News Update
These two old friends spent many times the same stage as singers, guitarists and songwriters in Magna Carta. Tom Hoy provided these photos from the ‘meet-up’ by Tom Hoy and Chris Simpson in Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, on September 11th. According… Read More »TWO OLD FRIENDS MET AGAIN
Three former Magna Carta musicians are now in Ken Nicol’s new band Lockstep! Playing with Ken Nicol (Steeleye Span, Albion Band, Magna Carta) are: Paul Burgess (Magna Carta, 10cc, Camel, Jethro Tull) – drums,Wendy Ross – violin (Magna Carta, Jon… Read More »THREE FORMER MAGNA CARTA MUSICIANS IN KEN NICOL’S NEW BAND LOCKSTEP
On July 13, 1942 Christopher John Simpson was born in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England Chris grew up in the Yorkshire Dales, in a 16th century stone house lit by candles where, in the words of his song Wild Horses: “No… Read More »Happy 84th birthday wishes to Chris Simpson
Of course this website also supports Magna Carta-related artists… like Rory Hoy, the very successful producer and DJ and son of longtime Magna Carta singer, songwriter and guitarist Tom Hoy and his wife Gerry (a.k.a. Geraldine). Charlotte and Rory Rory… Read More »New RORY HOY single
Original Dutch version: https://www.bluesmagazine.nl/albumrecensie-doug-morter-mamas-boy-2026/ After more than forty years, English singer-songwriter and guitarist Doug Morter releases his second solo album. On Mama’s Boy, the former Magna Carta musician looks back on his rich musical past, featuring new recordings of his… Read More »Album Review: Doug Morter – Mama’s Boy [translated from Dutch Bluesmagazine.nl]
A few weeks ago, Chris was approached, via the website, by Maddie Wheeling, an art student who wanted permission to use Lord of the Ages as a soundtrack for an animation that she was doing. Below you can watch the… Read More »LORD OF THE AGES ANIMATION
The second solo record from Doug Morter, after a gap of 40 years, a collection of thoughts from “the invisible man of folk rock” as dubbed by Acoustic magazine. This description derives from the fact that you may not know… Read More »New Release: “ Mama’s Boy”, by Doug Morter
Tom Hoy wrote: Hi Magna people, We visited my old compadre Christopher John yesterday (March 27, 2026) to find he’s still great fun to be with and great company. The time slipped by quickly. Gerry (who took the photo) and… Read More »TWO OLD FRIENDS MET AGAIN IN 2026
Dear Harry and Friends Here is my Christmas literary work from the recalcitrant pen of a jobbing song-writer! I have to apologise for a delay in communicating with you, old friends, but not-so-good health has come upon me by the… Read More »Chris Simpson’s annual Christmas message 2025
‘Lost’ Harrogate musician’s emotional moment at prestigious London event to celebrate real Magna Carta Here’s the full article published in the Harrogate Advertiser