Updated at 11:10 a.m., Monday, December 17, 2001

Singer of Big Country rock group found dead

By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer

The city medical examiner's office has identified a 43-year-old man found dead in his hotel room yesterday as Stuart Adamson, the lead singer of the Scottish rock band Big Country.

Police were called at about 1 p.m. to the Best Western Plaza Hotel at 3253 N. Nimitz Highway where Adamson was found alone in his hotel room.

The identification was based on documents, according to the medical examiner, which this morning was lacking final confirmation of fingerprints.

Initial autopsy results were not available this morning, but rumors were flying throughout the British media that Adamson, who has battled alcoholism, may have died from a drug overdose.

Adamson was reported missing in early December by his estranged wife, Melanie Shelley, according to the British Broadcasting Corp. The BBC also quoted his ex-wife, Sandra Adamson, confirming that the rock singer was due to appear in a U.S. court on drunken driving charges. He lives in Nashville.

Further, British rock-watchers are speculating that Adamson had been depressed over the breakup of his marriage.

Plaza hotel managers referred inquiries to police, who had few details this morning.

Adamson founded Big Country in 1981, and the band became best known internationally for its single "In a Big Country." Early career highlights include an appearance on "Saturday Night Live" in 1983 and a nomination for two Grammy awards — for best new group and best single — in 1984.

Its most recent releases include a "King Biscuit Flower Hour" live CD, issued in the U.S. and Canada in 1997.

Adamson also had disappeared for a time two years ago, forcing his band to cancel shows.