To those who knew his work with Big Big Train, David Longdon needs no introduction. To those discovering him now, here is what you need to know. David was one of the most exceptional musicians of his generation. He was an even better human being.
David died in November 2021, in an accident at home. His life ended far too soon.
This Foundation was created by those who loved him most to carry something of him forward.
Helping Young Musicians : Unlocking doors that talent alone cannot open. We offer financial bursaries and professional mentoring to young musicians from disadvantaged backgrounds. Because where you grow up should never determine how far music can take you.
Music Therapy : Reaching those who need music the most.
Working with Nordoff & Robbins, the UK’s leading music therapy charity, we raise funds to support music therapy for those in greatest need. Music is a universal language and connects where words sometimes cannot.
Talent is never equally distributed. Neither is opportunity.
Social media and technology have opened up music in remarkable ways. But the cost of instruments, rehearsal space, recording and touring remains out of reach for many young people with real genuine talent.
David believed in equity in all things. He didn’t see class or background as defining. This Foundation is the practical expression of everything he stood for.
Then there are those for whom music is something altogether more fundamental. Whether it is children with disabilities, young adults suffering with their mental health, women surviving domestic abuse, or seniors with dementia, music therapy can be transformative in ways that are difficult to put into words. Music reaches parts of people that conventional communication sometimes cannot. It builds connection, confidence and calm. The evidence of its impact is substantial, and the need for it far outstrips the available funding.
David understood, perhaps better than most, that music is not a luxury. For some, it is a lifeline. This Foundation exists to honour that truth.
David Longdon gave everything to music and to people. As the lead singer and frontman of Big Big Train, he had a rare gift for finding the truth in a song and making you feel it. He believed in kindness, in equity, in the idea that where you come from should never determine how far you can go.
The David Longdon Foundation carries these principals forward.
In his name, this Foundation unlocks doors for young musicians who cannot open them alone and brings the healing power of music to children and young adults who need it most.
The reach of music goes further than most people realise. We intend to prove it.
Guided by people who have lived the music industry, from the inside.
The Foundation is supported by an exceptional panel of music industry professionals, each bringing decades of experience and a deep, personal connection to David:
Talent is never equally distributed. Neither is opportunity.
Social media and technology have opened up music in remarkable ways. But the cost of instruments, rehearsal space, recording and touring remains out of reach for many young people with real genuine talent.
David believed in equity in all things. He didn’t see class or background as defining. This Foundation is the practical expression of everything he stood for.
Then there are those for whom music is something altogether more fundamental. Whether it is children with disabilities, young adults suffering with their mental health, women surviving domestic abuse, or seniors with dementia, music therapy can be transformative in ways that are difficult to put into words. Music reaches parts of people that conventional communication sometimes cannot. It builds connection, confidence and calm. The evidence of its impact is substantial, and the need for it far outstrips the available funding.
David understood, perhaps better than most, that music is not a luxury. For some, it is a lifeline. This Foundation exists to honour that truth.
David Longdon gave everything to music and to people. As the lead singer and frontman of Big Big Train, he had a rare gift for finding the truth in a song and making you feel it. He believed in kindness, in equity, in the idea that where you come from should never determine how far you can go.
The David Longdon Foundation carries these principles forward.
In his name, this Foundation unlocks doors for young musicians who cannot open them alone and brings the healing power of music to children and adults who need it most.
The reach of music goes further than most people realise. We intend to prove it.
Guided by people who have lived the music industry, from the inside.
The Foundation is supported by an exceptional panel of music industry professionals, each bringing decades of experience and a deep, personal connection to David:
Every contribution keeps the music playing.
Whether you donate, share our story or simply tell someone about the Foundation, you are helping to build something that will outlast all of us. Just as David’s music already has.
If you have an idea to help raise money for the Foundation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.