Brief Crossing 2001

With their ringing, bagpipe-like guitars and the anthemic songs of frontman Stuart Adamson, Scotland's Big Country emerged as one of the most distinctive and promising new rock bands of the early '80s, scoring a major hit with their debut album, The Crossing; though the group's critical and commercial fortunes dimmed in the years to follow, they nevertheless outlasted virtually all of their contemporaries, releasing new material into the next century.

Marillion emerged from the brief progressive rock revival of the early '80s to become an international recording and touring phenomenon who have sold more than 15 million albums and host fan clubs in ten nations. The band helped pioneer the development of fan-funded music and touring support, beginning in 1997. Marillion's music, while remaining on the progressive, artful side of rock, has evolved to embrace post-punk pop, indie and experimental rock, and even funk and electronica. Each album is different than its predecessor.