Big Sky

Artists

Album Info

Release Date: 1994

Label: Future Earth Records

Clive Johns – Bass & vocals
Phil Johns – Guitar & vocals
Steve Mitchell – Drums
Wayne Clark – Keyboards & vocals

In 1994 in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, a group of ambitious, dues paid musicians formed a new country band – Big Sky, with a view to rivalling anything coming out of Nashville on the new Country Music Television that had been recently launched in the UK. Rather than playing the ‘old standards’ they decided to rely on their own instincts to develop a modern style which they christened ‘new power country’. With a sound & light show that would have been the envy of most major rock bands, their quality song writing and professional live show astounded audiences with over 400 concerts nationwide in 2 years.

Brothers Clive & Phil Johns virtually grew up on the Country stage as their father Roger’s home was the focal point for the developing country scene in the 1960’s with regular visits from Brian Golbey, Jack Parkes and Larry Hinchcliffe. The boys were taken on the road from an early age and began performing in their own right from the age of 14 in a band called the Boothill Boys whose debut album, ‘Don’t Pay the band, They’re British’ was nominated by Billboard magazine as Best British Country album of the year. Drummer Steve Mitchell spent 18 years on the workingmen’s club scene with rock and R&B bands before joining Big Sky. His use of the best modern technology of the time provided the band with an incredible drum sound. Wayne Clark was the youngest member of the band and provided the focus as a second lead vocalist in addition to his keyboard skills. His background had previously been as a studio session player.

Big Sky were voted Country Band of the Year in 1996 and under the management of David Moffitt, the album was released via Polydor distribution. They had equipment sponsorship by Peavey who supplied a PA and a full backline of amplifiers. Mapin supplied Steve with a drum kit. They produced 3 promotional videos directed by Dave Thorpe and were all featured regularly on Country Music Television (CMT) in regular rotation. Yorkshire TV featured the band on the Tonight programme in January 97 singing ‘Never Seen that Look Before’. Soon after they were approached to appear in a 20th Century Fox movie called ‘Among Giants’ starring Pete Postlethwaite & Rachael Griffiths. The band featured 3 songs in the movie and appeared in a line dancing sequence that was shot in a club in Sheffield. The film was written by Simon Beaufoy (The Full Monty, Slumdog Millionaire) and was released in 1998 It was directed by Sam Miller (This Life & Luther).

Big Sky experienced a quick rise to success and were playing 200 + gigs per year during a period when line dancing became a massive trend. They received critical acclaim for their album and as a live band. Unfortunately, after about two years, live bands were being replaced by discos and the work dried up. After a short period playing cover songs in clubs the band eventually folded. Things became confused in the late 1990’s when an American band from Florida began having success in the States releasing their own albums without a major label or sponsorship. Steve Mitchell sadly died a few years after the break up of the band. The remaining 3 can still be found playing in various line ups around the Doncaster club seen.

With a great CD, numerous live appearances, TV and videos as well as a part in an international movie, Big Sky came the closest of all the bands on Future Earth Records to “making it” and for a brief time we all experienced a great time.