East Coast Racer (live at Kings Place, London, August 2015)

[@joseluizpaizjunior3907]

Into history, into legend... He flies. Farewell David and thank you for the magnificent music you left us. RIP.

[@GarryOxley-ju4mq]

David’s voice on this is simply stunning. BBG will never be the same without him - as vocalist, musician, and songwriter. Very sadly missed. RIP

[@augustblue5972]

Thank you David for this wonderful music. It's your turn to sing with the angels now. RIP Brother.

[@badgerarmy966]

this is truly terrible news today. RIP david and gratitude for your brilliance with jude's songs... what a musician you were.

[@johnhogan9722]

Such a tragic loss RIP David. A nice guy and an incredible talent. Taken far too soon.

[@DJAC63]

So very true. Unbelievable news.

[@jreid641]

Amazing stuff! Every song is an epic in scope and proportion. Everyone talks about how sad it is that David passed away, and it is, but he didn't do this music by himself. He couldn't have done it without this group of extremely talented individuals playing the music he sang to. Let's give them the credit they deserve.

[@frauditingscum]

Here here.

[@joshuafreiwald8037]

Is it just me, or does Rachael look absolutely amazing in this?

[@xtstevie]

Dave Gregory is truly amazing & so underrated..........

[@csitMusic]

9:25 - 12:10 Best crescendo I've heard in my whole life.

[@EixtremeDrummer]

One of the best, right.

[@progrock21]

csitMusic I would say it starts at about 6.20 with that wonderful piano. Hope they play it at Cadogn.

[@yo-yowa1642]

absolutely wonderful. Warm greetings from BIG BIG TRAIN Germany

[@dennoow]

csitMusic one of the best. Anglagard's latest album is filled with wonderful crescendo's like this. Such a masterful band too, as is bbt. Happy to be alive in this era :)

[@rickpeuser233]

Agreed. My skin gets chills and my tears swell.

[@johnwilson1689]

RIP David Longdon. Gone too soon. You did some great things musically, there were more great things to come. If only.

[@Clown90125]

Listens to two minutes of this and heads off to Amazon to buy everything they've released....

[@philiphurst831]

Culpano, I did the same. Looking forward to seeing them in London during October. 😀

[@markcbb]

I know it's a bit "Gabriel" but he has the most wonderful voice and it appears its only getting better. What a singer , what a band.

[@EyesSquared]

ICR68 Uh no, that's not entirely true. David Longdon was considered as a replacement for Phil Collins when he left Genesis. Both he and Ray Wilson did many tryouts and eventually Ray Wilson was chosen by Genesis (i.e. Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford and their manager Tony Smith) to provide the lead vocals on the "Calling All Stations" album (which turned out to be Genesis' swan song). Another intriguing part: Nick D'Virgilio laid down many of the drum parts for that album, replacing Phil Collins on drums. Nick and David never met during that entire process... It's all in this interview with David (found via Wikipedia): www.dusk.it/david_longdon_exclusive_interview.htm

[@dennoow]

Last time I checked sounding a bit like Gabriel wasn't a bad thing! ;)

[@eric1966tomson]

It sounds more "Genesis" than "Gabriel"... Tony's keyboards, Steve's guitars... etc.

[@caravann26]

New new new we've had this already!!

[@Lemma01]

@@eric1966tomson Last time I checked, sounding like Peter-Tony-Steve-... etc wasn't a bad thing either! ;-)

[@oskrcr989]

That moment when you connect with the music so deeply that you feel chills and a tear runs down.

[@ICR68]

The only way to play this is loud and without distraction. Absolutely spine-tingling.

[@progrock21]

ICR68 Totally correct.

[@solesurvivor6514]

One of their best songs. Just a shame that Rachel, Danny and Dave are not in the band anymore. A huge blow for the band.

[@2visiondigital]

I know, crap! Some original King Crimson members did not want to tour. BBT never played in the states. Somethings aren't meant to be.

[@davidbrooksbank7444]

I want to sincerely thank all those who play in Big Big Train from the bottom of my heart for this, probably the greatest piece of music ever in the history of prog. I find it emotional.

[@thegreenman555]

It’s certainly up there with the greats - which in the early part of the C21st when most had written of Prog, is pretty amazing ❤

[@dandecastro51]

I cry every time I think of, or listen to this beautiful band. I just found them within a year ago. And looked fwd to a lifetime of David. RIP! Stunning piece of music. But also, what a crazy original idea to put to song the commemoration of an exciting but quite unusual moment in the history of industry, make the music suit the theme to a tee AND make it feel emotional and oh so so romantic! Thank you David; thank you Big Big Train!!

[@blazingday8596]

The most perfectly realised piece of music ever........As good as 'Turn of the Century' by Yes, by which I mean that if you took away the vocals the song would still tell the same story. Simply incredible. Saw this at Cadogan Hall and wept........

[@georgepisleag5606]

I was there! I flew from Romania to see them and hope seeing them perform again!

[@juancarloshernandezreyes5833]

Rest in peace mr David 😢

[@Crinklechip-s]

Possibly the best video on youtube...

[@exiledscouser919]

Amazing. Tears flow, for the accomplishment in the 30’s that’s unlikely to be suppressed and to David’s tragic loss. But this is a celebration of a very English landmark to the soul and emotion wrung from every note. Fantastic and thank you to all involved.

[@peterhammer6915]

The instrumental part that starts around 9:30 with David singing first is one of the great moments of progressive music. Albeit totally different, Cinema Shows instrumental part springs into my mind.

[@unitronnederland]

I fully agree. Goosebumps. Magical. Wow, this is music.

[@hsalomao9]

I agree, Peter Hammer. I like the whole song, but I confess that I'm waiting for this moment in the song, when the instrumental makes it wonderful!

[@KennethACrashwaggonMusic]

Can't believe I haven't paid attention to this band until very recently. (weird as I used to be a fan of both Nick and Rikard's other bands). And yes, that part is utterly amazing. That unbelievable crescendo reminds me a lot of Hackett's solo on Firth of Fifth actually.

[@hsalomao9]

The band I listen to the most today, for expressing all the qualities that the best New Prog demands and those who know them know. One of the songs I like the most (maybe the most). And, unfortunately, a meaningless loss. I love watching and listening to BBT. And I will listen and watch until I die, whether or not they make more songs.

[@jasonjenkins6373]

for modern stuff, have you tried porcupine tree, opeth, mastodon.. to name a few? i dont know the circumstances of the passing but it was very sad at such a young age.

[@Rafast70]

What a song! My BBT favorite. Brass and violin are awesome, played in the best symphonic rock band of the decade.

[@chinofernandez08]

Will Always be remembered. Best voice in prog rock currently. Love to the band members.

[@RogerDohse]

The reference in performing live music. One of the best live sound i´ve ever heard. Great musicians.

[@SonofHendrik]

Roger Dohse It's even better sounding on Vimeo.

[@graemewright182]

What a superb performance of one of BBT's greatest songs. Sheer energy and pure musicianship from start to finish

[@stevieearp]

When I point people towards progressive music, Big Big Train is one of the first three bands I mention now. So many layers, so much atmosphere in the music. Amazing show guys, really glad you got it on video for all of us to see!!

[@dennoow]

Stephen Earp which are the other 2?

[@merlinscat]

I never noticed before how David puts an arm round Rickard at the end, how nice is that ?

[@SDSsongs]

This song is an example of what sets them apart from their contemporaries. All moderns prog bands have superb musicians; that's one of the hallmarks of the genre. But it's another thing entirely to be superb composers, as well. It's the quality of the compositions that keeps you coming back for repeated listens.

[@jasonjenkins6373]

You just need to look at sjbloms face to work out if its a good one ;-)

[@dandecastro51]

For me, there is another element added. Like with YES music... The emotion the atmos sound exudes. It's evident in BBT, and also Porcupine Tree.

[@markedwards2063]

A prog rock orchestra - a joy to listen to. Thank you for such great music.

[@adam872]

David's voice just slays me in this version. It's actually even better than the album version for mine. That mighty crescendo just caps it off. I can't recall too many more spine tingling moments in music than that.

[@progrock21]

adam872 Live they are altogether something else !!

[@octapad1]

21st century seminal prog rock band

[@javierduran2055]

Stunning, simply stunning. 11:23, one of the most triumphant moments in rock history...

[@pseudogenesis]

By the time he sang that last high note, I had tears rolling down my face. SHE FLIES! I've listened to rock all my life, and never before have I heard such a gorgeous climax. Music is the closest thing we can get to genuine magic.

[@bryhart5638]

I am 20 years old, massive fan of early Genesis, very late to the Big Big Train party. This is a first song that has ever made me tear up. What an incredible climax

[@fryk2462]

Sjoblom, Longdon and D'Virgilio play in another league...incredible musicians...

[@erikderode6694]

A great talent has gone, he will be dearly missed. Rest in Peace, David. Thanks for the moving music you made. It's time for a new chapter....can't wait...

[@TakisMasterKey]

A classic of the modern era!

[@AmadeusRFL]

What a moment to be alive and to have the oportunity to listen to this masterpiece...

[@kieronbowker9983]

Sleep sweetly David. RIP.

[@fabriziocamisani5477]

They bring me back...Genesis, Yes, KC, my teen years....She flies.....

[@nnetaneli]

Rest in peace, David.

[@Pmjs]

I love this song. I've worked Mallards sister A4 Pacific 60009 as Osprey & Union of South Africa. Mallard's 125.88mph World Speed Record. I love British Steam, Diesel& Electric locomotives. I love Marillion. 1st saw BBTs video on East Coast Racer in June.BBT was recommended to me.

[@SonofHendrik]

And into history, into legends....she flies!

[@netuno60]

Oh my god, what is this!?? So great and beautiful song. I'm Brazilian, I don't understand all the story, but the song is so climatic and imagetic that I almost see what's happening. Thank you BBT for your beautiful performance and sensitivity.

[@Earthshaker513]

It's the story of the "Mallard," the world's fastest steam locomotive.

[@metalgear6531]

Like Earthshaker said, it's the story of Mallard. A steam engine built by the London Northeastern Railway that also has the distinction of being the world's fastest steam engine. The first verse is about Mallard being designed and built, the second about her getting fired up and moving for the world record attempt. From there, I like to think of it as them reaching that speed at about 9:20 and going "Oh my god, we've done it!"

[@netuno60]

Metal Gear Thanx for your info. Now I can see the context more clearly.

[@metalgear6531]

@@netuno60 You're welcome! I'll gladly take any excuse to babble about steam engines :p

[@thomasrichmond2413]

Cheers to everyone on this: musicians, of course, sound engineer, recording engineer and audience for having the good taste to be there!

[@leonardocardoso1695]

What a great song remembering these brave workers 77 years ago !! Masterpiece !!!

[@paper-art59]

Big Big Train = Big Big Love!!!

[@grahamhowes6904]

Fine symphonic rock - the wonderful violin work of Rachel - plus brass band …. Well sung beautifully played and compositionally interesting and joined up lyrics - does it get any better.

[@yostich69]

So happy to get an email from Sweetwater about Nick and approaching drums. I now have a new band to enjoy that easily falls in the top three bands I have ever listened to. I just purchased BBT's 2009 album after listening to Victorian Brickwork and I am sure to add more to my collection as everything I have listened to thus far from this band is indescribable and addicting. I hope this live performance gets released in CD form as some live performances are actually better than the studio recording. Thank you BBT for posting this music for all to hear, it is GREATLY appreciated!

[@ChrisEchoes]

Hi, a full live album (CD) containing the entire set of those King's Place shows was released as A Stone's Throw From The Line: bigbigtrain.com/main/discography/astftl/

[@EixtremeDrummer]

Great song with an epic 8 minutes end. I can easily imagine Steve Hogarth's voice there.

[@stuarthowarth2972]

RIP David Longdon! Into legend!

[@mapior]

The brass section is superb in this monumental track. Shades of Renaissance in places perhaps?

[@mikeemerson9832]

Masterpiece.

[@joshuafreiwald8037]

Kept hearing these guys on my "Neal Morse" station on Pandora.. Geniuses.. I'm hooked!

[@richarddavis5542]

I think I was watching the Grammy's with my girlfriend and I started to ponder the difference between pop music and music like this. The result was the idea that pop music is music that billions of people like. This music is that which millions of people love. A difference in connecting through emotion verses connecting to one's soul.

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

There's plenty of pop music that millions of people love. The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Prince, Taylor Swift... Of course, pop has many more casual listeners too, but I wouldn't say it has any less passionate fans than prog. I also have no idea what distinction you're making between emotions and the soul.

[@jasonjenkins6373]

It is complexity (lots of stuff playing at the same time and odd time signatures) that draws prog fans in since they can process it. Play a dream theater song with lots of time signatures to your friend and see what they think of it.

[@dann61960]

just kinda leaves me speechless-and wanting more

[@Czarnopolski]

R.I.P David...This is a loss beyond words...

[@KennethACrashwaggonMusic]

11:30 or thereabouts..instant goosebumps. Every time. The crescendo there is just unbelievabke.

[@frauditingscum]

That section is simply epic - I end up a blubbering wreck - serious.

[@bradanderson1442]

Just love this band.. really beautiful stuff!

[@simonwithers4941]

Blimey! This is just a bit special...what a song...what a band!

[@jamieyoung9392]

Magnificent, joyful, triumphant, elegiac. A masterpiece as powerful, and as beautiful, as the Mallard herself.

[@lacomechansonsmusique44]

That's completly what I love in progressive music !!! incredible performance! What a big emotion to hear a so good composition! I love it!!

[@angusprune2758]

Goose Bumps again!

[@angusprune2758]

That was a fantastic weekend!

Oh, yes, my friend!! :)

[@JeffCooper10538]

Perfection.

[@jimmyshelter1]

Magical. What a climax, the last few minutes.

[@c.augustop.3482]

I continue to hear and be able to imagine being what it is not, truly in the imagination, still feeling now. Since Trespass I closed my eyes ... that is too much.

[@thegreenman555]

What a triumphant first set of live shows they were. Godspeed, David wheresoever in the Summerlands ye may be. 🙏🏼

[@alexandrealves4517]

What a wonderful band! Good taste, sensitivity, harmonious! My favorite band today! I'm not tired of listening! I would love to see a show from you!

[@alexandrealves4517]

The music is very well played and composed with great emotion! Wonderful show!

[@ReynoldsiesNZ]

favourite BBT live song and one of my favourite prog songs ever such an emotional compo

[@robertobiscaro9839]

Masterpiece

[@billyarbuckle1191]

Been a massive fan since the underfall yard album love to see them live

[@richardrobbins7949]

This is the second time I have caught caught by this brilliant band - love the singer - cross between Peter Gabriel and Phil - the musicians are amazing - always love the violin - and yes Brass in prog works - brilliant music - going to listen to more - why doesnt Tony Banks work with these guys.

[@MichaelEllisOfTenDeg]

This is so f###ing incredible. I am so glad, they are finally playing live.

[@buffplums]

How could anyone dislike and give a thumbs down… tell me about anyone who can outperform these guys please?

[@purpleblues1]

my fave track of the night! :)

[@lucasfilop]

Just amazing! Eargasmatic!

[@tomindeltona]

that was incredible. fantastic song. I hope they coming to concert soon here in the states. I'd love for them to come to Orlando

[@sinus8888]

Fantastic! I love you! Keep going!!!!! Many greetings and come to Germany!

[@ReynoldsiesNZ]

truly magnificent music and i agree the band are all engaged - its delightful to watch and listen 11.30 to 11:56 in particular is just beautiful - best thing i ever heard

[@tomwimsatt9567]

This sends chills up my spine.

[@davidjeffrey1]

If your not punching the air at the cresecendo check your pulse lol

[@buffplums]

I CANNOT WAIT to see these guys next year… haha encore at the end…. How could they possibly do an ENCORE at the end that ? That has to be one of the most emotive performances …absolute perfection from every player and the engineers and the audience of course… better known as the passengers.

[@Lemma01]

'We've reached the last song...' only 17'20" to go before the encore, then! Prog Magic.

[@AliothSenator]

She flies.

[@Sant182]

That part brings me to tears

[@Pmjs]

AliothSenator I saw Mallard in NRM.

[@rudycarlson8245]

Mallard will fly across the rails again someday! I guarantee it! The NRM just needs to get the head out of their ass and shove her into the shop to do an evaluation I think what’s preventing it is they are afraid to spend the money, but the question is why?

[@philhickman5564]

Balled my way through this dam gig!

[@jozsefabraham5098]

Wow

[@eriklaan8207]

Brilliant song.

[@bugatti103]

excellent... friend told me about this band some really good music :)

[@troublesomecorsair]

Dagnabbit. I got chills and I wasn't even paying attention. Two keyboardists, one with the Korg SV1, the other with a Roland A-88 for the lower tier. A Novation and a Roland A-800 Pro on top? Nord Stage up front.

[@juanchoteado5046]

absolute perfection

[@dariomc2]

RIP Brother

[@guillegangas5798]

Perfect, awesome, epic....!!!!

[@prog9747]

Un live d'une telle qualité, vous laisse complètement pantois !

[@ChrisSmith-yv3te]

What an amazing, powerful, emotional piece of music - nothing beats that

[@jamiewilson2088]

Love this band

[@josecarlos4109]

A merry Christmas from Brazil! Awesome job

[@vernonallen3370]

Utterly brilliant!

[@ICR68]

Shaped for speed strong on the wing the sketches and designs were made, frames were laid by hand-picked men. Working every hour they had to build the fire to make the engine; looking to the road ahead so she can fly. The road is clear and words remain unsaid. He walks the high wire with the engines and men of the line. He sees love, he sees hope, he sees everything that they are; the need to fly far. He sees love. Men as giants, hammers falling, the works’ own heartbeat. Furnace stacks with black smoke rising steals the clean air. (Hark. Here she comes...) Joe and Tommy on the plate their caps are worn in racing style, elbows jutting from the cab. Working every hour they had to build the fire to drive the engine; looking to the road ahead. There was a lonely voice and it spoke these words: “Run hard as you like for the engines and men of the line.” He sees love. He sees hope, he sees everything that they are; the need to fly far. He sees love. Men as giants feed the engine build the fire from cold. Coal and water fire and steam to drive the pistons home. He sees love. BRIDGE They ran south working up the bank past the upturned faces of the platelayers. She starts to take her wing, she jumps to it...like a living thing, made for speed and in full cry they gave her the road and she holds to the line. Church bells call a beat along the track she burns with the substance of the land. Racing through the circling lines a rocket in blue...at two miles a minute, embers stream along her sides; from this far away now, she flies with them into sky... Into history into legend she flies...