Big Big Train have announced that founder member Andy Poole is to leave the band.
Poole founded Big Big Train with Greg Spawton in Bournemouth in 1990, where he originally played bass, and has been in every incarnation of the band since. In an announcement on the band’s Facebook page, the band state they will remain as a seven piece, utilising the services of an additional musician for live guitar and keyboard work.
In a short statement, Poole says: “Dear All, it has been a long old trip aboard this train and now the time is right 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 journey. Warmest regards. Andy.”
The band’s own statement reads:
“Andy Poole will shortly be leaving Big Big Train.
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”
