with over the years (check out The Cult's first album, "Love,") and he said "Oh thanks, but it's nothing special. Just drumming." It's A LOT more than that!
Mark was a favorite of mine too. When In A Country came out .. I was hooked!!!
He's definitely my personal hero as a fellow drummer as well. Number 1 spot, for sure, by far. I'm glad that I'm not the only one!
There’s a drummer in Denmark who also thinks Mark’s the best!
I just stumbled upon this video by accident, and - wow - it brought me back.
Like you Rob, I was a big fan of Big Country, and I think that Mark is an extremely underrated drummer in the drumming community today.
Aside from Marks brilliant technique and his ability to come up with intricate rhythms without losing the feel of the groove, what really stands out for me is the collaboration between Mark and Tony Butler, the bass player. To me, they are the definition of a perfect rhythm section. I think that we, as drummers, often forget that we are a part of a rhythm section, and that the interaction with the bass player is just as important as our ability to control our instrument. Mark understood that in Big Country! Maybe this could be a theme for an upcoming video!
Thank you for this upload, and now, I'm gonna find my old "Steeltown"-vinyl, make it spin on the turntable and play some air-drums along to it...
Big country are my favourite band.Mark is a class drummer 🥁
Props to you, Rob. Mark was a huge influence on me as well. He and Tony Butler were the tightest rhythm section of their era. Mark opened new doors for me in polyrhythmic applications and he was a wizard with cymbal effects. So much going on without overplaying. He is in my top 5 most influential drummers. CHEERS!
This is a wonderful story....Big Country wete my band as a kid from Bradford. ENGLAND....Their sound's were my dream's...i thought that I played drums until i listened to you and talents that can play this way
I’m with you sir.....Mark and the band are one of my favorites too and all your cool comments pay him a lot of respect. For a musician to inspire someone to play air drums.....on milk crates ....whole album......awesome.