Another tragic loss to the music community. I just got into BBT over the past couple years and became a fan instantly. David had a wonderful voice that was a perfect fit for BBT music. If you haven’t seen the BBT Empire live concert DVD, it really showcases how awesome the band is and what a great frontman David was…he will really be missed. RIP David and condolences to your family and friends.
I was devastated when I heard of David's passing. During the past 3 years, I really got into BBT's back catalogue and became a fan. Now there will be no more music with Mr. Longdon on vocals. So sad, thank you for acknowleding his career. Is the album already out in the states? In Europe, we have a release date on January 28th!
Thanks Pete for the tribute. Still reeling from the news and had tickets for their tour early next year in the UK. As you said, no news is expected understandably until early 2022. Album not released until January in UK but appetite well and truly wet by your review. Thank you.
Thank you Pete for including a tribute to David in your review. He was an amazing musician and songwriter. I’m looking forward to receiving this album in January.
The Underfall Yard just blew me away in 2009, and quickly became a favorite of mine. Common Ground has become a real grower for me, with “Atlantic Cable” could be one of the best thing they’ve ever recorded. Will definitely be getting this. I had tickets to see them in Ft. Wayne, IN, but then Covid crapped on that. With Dave Gregory leaving, and now the untimely death of David, I’ve really missed my chance. I know Greg has to be reeling right now. I hope he keeps BBT going, but whoever he picks has some big shoes to feel. R.I.P., sir.
My download streaming services don't have this one yet so can't comment on this one but as Pete said a great great prog band...But in tribute to Longdon wanted to post SOMETHING. Again a great band & an excellent singer, and based on hearing Pete's review this sounds like another good one to buy...Condolences & prayers go out to his family & friends. On a musical front, wonder if the band will continue with a new singer? Don't think they've announced any plans yet. Personally I hope they do! R.I.P
Good description of their music. I'm looking forward to this release at the end of January. His album with Judy Dyble "Between a Breath and a Breath" is also very good.
I had no idea this had happened. What a(nother) great loss; fantastic musician. BBT are such a classy well produced band I was just getting into them when the pandemic hit. I will say that I don't think it's as good as their last but a bad (and this isn't) BBT album is still way better than most other band's output. RIP
This is one of my favorite BBT albums. I’ve got them all except Bard. There’s more variety and eclecticism on this 46 minute album than on much of their other works (all of which I do like very much).
thank you pete for the advance review! i'm still reeling from the loss of david , it still seems so unreal! they became my fave neo prog album on folklore and they've continued to upping the ante with each subsequent album. the previous album was a bit different but a few mainstays left the band and it didn't grab me like those previous ones . but this new one i'm excited about as they've had time to gel now with two albums so i expect will be much stronger! so this review has me even more jazzed about it. but although i never had the pleasure of seeing them live, thanx to thier live blu rays you can see how amazing david was with the band. he will be missed! on an unrelated note i see the framed comic cover with the flash, but is that daredevil with him? (its ironic as they're my two fave superheros in comics and live action! very cool! ) i'm jealous! getting back to big big train, i do hope they can continue somehow , and find a frontman worthy of their legacy! thanx again for the review! (rip david longdon.)
Still stunned at the news: RIP. On the bright side - and there IS a bright side, besides the fact that David and his contributions are now part of Forever - the success of BBT (along with Marillion and IQ and Pendragon, Comedy of Errors, The Watch and a few others) means that neo-prog - a term that became a pejorative several decades ago - has managed to outlast its detractors by remaining true to itself and not wasting its precious time justifying its history, its approach or its right to exist to _anyone._ (Although - full disclosure: I still don't care much for Marillion.) Perhaps David and his mates can take succor from the fact that seemingly every year, another fistful of new bands inspired by BBT launch their crafts into the deep water of rock music, which grows more fascinatingly uncharted with each passing day.
David will be a big miss - singer strong lyricist and composer plus talented multi instrumentalist. They had already had several setbacks - they had a tour setup and the pandemic hit, they lost some key members recently and rebuilt the band and were in the process of establishing new directions. Their last album COMMON GROUND, had for me, strong tracks and some that were failed experiments - indicative of a band in flux - but sufficient to give hope of a return to greatness. I believe they were also gearing up for a tour. The strength of the band was always how talented each individual was and that they could all contribute. Generally my favourites always seemed to be Greg Spawton or David Longdon - wonderfully English in theme - often exploring the lives of extraordinary people - whether a painter like Turner or David’s working class predecessors working in mines and shipyards. Surprising songs like EAST COAST RACER about a team that build a train that takes the world record. Hauntingly beautiful meditations such as THE TRANSIT OF VENUS ACROSS THE SUN. Some people wrote them off as ‘early genesis’ with the implication that they were inferior. They have shared a similar palette at times - but never really the same. David often sounded like Gabriel and famously came second in the bid to replace Phil Collins. There he met Nick who was drumming for Genesis. Both were head hunted by Greg for BBT and a wonderful breathtaking and uniquely English prog series of albums followed that were pure music with symphonic elements as well as folk and world music elements. A heady mix! I came to the party late so didn’t catch them live but I think MASTERS OF LIGHT as an album and live DVD shows how awesome that lineup was live! If you checked out that album it’s like a live ‘best of’ compilation. David will be badly missed - he was working on a project of his own which I hope will come to light. And I hope the band regroups and keeps playing their own unique music.
Another tragic loss to the music community. I just got into BBT over the past couple years and became a fan instantly. David had a wonderful voice that was a perfect fit for BBT music. If you haven’t seen the BBT Empire live concert DVD, it really showcases how awesome the band is and what a great frontman David was…he will really be missed. RIP David and condolences to your family and friends.
Thanks for the nice tribute to David Longdon Pete.
Such a loss RIP
I look forward to hearing this one
I knew you wouldn't forget a tribute to David Longdon
R.i.p David great vocals met him once a really nice guy.
So glad for your tribute to David,I was worried his sad passing was overlooked.R.I.P. David.
I was devastated when I heard of David's passing. During the past 3 years, I really got into BBT's back catalogue and became a fan. Now there will be no more music with Mr. Longdon on vocals. So sad, thank you for acknowleding his career. Is the album already out in the states? In Europe, we have a release date on January 28th!
Ok, read your answer to another comment. Should have guessed it, sorry for that stupid question.
Thanks Pete for the tribute. Still reeling from the news and had tickets for their tour early next year in the UK. As you said, no news is expected understandably until early 2022. Album not released until January in UK but appetite well and truly wet by your review. Thank you.
Such a shock to hear this. I had no idea. RIP David.
Thanks Pete. I was hooked on BBT when I heard the song “Kingmaker”. Great stuff! RIP David.
Thank you Pete for including a tribute to David in your review. He was an amazing musician and songwriter. I’m looking forward to receiving this album in January.
Nice review and tribute Pete such a huge loss, David was a brilliant musician and singer. I think you made a new word up "Spocksness" :)
An unique talent and a huge part of the best band in the world. It will not be easy to get over this one.
Very sad loss. So young too. RIP. I'm interested in hearing this band and this album. Thank you Pete
This band definitely has there own thing going on. KILLER stuff
The Underfall Yard just blew me away in 2009, and quickly became a favorite of mine. Common Ground has become a real grower for me, with “Atlantic Cable” could be one of the best thing they’ve ever recorded. Will definitely be getting this.
I had tickets to see them in Ft. Wayne, IN, but then Covid crapped on that. With Dave Gregory leaving, and now the untimely death of David, I’ve really missed my chance. I know Greg has to be reeling right now. I hope he keeps BBT going, but whoever he picks has some big shoes to feel. R.I.P., sir.
My download streaming services don't have this one yet so can't comment on this one but as Pete said a great great prog band...But in tribute to Longdon wanted to post SOMETHING. Again a great band & an excellent singer, and based on hearing Pete's review this sounds like another good one to buy...Condolences & prayers go out to his family & friends. On a musical front, wonder if the band will continue with a new singer? Don't think they've announced any plans yet. Personally I hope they do! R.I.P
It's not out until late January.
Release date is January 28 2022.
Hearing it for the 1st time in it's entirety on Tidal right now. Beautiful, it will be a while before I can enjoy without sadness.
Never heard of them until I saw this video, they sound quite amazing I must say… R.I.P. David
Glad to see you do this Pete, I am very saddened by his passing. This album is really good.
Good description of their music. I'm looking forward to this release at the end of January. His album with Judy Dyble "Between a Breath and a Breath" is also very good.
I had no idea this had happened. What a(nother) great loss; fantastic musician. BBT are such a classy well produced band I was just getting into them when the pandemic hit.
I will say that I don't think it's as good as their last but a bad (and this isn't) BBT album is still way better than most other band's output.
RIP
This is one of my favorite BBT albums. I’ve got them all except Bard. There’s more variety and eclecticism on this 46 minute album than on much of their other works (all of which I do like very much).
You are very right, that album is full of magic, maybe it is the best rock prog band of the moment.
thank you pete for the advance review! i'm still reeling from the loss of david , it still seems so unreal!
they became my fave neo prog album on folklore and they've continued to upping the ante with each subsequent album.
the previous album was a bit different but a few mainstays left the band and it didn't grab me like those previous ones . but this new one i'm excited about as they've had time to gel now with two albums so i expect will be much stronger!
so this review has me even more jazzed about it. but although i never had the pleasure of seeing them live, thanx to thier live blu rays you can see how amazing david was with the band. he will be missed!
on an unrelated note i see the framed
comic cover with the flash, but is that daredevil with him? (its ironic as they're my two fave superheros in comics and live action! very cool! ) i'm jealous!
getting back to big big train, i do hope they can continue somehow , and find a frontman worthy of their legacy!
thanx again for the review!
(rip david longdon.)
How did you get this Pete? Amazon says not released until January 28 for mp3 and February 4 for cd.
the band obviously!
Still stunned at the news: RIP.
On the bright side - and there IS a bright side, besides the fact that David and his contributions are now part of Forever - the success of BBT (along with Marillion and IQ and Pendragon, Comedy of Errors, The Watch and a few others) means that neo-prog - a term that became a pejorative several decades ago - has managed to outlast its detractors by remaining true to itself and not wasting its precious time justifying its history, its approach or its right to exist to _anyone._ (Although - full disclosure: I still don't care much for Marillion.) Perhaps David and his mates can take succor from the fact that seemingly every year, another fistful of new bands inspired by BBT launch their crafts into the deep water of rock music, which grows more fascinatingly uncharted with each passing day.
Is this out ? i think Release Date is 28.01.2022
I don’t think it’s out yet. I was really confused.
Us folks in the media do get pre-released copies quite often...yes, coming out in January.
I think that Ray Wilson will be the good singer for BBT. By the way, the new album is great and well played as usual 🎸
forever BBT!
Release date in January 22
David had a traumatic accident at his home
David will be a big miss - singer strong lyricist and composer plus talented multi instrumentalist. They had already had several setbacks - they had a tour setup and the pandemic hit, they lost some key members recently and rebuilt the band and were in the process of establishing new directions. Their last album COMMON GROUND, had for me, strong tracks and some that were failed experiments - indicative of a band in flux - but sufficient to give hope of a return to greatness. I believe they were also gearing up for a tour. The strength of the band was always how talented each individual was and that they could all contribute. Generally my favourites always seemed to be Greg Spawton or David Longdon - wonderfully English in theme - often exploring the lives of extraordinary people - whether a painter like Turner or David’s working class predecessors working in mines and shipyards. Surprising songs like EAST COAST RACER about a team that build a train that takes the world record. Hauntingly beautiful meditations such as THE TRANSIT OF VENUS ACROSS THE SUN. Some people wrote them off as ‘early genesis’ with the implication that they were inferior. They have shared a similar palette at times - but never really the same. David often sounded like Gabriel and famously came second in the bid to replace Phil Collins. There he met Nick who was drumming for Genesis. Both were head hunted by Greg for BBT and a wonderful breathtaking and uniquely English prog series of albums followed that were pure music with symphonic elements as well as folk and world music elements. A heady mix! I came to the party late so didn’t catch them live but I think MASTERS OF LIGHT as an album and live DVD shows how awesome that lineup was live! If you checked out that album it’s like a live ‘best of’ compilation. David will be badly missed - he was working on a project of his own which I hope will come to light. And I hope the band regroups and keeps playing their own unique music.
I think he passed away after a a tragic accident ,terribly sad, nice tribute from s.o.t. again
Wasn't a card accident?
I no like.
Why not?
I like most of Big Big Train's music. Have you ever thought about featuring them on In The Prog Seat or Albums ranked?