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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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) ;-)
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!
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 👍😎
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.
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 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 ....
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!
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.
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.
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...
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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. :)
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
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
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.
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.
"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!
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.
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.
Hi Rob,thank you for your lovely video of Mark!He is truly a great drummer!!He is also one of my influential drummers,visited a concert of Big Country last week and Mark still rocks! 😊
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 👍
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.
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.
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”…
I agree with basicly everything I read here so I'll add just one really BIG, BIG THANK YOU, Rob!!!! I love to come back to your vids. ALWAYS something valuable I'm leaving with. Thanks again, man!
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).
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 !!
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.
well done Rob, and huge tribute to Mark there, many thanks for puting Big Country back on the map where they rightly deserve, best of luck to you buddy and keep up the good work
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.
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!
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.
Great video Rob. I realize I'm 5 years late to the party, but this popped up in my feed because I've been watching a lot of Big Country vids. I love that you have Mark on this list. He's the kind of drummer that flies under the radar for some reason, but is one of the best drummers I've enjoyed listening to for the last 50 years. I loved Big Country from the first I heard In a Big Country on the radio. To have 4 guys, who to me are all elite talent, together in the same group was amazing. Each carried their parts so well and seemed to really love what they were doing. Anywho, cool video Rob. Hope you're still doing stuff with this page. I just sub'd, so I guess I'll find out.
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!
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.
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...
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.
Rob, great profile of Mark Brzezicki. He's one of my biggest influences from the same period. His playing on the first Big Country album was nothing short of a revelation! He's still playing (with Big Country) here in the UK and I had the pleasure to meet him at a gig last year. Great drummer, great guy and a great influence.
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!
Garry West Watcha Rob. Your comments make me feel so good. Mark a true legend, as is,was, arghhhhh, the rest of the band. Lucky enuff to see them over 20 times live. They still are the most underrated band ever in my opinion. Pure class musicians, sublime as individuals, together pure poetry. Live a masterclass every time. Lucky enough to meet band and great fellas. Mark a top bloke. Great to hear you giving them a shout out. All the best to you. Happy playing!
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
Mark from "Big Country" was also a huge drum hero of mine as well! When I was learning drums as a kid; I would love to hear his tribal beats, syncopation, and groove! So inspiring! Thank you! 🙏 🥁🎶
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 I just happened upon your video on a day (today) that I was reminiscing about BC. One of my favourite bands of all time and the drummer who got me started on my own percussive journey. I saw them at Kingswood in the 80s -- really great, all that and more. He's still out there doing it, with BC. I was surprised, pleasantly that you made MArk the topic of one of your shows. Steeltown also resonated with me. Sadly, most people never made it past In a Big Country. Thought i was one of only a few who thought he was/is great. So, thanks for the post, although I was anticipating more playing or clips. Stay alive.
Pretty cool video here! I was just listening to _'Steeltown'_ just a while ago, as well as to _'The Crossing'._ This band for me is one of the most overlooked and ignored bands with a great catalog of music. I'm always telling/reminding people about them. As a bass player, I like drummers that aren't necessarily all "flash and speed". I like drummers that know the concept of space and atmosphere. Someone who makes it incredibly easy for me to stay in the pocket and follow what they do almost instinctively. Mark's drums and Tony's bass have certainly played a big part and had a big influence on how I approach my bass playing. Here are a few of my favorite drummers that have really helped me with my playing over the years, especially now that I am getting back into the game after many years of being absent. Again, cool video here. Nod in your direction... (In no particular order..) John Lever - The Chameleons - *suggested album(s):* _'Script Of The Bridge',_ _'What Does Anything Mean, Basically',_ _'Strange Times'_ Budgie (a.k.a John Clark) - Siouxsie & The Banshees - *suggested album(s):* _'Tinderbox',_ _'Juju',_ _'A Kiss In The Dreamhouse'_ Stephen Morris - Joy Division/New Order - *suggested album(s):* _'Unknown Pleasures',_ _'Closer',_ _'Power, Corruption & Lies'_ Ali Score - A Flock Of Seagulls - *suggested album(s):* _'A Flock Of Seagulls',_ _'Listen',_ _'The Story Of A Young Heart'_ Cedric Sharpley - Gary Numan - *suggested album(s):* _'The Pleasure Principle',_ _'Telekon',_ _'Dance'_ David Robinson - The Cars - *suggested album(s):* _'The Cars',_ _'Candy-O',_ _'Shake It Up'_ Richard Ploog - The Church - *suggested album(s):* _'Seance',_ _'Heyday',_ _'Starfish'_ Adam Woods - The Fixx - *suggested album(s):* _'Shuttered Room',_ _'Reach The Beach',_ _'Phantoms'_ Vince Ely - The Psychedelic Furs - *suggested album(s):* _'The Psychedelic Furs',_ _'Talk Talk Talk',_ _'Forever Now'_ Boris Williams - The Cure - *suggested album(s):* _'The Head On The Door',_ _'Kiss Me, Kiss Me Kiss Me',_ _'Disintegration'_ *_R.I.P. Stuart Adamson..._*
Fellow Canadian drummer here, eh! I've enjoyed your informative videos for a few years now and had no clue you were from Canada. Mark Brzezicki is a great example of a very fine drummer from the eighties for sure. I'm looking forward to your subsequent influences. Keep up the great work!
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!
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!
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 🙂
I've never listened to Big Country before this and I'm absolutely loving the drumming on this album.
'Inwards' a gem...
Before this video I never listened to Big Country and man are they good. The drumming is unreal.
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
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.
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!
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
"STEELTOWN"!....AGREED...JUST THE BEST ALBUM!!!....EVERY SONG!.....INCREDIBLE!
Hearing him play on In a Big Country as a drummer was inspirational.
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.
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.
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) ;-)
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!
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 👍😎
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.
Although I am not a drummer, I always loved and admired the drums of big country. Thanks for making this video.
I got nothing but love for people who love Big Country and their musicians. Great vid Rob !
How did I not see this until now? I'm beyond happy to see someone like you getting Mark's name out there...
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.
So glad you picked Mark Brzezecki!! Totally underrated. My favorite band all time!
mark also played on a bunch of pete townshends solo records. always loved the way he phrased his fills.
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!
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 a great drummer. I saw them back in the 95. Saw them playing Live was se some of an Unique experiencia.
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 ....
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!
Mark's performance on Townshend's song Slit Skirts is awesome. A few unbelievable breaks, fun to listen too!!
Great to see all the drummers giving Mr. B the respect he deserves.
Woooow Mark is the reason im a drummer !!
It's made my day to find this vid! Mark has always been my favourite drummer, so original and inspiring - thanks for making this!
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.
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.
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...
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.
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!
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.
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.
Mark is so underrated.
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!
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. :)
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
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
This is legendary. What a great video! So much respect for the great Mark Brzezicki. Thank you for making this 😊
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!
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 👍
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 👊🏽🙂
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.
"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!
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.
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!
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.
Hi Rob,thank you for your lovely video of Mark!He is truly a great drummer!!He is also one of my influential drummers,visited a concert of Big Country last week and Mark still rocks!
😊
Mark also played almost the entire "Love" album from The Cult. The best Cult's drumming ever.
I totally share your feelings about Mark and Big Country. Thank you for sharing !
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 👍
Great video, Rob, and very well earned tribute for Mark.
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.
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.
I love that military style riff Mark does in Fields of Fire, where he uses the whole kit instead of just the snare.
Nicely done
His beat at the end of the Under A Raging Moon solos is as understated as it is ridiculously tasteful
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”…
I agree with basicly everything I read here so I'll add just one really BIG, BIG THANK YOU, Rob!!!! I love to come back to your vids. ALWAYS something valuable I'm leaving with. Thanks again, man!
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).
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.
Incredible medley from one of the most highly underrated drummers of alltime
He is my biggest influence as a drummer as well. And I love the "you're not going to see" part!
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 !!
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.
One of the Most Orignal Bands of all Time What A Drummer One My Favorites too.A Nice down to earth guy as well
well done Rob, and huge tribute to Mark there, many thanks for puting Big Country back on the map where they rightly deserve, best of luck to you buddy and keep up the good work
What an amazing drummer Mark is.
Great video, Rob ! Love your air drum story 👍👍 Big Country are the best !!
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.
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!
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.
Great video Rob. I realize I'm 5 years late to the party, but this popped up in my feed because I've been watching a lot of Big Country vids. I love that you have Mark on this list. He's the kind of drummer that flies under the radar for some reason, but is one of the best drummers I've enjoyed listening to for the last 50 years.
I loved Big Country from the first I heard In a Big Country on the radio. To have 4 guys, who to me are all elite talent, together in the same group was amazing. Each carried their parts so well and seemed to really love what they were doing.
Anywho, cool video Rob. Hope you're still doing stuff with this page. I just sub'd, so I guess I'll find out.
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!
The Crossing and Steeltown have some of the most interesting drum parts I've heard. Mark is one of my favorite drummers.
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
Mark was a favorite of mine too. When In A Country came out .. I was hooked!!!
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...
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.
Rob, great profile of Mark Brzezicki. He's one of my biggest influences from the same period. His playing on the first Big Country album was nothing short of a revelation! He's still playing (with Big Country) here in the UK and I had the pleasure to meet him at a gig last year. Great drummer, great guy and a great influence.
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...
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.
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!
Garry West
Watcha Rob.
Your comments make me feel so good. Mark a true legend, as is,was, arghhhhh, the rest of the band. Lucky enuff to see them over 20 times live. They still are the most underrated band ever in my opinion. Pure class musicians, sublime as individuals, together pure poetry.
Live a masterclass every time.
Lucky enough to meet band and great fellas. Mark a top bloke.
Great to hear you giving them a shout out. All the best to you. Happy playing!
+Garry West CRIMINALLY underrated, man. Especially here in North America.
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
Mark from "Big Country" was also a huge drum hero of mine as well! When I was learning drums as a kid; I would love to hear his tribal beats, syncopation, and groove! So inspiring! Thank you! 🙏 🥁🎶
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.
Look forward to checking out more of their stuff. Thanks for the thoughts. This series is a great idea!
Hey I just happened upon your video on a day (today) that I was reminiscing about BC. One of my favourite bands of all time and the drummer who got me started on my own percussive journey. I saw them at Kingswood in the 80s -- really great, all that and more. He's still out there doing it, with BC. I was surprised, pleasantly that you made MArk the topic of one of your shows. Steeltown also resonated with me. Sadly, most people never made it past In a Big Country. Thought i was one of only a few who thought he was/is great. So, thanks for the post, although I was anticipating more playing or clips. Stay alive.
right on Rob his work on Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend albums in the 80s has killer grooves.
Saw him with Big Country last night in the UK. Still amazing.
Pretty cool video here! I was just listening to _'Steeltown'_ just a while ago, as well as to _'The Crossing'._ This band for me is one of the most overlooked and ignored bands with a great catalog of music. I'm always telling/reminding people about them.
As a bass player, I like drummers that aren't necessarily all "flash and speed". I like drummers that know the concept of space and atmosphere. Someone who makes it incredibly easy for me to stay in the pocket and follow what they do almost instinctively.
Mark's drums and Tony's bass have certainly played a big part and had a big influence on how I approach my bass playing. Here are a few of my favorite drummers that have really helped me with my playing over the years, especially now that I am getting back into the game after many years of being absent. Again, cool video here. Nod in your direction...
(In no particular order..)
John Lever - The Chameleons - *suggested album(s):* _'Script Of The Bridge',_ _'What Does Anything Mean, Basically',_ _'Strange Times'_
Budgie (a.k.a John Clark) - Siouxsie & The Banshees - *suggested album(s):* _'Tinderbox',_ _'Juju',_ _'A Kiss In The Dreamhouse'_
Stephen Morris - Joy Division/New Order - *suggested album(s):* _'Unknown Pleasures',_ _'Closer',_ _'Power, Corruption & Lies'_
Ali Score - A Flock Of Seagulls - *suggested album(s):* _'A Flock Of Seagulls',_ _'Listen',_ _'The Story Of A Young Heart'_
Cedric Sharpley - Gary Numan - *suggested album(s):* _'The Pleasure Principle',_ _'Telekon',_ _'Dance'_
David Robinson - The Cars - *suggested album(s):* _'The Cars',_ _'Candy-O',_ _'Shake It Up'_
Richard Ploog - The Church - *suggested album(s):* _'Seance',_ _'Heyday',_ _'Starfish'_
Adam Woods - The Fixx - *suggested album(s):* _'Shuttered Room',_ _'Reach The Beach',_ _'Phantoms'_
Vince Ely - The Psychedelic Furs - *suggested album(s):* _'The Psychedelic Furs',_ _'Talk Talk Talk',_ _'Forever Now'_
Boris Williams - The Cure - *suggested album(s):* _'The Head On The Door',_ _'Kiss Me, Kiss Me Kiss Me',_ _'Disintegration'_
*_R.I.P. Stuart Adamson..._*
Rob, your selection of drummers is diverse & top notch dude! Love them!
Fellow Canadian drummer here, eh! I've enjoyed your informative videos for a few years now and had no clue you were from Canada. Mark Brzezicki is a great example of a very fine drummer from the eighties for sure. I'm looking forward to your subsequent influences. Keep up the great work!
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.