David Longdon Explained
David Longdon |
Birth Date: | 17 June 1965 |
Birth Place: | Nottingham, England |
Death Place: | Nottingham, England |
Past Member Of: | Big Big Train |
Website: | www.bigbigtrain.com |
David Longdon (17 June 1965 – 20 November 2021) was a British singer and multi-instrumentalist, who was best known as the lead vocalist and co-songwriter of the progressive rock band Big Big Train. Besides singing, Longdon played flute, keyboards, acoustic and electric 6 & 12 string guitars, bass, mandolin, lute, banjo, accordion, percussion, dulcimer, psaltry, vibraphone, theremin and glockenspiel.
Early life and career
Longdon was born in Nottingham, England,[1] on 17 June 1965.[2] He began writing music at age nine after discovering The Who.[3] He began his career as the lead singer of the band The Gift Horse.[4] Longdon was one of those who auditioned as lead singer of rock band Genesis in 1996, following the departure of Phil Collins. He auditioned during the making of Calling All Stations (1997), but the role was given to Scottish singer Ray Wilson.[5] He joined Big Big Train in 2009, and performed on numerous instruments in addition to his role as the lead singer beginning with the album The Underfall Yard in 2009.
Personal life
Longdon had a partner, Sarah Ewing. He had two daughters, Amelia and Eloise. He died on 20 November 2021, in a Nottingham hospital, following a traumatic fall at his home early in the previous morning.[6] Steve Hackett described Longdon as "a lovely guy [with] a wonderful voice. He sounded fabulous singing on the vocal version of [Hackett’s song] 'Spectral Mornings'." Neal Morse and Geoff Downes also paid respects following his death.
Discography
With Big Big Train
- Albums
- EPs
Solo albums
- Wild River (2004)[15]
- Door One (2022)[16]
With Louis Philippe
- Jackie Girl (1996)[17]
- Azure (1998)[18]
- A Kiss in the Funhouse (1999)
- My Favourite Part of You (2003)
- The Wonder of it All (2004)
- Live (2007)
With Martin Orford
- The Old Road (songs "Ray of Hope" "Endgame") (2008)
With The Tangent
- Le Sacre du Travail (2013)[19]
- L'Etagère du Travail (2013)
With Dave Kerzner
With The Charlatans
With Judy Dyble
- Between a Breath and a Breath (2020)
With Downes Braide Association
- Live in England (2019)
- Halcyon Hymns (2021)[22]
Other projects
Notes and References
- Web site: Introducing David Longdon . Big Big Train . 19 February 2009 . 20 November 2021.
- Web site: David Longdon: 17 June 1965 – 20 November 2021 Real Gone . Real Gone Rocks . 22 November 2021.
- News: Laura . Snapes . David Longdon, frontman of prog rock band Big Big Train, dies aged 56 . . 22 November 2021 . 22 November 2021.
- David Longdon And The Late Judy Dyble Between A Breath And A Breath . . 22 September 2020 . 20 November 2021.
- Web site: David Longdon exclusive interview for 'Dusk'. November 2010. Dusk.it. Mario. Giammetti. 9 July 2019.
- Web site: Big Big Train singer David Longdon dead at 56 . Fraser . Lewry . Louder . 20 November 2021. 20 November 2021.
- Web site: English Electric Part One . Big Big Train . 21 November 2021.
- Web site: English Electric Part Two . Big Big Train . 21 November 2021.
- Web site: Folklore . Big Big Train . 21 November 2021.
- Web site: Big Big Train – Grimspound album review . Jo . Kendall . Louder . 23 May 2017 . 21 November 2021.
- Web site: The Second Brightest Star . Big Big Train . 21 November 2021.
- Web site: Geoff . Bailie . Big Big Train – 'Grand Tour' (Album Review) . The Prog Report . 29 April 2019 . 21 November 2021.
- Web site: Far Skies Deep Time . Big Big Train . 21 November 2021.
- Web site: Author: David Longdon . Big Big Train . 21 November 2021.
- Web site: Craig . Breaden . David Longdon's Wild River . Progarchy . 23 November 2012 . 21 November 2021.
- Web site: David Longdon – Door One: "a truly mesmerising posthumous release". Prog. Loudersound. Moon. Grant. 14 October 2022. 18 October 2022.
- Web site: Jackie Girl (1996) . Sunshine – The Louis Philippe Website . 21 November 2021.
- Web site: Azure (1998) . Sunshine – The Louis Philippe Website . 21 November 2021.
- Web site: Brad . Birzer . The Big Big Tangent . Progarchy . 11 November 2013 . 21 November 2021.
- Web site: Dave Kerzner – New World CD Review . The Prog Report . 17 December 2014 . 21 November 2021.
- Web site: Modern Nature (Deluxe Edition) by The Charlatans . . 21 November 2021.
- Web site: Big Big Train's David Longdon has died aged 56. NME. 22 November 2021.
- Web site: Spectral Mornings Parkinson's Charity CD . Hackett Songs – Steve Hackett's Official Website . 21 November 2021.