Big Big Train

The band go full steam ahead to Basingstoke in July.

For multinational proggers Big Big Train, success has been more than a quarter-century in the making. Frontman David Longdon sets the scene for the release of a live album, Merchants Of Light, and a one-off UK show.

Merchants Of Light documents last year’s run of shows at London’s Cadogan Hall. Yeah. We picked the best versions of each track performed over those three nights. That’s difficult, as opinions are subjective, but I think its sound has a very even flow.

What’s behind the title?

Merchants of light are men of enlightenment, dating back to when people stopped believing in the church, who use science and explore the world. We’re celebrating great thinkers like Charles Darwin and Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Were you surprised when co-founder Andy Poole quit the band?

No, he’d been talking about it for a couple of years. Andy’s a very private man so I can’t go into the reasons why. It wasn’t anything sinister though.

What made you chose Cosmograf’s

Robin Armstrong as his replacement in the live band?

We’ve known Robin for the last few years, we get along with him on a personal level and he’s also a talented musician and songwriter.

Why has Big Big Train’s popularity escalated these last seven or eight years? There’s been an element of luck, but it seems that everything came together at the right time.

In July the band co-headline the Night Of The Prog Festival in Germany, preceded by a warm-up date at the Anvil in Basingstoke. Playing outside of the country is exciting, but getting everyone into the country, arranging food and lodgings and transporting them all home again is like corralling a small army. That’s all part of the thrill.

What’s the timescale on a new Big Big Train studio album?

We’re looking to release it next April, accompanied by a bigger UK tour with more European dates. And the following year it’s time for shows in the US. DL