Thinking about this story, it all starts over 45 years ago. It was the early 1980s when I first noticed a poster hanging on the Sixth Form common room wall. It read:
“Marillion – Market Square Heroes – Catch Them on Tour Now!”
That poster intrigued me. At the time, I was already deep into music, but something about Marillion’s energy and storytelling grabbed me. Later, I found out that Mark Wilkinson, the brilliant illustrator and artist, designed the album covers, 12″ record covers, and picture discs for Marillion. His artwork was as mesmerizing as the music, bringing their songs to life with incredible detail.
The NUS Photo Card and University Gigs
In the 1980s, by pure chance, Progressive Rock bands often played at University College of North Wales (UCNW), now known as Bangor University.
I’m not entirely sure how it happened, but I ended up meeting a bunch of Bangor students who worked in the Student Union Office. Handing them a photograph, they were able to create me a fake NUS photo card—my golden ticket to seeing some incredible bands.
Thanks to that little stroke of luck, I got to see Pallas, IQ, Pendragon, Solstice, and Skyline Drifter, all doing the university circuit at the time.
The First Time I Heard Marillion
The next time I saw Skyline Drifter, they had changed their name to Marillion. That night was unforgettable—I heard Market Square Heroes, Three Boats Down from the Candy, The Web, and Grendel for the very first time.
Their sound was like nothing else I had experienced before, and from that moment on, I was hooked.
From then on, I could not wait for their first album, Script for a Jester’s Tear, to be released on EMI.
1983 – Script for a Jester’s Tear Hits the World
In 1983, Script for a Jester’s Tear was finally released. It was everything I had hoped for—raw emotion, intricate storytelling, and an atmosphere that was utterly unique.
Then came the single Garden Party, and to my surprise (and slight horror), Marillion appeared on Top of the Pops.
I couldn’t believe it. They had made it.
But at the time, I remember thinking, they’ve sold out! They’re not mine anymore! That underground, cult-like exclusivity I felt had suddenly evaporated.
Of course, looking back now, I realize how incredible it was that a progressive rock band managed to break into mainstream TV at all!
1984 – Fugazi and More Gigs in Liverpool
Then in 1984, Marillion released another album—Fugazi.
This meant only one thing: more gigs in Liverpool at the Royal Court! Their sound had evolved, and the atmosphere at those shows was electric.
By this point, Marillion was more than just a band I liked—they were the soundtrack to my life.
The Chemistry Test Dilemma
Fast forward to 1984, and I found myself organizing a minibus of school friends to attend a Marillion gig at the Liverpool Royal Court.
Excitement was high, but there was just one problem—we had an important Chemistry test the very next morning.
The gig was going to be incredible, but revising for the test? That would be impossible. My friend Gordan and I decided to take a chance and ask our Head of Chemistry, Dr. Emlyn Roberts, if the test date could be changed.
His response?
“Going to a concert? Education comes before seeing bands.”
He then asked which band we were planning to see.
“Marillion,” we answered.
Dr. Roberts didn’t say another word.
The Concert and the Unexpected Surprise
We went to the concert anyway, and it was absolutely worth it. However, since we lived on Anglesey, North Wales, the journey back was long, and we didn’t get home until late morning.
Sleep-deprived but still buzzing from the gig, we dragged ourselves to school and sat at our desks at 9:00 AM, waiting for the test to begin.
As the papers lay face down, Dr. Roberts walked over to me, leaned in, and simply said:
“He Knows You Know.”
Then he smiled.
I turned to my friends—we all knew exactly what he meant.
And the test? A breeze!
1985 – Misplaced Childhood and Marillion’s Biggest Hit
Then came 1985, and whispers of a new Marillion release started circulating. Not just any release—a concept album!
By this time, a new record shop had opened in Menai Bridge, and I had pre-ordered the album in advance. The excitement was unbearable.
For two weeks straight, I cycled four miles every day to the shop just to check if my pre-order had arrived.
Eventually, in 1985, Misplaced Childhood was released—a bold, immersive concept album that marked a turning point for Marillion.
Then came Kayleigh—a song that took the band to a whole new level. The single charted in the Top 40, climbing all the way to No. 2.
The only thing keeping it from reaching No. 1?
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” by the charity supergroup The Crowd.
And even today, I still meet people named Kayleigh after that massive chart hit!
1987 – Clutching at Straws & The End of an Era
By 1987, Marillion released Clutching at Straws.
It was another masterpiece, but it had a different feel. Maybe it was the themes of disillusionment, burnout, and excess, or maybe deep down, we all knew this was the end of something special.
And sure enough, it was.
This would be the last album Fish would write with Marillion. By 1988, he had left the band.
1988 – The Fork in the Road
By 1988, Fish had left Marillion, marking the end of an era. For those of us who had followed the band since the early days, it felt like a seismic shift—one that took a long time to come to terms with.
But for me, the choice was clear—I never followed Marillion again.
Instead, I chose to follow Fish’s solo career.
In 1990, Fish released his first solo album under EMI, Vigil in the Wilderness of Mirrors. It was an album that showcased his unique voice and storytelling, and I was hooked all over again.
Then, in 1991, Fish followed it up with Internal Exile, an album filled with personal reflections and Scottish identity. It was raw, powerful, and deeply personal—everything I had loved about his music from the start.
2020 – The End of a Chapter
Fast forward to 2020, and Fish had decided it was time to retire.
He had planned a farewell tour, giving fans one last chance to see him live before he stepped away from the stage for good. But then… COVID-19 happened. The tour was shut down, and the world went into lockdown.
While the tour never happened, Fish still had one final gift for his fans—his last studio album, Weltschmerz.
Released in 2020, Weltschmerz was, in my opinion, his best work. The album was a culmination of everything Fish had ever done—his storytelling, his passion, and his ability to create deep emotional connections through music. It was a fitting end to an incredible career.
A Reunion, 40 Years in the Making
Fast forward to 2020/2021, and Marillion’s music brought my old friendships back together.
I reconnected with Charlie and Ranald—friends I hadn’t seen in nearly 40 years!
Charles and I attended Marillion’s gigs in Liverpool and Leamington Spa, and Ranald joined us in Liverpool. And now, in 2025, we’ll do it all over again!
The Power of Music & a Personal Invitation
Over the last few years, thanks to Simone, I’ve been fortunate to receive Marillion’s albums.
As a token of appreciation, I’m sending a little something in return—something that might help Fish’s voice on tour. It’s great for coughs and sore throats!
And here’s an open invitation:
I live just a few miles from Fish’s sister in Pocklington, out in the Yorkshire countryside.
If Fish and Simone ever fancy a day of beekeeping, they’re more than welcome!
I’m sure I’ve got a large bee suit that’ll fit Big Lad himself! ?
And Now, 2025: At Haddington for the Final Time
Here I am, in 2025, at Haddington, watching Fish for the final time. He’s entering retirement, and it’s an emotional experience.
It feels surreal—the music, the memories, the friendships we’ve all shared over the years.
At Journey’s End, as the final notes ring out, I realize that this chapter of my life, filled with Marillion, Fish, and all the moments in between, is coming to a close.
It’s not just the end of a tour—it’s the end of an era. And it will stay with me forever.
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