Big River (Jimmy Nail song) laments the later decline of the industry and therefore the decline of the importance and activity of the Tyne itself. However, in the last chorus, the song takes a more hopeful turn, declaring that, "the river will rise again". The guitar work on the song was provided by Mark Knopfler who features in the music video. Big River (Jimmy Nail song) "Big River" is a song written and performed by Jimmy Nail and released on the album "Big River". It was released as a single in 1995. In 2011, it was recorded by Joe McElderry for the DVD, "Big River
Jimmy Nail ticket sales began to drop, Sting replaced Nail to try to save the musical, but it ended after a short run. Nail sang on the Original Broadway Cast Recording and on Sting's album, "The Last Ship". He had been due to reprise his role in the UK premiere at Northern Stage on 12 March 2018. The show's producer Karl Sydow stated: "After protracted negotiations carried out in good faith, we regret to announce the production's offer of employment to Jimmy Nail has been withdrawn. Joe McGann will replace him when the show opens in Newcastle in March. Nail said "I