Today sees the release of the final single off Big Big Train forthcoming Welcome To The Planet album. “Bats In The Belfry” was composed by the band’s drummer, Nick D’Virgilio.

Nick comments about the song: “Big Big Train has many songs where the drum parts are challenging and we have a few instrumentals now, but I wanted to write something to really give me the room to stretch out on the drums. I wanted the song to be fast but groovy. I’ve also enjoyed writing more specific parts for our brass ensemble. The song started with the bass line and grew from there. Next came the main melody in the opening section. From there I was off to the races. I was able to add fast ‘drum-n-bass’ style drum solos over the top of some nice counterpoint brass lines, a rocking middle part, and an end section where I changed the beat around just for fun. One thing I have to say is that no matter what I throw at this band they can handle it and then some. The first time I heard Rikard’s ‘surf’ sounding guitar on the fast middle section I burst out laughing with musical joy!”

Big Big Train’s March 2022 UK tour will now not take place; ticket holders should contact their point of purchase for information on refunds. Prior to David’s death the band had been on the verge of announcing a North American tour consisting of over 20 shows in May and June 2022. This projected North American tour will also not be taking place.

The band will be making an announcement next year about its future, including regarding the September 2022 shows that are scheduled to take place in the UK. Ticket holders for these September shows are encouraged to retain their tickets for the time being pending that further announcement. No further comment will be made about the band’s future before next year.

The release of Welcome To The Planet will continue on January 28, six months after the band’s Top 40 album, Common Ground

The new album sees Big Big Train retain their progressive roots but also take influence from all spheres of music. The four recent singles "Proper Jack Froster", "Made Of Sunshine", "The Connection Plan" and "Lanterna" are also included along with keyboard player Carly Bryant's first Big Big Train writing credit and lead vocal on the captivating title track.

Tracklisting:

Part One
"Made From Sunshine"
"The Connection Plan"
"Lanterna"
"Capitoline Venus"
"A Room With No Ceiling"

Part Two
"Proper Jack Froster"
"Bats In The Belfry"
"Oak And Stone"
"Welcome To The Planet"

"Lanterna":

"The Connection Plan":

"Made From Sunshine":