Below you can read entries from former Magna Carta musicians and other people who worked for and/or with the band, who not only left a birthday message for Chris Simpson, but also tell what they are up to now in 2025 or wrote another message.
From Davey Johnstone
Happy birthday Chris,
We had many fun times together back in the day….. I was only too happy to become a part of Magna Carta after guesting on the wonderful “Seasons” album, produced by our mutual pal, Gus Dudgeon. I think that fateful session opened the door wider for me as a young musician.
Glen Stuart, you and me made some killer alt/folk music with the Songs from Wastie’s Orchard album, and Live in Amsterdam where I got electrocuted on stage and almost shuffled off….
As a young session musician from Scotland, I was able to improve my visibility which led to me being recruited by Elton.
God bless us all and have a great birthday you old wanker!
Love always,
Davey Johnstone,
July 6th, 2025 California
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From Shirley Abbott
Dear All,
My association with Magna Carta and friendship with Chris started quite by chance….. little did I know that that friendship would endure and Chris would still be a part of my life now.
Already a Magna Carta fan….
Lee was the love of my life and I miss him so much. I fell in love with him the moment I saw him for the first time.
The band were rehearsing in Felliscliffe Village Hall. A mutual friend had taken me there as I was practicing my driving. I saw Lee on the stage, was introduced to him and didn’t see him again for another four months.
That time, MC were playing at a dinner/cabaret event at The Majestic Hotel in Harrogate. We met again at the after gig party….. and that was it, the start of over 30 years together.
The saddest thing is that he never got to be a grandad.
He would have adored Harry and Everly.
They both talk about him as Pud, our daughter, makes sure that he is a part of their life anyway.
I still have Lee’s double bass and his beautiful fretless bass. I feel closer to him when I sit in the room with them.
I’m sure that Lee would like to join me in wishing Chris a very happy 83rd birthday.
Have a great day Chris
Shirley; and Lee of course.
😘
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From Linda Simpson
A quick hello to say I’m now living back in the north of England.
We’re planning on having a dedicated music room in the house, and will be working with some familiar people, to see what we can come up with.
Happy Birthday Chris
I hope all goes well with the events in July
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From Tom Hoy, UK
Hi all in Magna Carta land
Hope everyone is doing well! The Hoys are all fine and exceptionally busy at this time of year touring around as son, Rory’s, roadies at all his DJ festival gigs!
I’ve also just finished recording a couple of songs with him and a fabulous singer, Sarah Collins, which will be released next week!
I keep dabbling into his many productions every so often with some guitar licks and Gerry & I do some vocals from time to time.
The three of us are looking forward to catching up with Chris and Cathy again next week at a special vinyl event in Harrogate to celebrate Chris and Magna Carta, so we’ll see you there, old friend, and will be able to wish you a very happy birthday in person! Rock On!
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From Jonathan Barrett
Hello there Chris and a very happy birthday to you. I hope you’re still slurping red wine with abandon and that all’s well with you and yours.
Love,
Jonathan (served 10 years, let off for good behaviour).
XxxX
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From Donald Beveridge
Hello Chris,
Linda has prompted me to send you birthday greetings and to recount a Magna Carta story.
You must remember your moment of fame when you and Linda were leaving Dubai airport in 1994.
Accompanied by Neil Tyler and myself, you were walking to departures carrying guitar cases when you were stopped by an Asian airport worker.
He studied you carefully for a few minutes, having recognised you but was struggling to recall the name.
Eventually, the light bulb moment….
Yesss, you are Tom Jones!!!
Crestfallen, Chris just stood there surrounded by the three of us helpless with laughter.
So many memories Chris, thank you for making my years in UAE a lot of fun.
Kindest regards,
Bev
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From Doug Morter
Hey Magna folks, and all those lovers of great songs, just to say, to you , Mr Magna, C.J. Simpson, me ol’ mate Chris, firstly, have a fantastic birthday, and it’s been a privilege to have spent so many playing times and liquid times in your presence!! So many stories , too many to tell here, (buy the book!!), you are a guiding light in our land of songwriting, a masterclass in poetic lyricism, and I have loved every moment singing and playing your songs with you. We go back a long way, so many tours, missing our playing pals, George and Lee, our last tour together was so special, it was a thank you (Harry) to those two guys, but also, a connection to your wonderful following in Holland.
You are indeed an inspiration to all songwriters, including myself, and for that I will cherish our time playing together. You have managed to get some great players to accompany your songs, Davey Johnstone, Jan Akkerman, Pick Withers, Paul Burgess, Rick Wakeman, Vic Emmerson, Johnny Dankworth, not forgetting George and Lee, Tom Hoy, Linda, so many to try and remember, to name but a very few, and I’m in special company. But a great song needs great accompaniment, and you always found the right people. The legacy rolls on and always will.
Have great day, luv 2 the lady who keeps it and you together, the lovely Cathy, and I’ll be calling soon, meantime, happy Barfday me ol’ mate, love you to bits !!!xxxx
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From Harry Pater, webmaster
Happy 83rd birthday Chris!
When I first saw you in concert with Magna Carta, way back in 1976, I would never imagined that many years later you would ask me to ‘work’ for and with you, first as ‘press officer’ and soon after to take over as webmaster for the website, then at magnac.com.
I visited you twice in your lovely cottage in Hebden, where Linda created a lovely meal for (first) journalist Harry de Jong (who was the very last reporter who interviewed the late Johnny Cash) and the second time when I came with two gentlemen from my country, who were interested in working for you (never happened!).
In 1992 I went to the town of Kampen, to interview you, and after we shared pizzas, my friend Henk and me were asked to ‘do’ the merchandise, because the guy who should have done that didn’t come. Then I got to know you a bit better.
In 1999 I moved to my current location and soon you and Linda played in Zevenaar and some time later near Didam.
I attended many concerts with Linda, sometimes Lee Abbott and then when Matt Barnhoorn joined you, at many of the spring- and fall tours, throughout the Netherlands, ending at the farewell concert at the Royal Theatre Carré in Amsterdam, which was fun and there I met several people like Tom Hoy, Nelson Silva and Elrieke .van Gelderen (to name just 3). Soon after you went to South Africa twice and then you came back to tour in The Netherlands. I feel lucky to have met many very nice people through all these concerts and am happy to have been at the Cavern Club concert in 2007.
We usually had a good connection, despite your resentment of modern technology: “bloody computers!” is probably what you said to me mostly.
Since the new website is ready and working, thanks to Nelson, we kept in touch. And to be honest, we had some ‘issues’ during the last tour, but these things happen from time to time.
Thank you for your friendship en kind words over the years!
I really hope all is going as well as possible with and for you.
I’m very interested in the upcoming book about you as well as the novel you promised a few years ago.
It’s hard to believe, but I am retired from my paid job, almost 2 years ago! But I still keep very busy, reviewing new albums and concerts en keep taking in concert photos.
Have a great 84th year, Chris!
H@rry Pater, Doetinchem, The Netherlands (I explained it several times to you: Holland is just a part of the country name The Netherlands!)
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From Walter Goyen
Dear Chris,
A very happy 83rd birthday to you! Unfortunately in these uncertain Times of Change we haven’t met for too long, but I hope you are doing well. I’ve said it before: thanks so much for all the fantastic music and love you have spread. I hope that one day you will visit the biggest MC collection in the world again and enjoy the lovely chats with a bottle of wine or two. 😊
Warm greetings from Walter & Kaori & the furry kids
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Nick Hall
I’m Nick Hall, former member of Magna Carta…
Happy birthday Chris!
It was so lovely to see you and Cathy recently and have a good catch up!
I’m playing with my wife Michelle in our duo Plumhall and we’re playing Cropredy Festival this summer – after touring with Fairport recently.
Everywhere we play, people ask me about Magna Carta and I even covered Airport Song on request recently!
Hope you have the most wonderful day and I’ll see you very soon!
Lots of love
Nick
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Nelson Silva
My dear Chris
Happy birthday! More than a birthday, this is a celebration of your talent and inspiration for all of us.
Thank you for being a guiding light and a true inspiration for me with your music and thought.
May this year bring you continued joy, good health, and the love you so deeply deserve.
Love,
Nelson
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