About this Event
Join us for a powerful and deeply human evening with author and music journalist Scott Rowley as he discusses STAY ALIVE: The Life and Death of Stuart Adamson — the first fully co‑operative and definitive account of the life, legacy and tragic death of one of Scotland’s most influential and enigmatic musicians.
This event is part of The Long Play Sessions, ICMP’s curated series spotlighting transformative writers, artists and cultural voices who shape the way we understand music, identity and creative expression. Each session opens a window into the stories behind the art — blending conversation, cultural history and lived experience.
In STAY ALIVE, Rowley traces the remarkable rise and haunting decline of Stuart Adamson, founder of both The Skids and Big Country. Drawing on unprecedented access to Adamson’s family, bandmates, private writings and never‑before‑seen material, Rowley paints a vivid portrait of a man whose talent, turmoil and working‑class pride helped define a generation of post‑punk and alternative rock.
From the chaotic energy of late‑70s Scotland, to global fame with Big Country, to the battles with addiction, trauma and depression that shadowed his later years, Rowley’s narrative is unflinching, tender, and profoundly revealing. Far more than a music biography, STAY ALIVE explores the weight of expectation, the wounds we carry from childhood, and the quiet struggles that fame can magnify rather than soothe.
Adamson’s story — tragic, inspiring and heartbreakingly human — resonates far beyond his era. It asks what it means to be an artist, a father, a survivor… and what happens when the world sees only the legend, not the man.
With praise from critics and musicians alike, this long‑overdue book is already being hailed as a definitive work on one of Scotland’s most compelling creative figures.
Purchase the book here:
https://bit.ly/stayalivescottrowley
What to Expect
- A talk from Scott Rowley exploring the making of STAY ALIVE, the revelations uncovered, and the emotional weight of telling Adamson’s story
- In‑depth discussion of creativity, trauma, addiction, fame, and the pressures placed on artists in the post‑punk and alternative rock scenes
- Behind‑the‑scenes insight into Rowley’s research, interviews and unprecedented access to Adamson’s family and archives
- Reflections on legacy, working‑class identity and how one man’s music resonated across generations
- Audience Q&A, offering the chance to engage directly with Rowley about Adamson’s life, the writing process and the cultural impact of The Skids and Big Country
- Book signing — bring your copy or purchase one at the event
We look forward to welcoming you to The Long Play Sessions for a moving, honest and unforgettable evening centred on one of Scotland’s most important — and most misunderstood — musical icons.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
ICMP | London, Queen's Park, 76-78 Salusbury Road, London, United Kingdom
GBP 12.50
