Article by: Leo Trimming
Acapela Studio, Pentyrch, Cardiff
Saturday, November 20, 2021

Sometimes things happen that overshadow everything and remind us of everything that is important and really valuable. Those of us who gathered for Magenta’s recent annual acoustic evening at the charming Acapela Club near Cardiff received a sad reminder of this reality when news of the tragic death of Big Big Train singer David Longdon broke shortly before the concert. Magenta and Peter Jones had worked with David in the past and considered him a friend. Indeed, Longdon made a guest appearance at Magenta’s 20th anniversary concert near Newbury in 2019, performing a great vocal version of Steve Hackett’s Spectral Mornings with the band. Unfortunately and inevitably, David’s departure cast a shadow over the entire event, but it is commendable that Magenta and Peter Jones played with such poise and professionalism to provide the audience with a wonderful night of wonderful music.
Magenta’s concert at Acapela has practically become a holiday tradition for fans who gather from afar in a convivial and intimate setting to see a more streamlined performance by the band, which also contributes special solo performances. Magenta also invites a special guest every year to join them at these shows, and this year it was Peter Jones of Tiger Moth Tales and Camel.

Sometimes things happen which overshadow everything and remind us all what is important and truly of value. Those of us who gathered for the recent annual acoustic evening by Magenta at the lovely Acapela venue near Cardiff were given a sad reminder of that reality when news of the tragic death of Big Big Train vocalist David Longdon emerged shortly before the concert. Magenta and Peter Jones have all worked with David in the past, and considered him a friend. Indeed, Longdon made a guest appearance at Magenta’s twentieth anniversary gig near Newbury in 2019, performing a great vocal version of Steve Hackett’s Spectral Mornings with the band. Sadly, and inevitably, David’s passing cast a shadow over the whole event, but commendably, Magenta and Peter Jones played with such poise and professionalism to give the audience a wonderful night of lovely music.
Magenta’s Acapela gig has virtually become a Christmas tradition for fans who gather from far and wide in the convivial and intimate setting to see a more stripped-down show by the band, who also contribute special solo performances. Magenta also invite a special guest to join them for these shows each year, and this year it was Peter Jones of Tiger Moth Tales and Camel.