The band’s a little different this time ‘round. Lead singer, guitarist and co-founder Stuart Adamson died in 2001. Former members Tony Butler (bass, vocals), Mark Brzezicki (drums, vocals) and Bruce Watson (guitar, vocals) return, along with Watson’s son Jamie on guitar.

For lead vocals, the band has turned to The Alarm’s Mike Peters to fill the awfully big shoes left by Adamson. Turns out Peters’ connection to Adamson and Big Country goes back to 1982 when both singers were at a U2 show.

“Bono introduced us to his audience as being ‘part of the new breed,’ and Stuart was literally passed up onto the stage by the bans and I shook his hand as I handed him a guitar – an unforgettable experience,” Peters recollected.

Right now it’s a short list of dates consisting of O2 Academies in the United Kingdom. First show is Jan. 5 in Newcastle followed by Jan. 6 in London at the O2 Islington. Jan. 7 brings the band to Birmingham while Jan. 8 is Liverpool.

Tickets go on sale Sept. 11. Check out the Big Country website for more information.