Well, on the first day of 2018 we have our first bit of big news. Big Big Train have issued an announcement that founding member Andy Poole is leaving the group. Poole and now bassist Greg Spawton formed Big Big Train in the early 90s.

Poole released this message earlier this morning:

“Dear All, It has been a long old trip aboard this train and now is the right time for me to disembark; I am ready for new and exciting adventures. Thank you to my fellow crew and passengers. I wish you a fabulous and fulfilling onward journey. Warmest regards, Andy.”

The group has issued this message on Facebook:

“Big Big Train would like to thank Andy for the significant part he has played in the band’s journey and we wish him well in his future endeavours.

Big Big Train will continue with the seven-piece line-up of D’Virgilio / Gregory / Hall / Longdon / Manners / Sjöblom / Spawton alongside the five-piece BBT brass band led by Dave Desmond.

For future live performance, the band has recruited an additional musician to assist with keyboard and guitar work. We will announce details in due course.

We also hope to announce a UK warm-up show for our July 13th Night of the Prog festival appearance at Loreley. We expect the warm-up show to take place on July 11th.

Best wishes

Danny, Dave, David, Greg, Nick, Rachel and Rikard”

We wish Andy the best as well and hope for more great music from Big Big Train in 2018.