AS one of the most celebrated rock bands of a generation they have sold over ten million albums worldwide, and toured with Freddie Mercury, David Bowie and Mick Jagger.

Now, 30 years after their debut single, Big Country are back to the fore in the country alt-rock scene with a tour of the UK, and on Tuesday they stop off in Exeter.

The band, formed in Dunfermline, Scotland, in 1981, are aiming to craft each tour date to the community they’re playing to, travelling as far north as the Shetland Isles.

They’re playing tracks from latest release The Journey, their first big album in 14 years, not long after almost a decade’s silence following the tragic loss of singer Stuart Adamson in 2001.

Big Country’s gig at the Exeter Phoenix starts at 8pm and tickets cost £20.