(headline image: Marillion in 2016)
Marillion, a British neoprog band, originated in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, in 1979, following the decline of punk in Britain. They played a pivotal role in reinvigorating progressive rock during the 1980s, emerging as the most commercially successful neo-prog band of the era.
By 1982, the band’s lineup stabilized with Fish (Derek William Dick) as the compelling Scottish frontman vocalist, alongside Steve Rothey on guitars, Peter Trewavas on bass, Mark Kelly on keyboards, and Mick Pointer on drums.
Their debut album, Script for a Jester’s Tear, achieved commercial success, reaching number seven on the UK album chart and spawning the singles “He Knows You Know” (peaking at number 35) and “Garden Party” (reaching number 16).
The follow-up album, Fugazi, surpassed its predecessor by entering the top five on the charts and yielding the singles “Punch and Judy” (reaching number 29) and “Assassing” (peaking at number 22).
Despite a warm reception from progressive rock enthusiasts, some segments of the British mainstream music media, enamored with punk rock and new wave pop, showed hostility towards Marillion.
In November 1984, the band released their first live album, Real to Reel, featuring tracks from their previous albums and the debut single “Market Square Heroes,” previously unavailable on albums.
Their third studio album, Misplaced Childhood, marked their commercial zenith, characterized by a more mainstream rock sound. The lead single, “Kayleigh,” received extensive promotion from EMI, gaining significant airplay on BBC Radio 1 and Independent Local Radio stations, propelling the band to broader recognition. “Kayleigh” reached number two in the UK, while “Lavender” peaked at number five, remaining their only singles to enter the top five.
During their tenure with lead singer Fish, from 1983 to 1988, Marillion achieved eight top ten UK albums and eleven top 40 hits on the UK Singles Chart, with “Kayleigh” also making its mark on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
Fish’s departure in late 1988 led to the introduction of Steve Hogarth as the new lead vocalist in early 1989. Their first album with Hogarth, Seasons End (1989), continued their chart success. However, their mainstream popularity waned in the late 1990s, leading to their departure from EMI Records after the release of the 1996 live album Made Again.
Despite a resurgence in the mid- to late-2000s, Marillion maintained a cult following. They are credited with pioneering crowdfunding and fan-funded music, selling over 15 million albums worldwide.
Their 2016 critically acclaimed and chart-topping album, F*** Everyone And Run (F E A R), followed by An Hour Before It’s Dark, recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, reaffirmed their relevance in 2022. Known for their exceptional songwriting, melodies, and musicianship, Marillion continues to defy norms and limitations, addressing social, political, and personal issues through their unique sound.
The band’s lineup in 2022 comprised Steve Hogarth on lead vocals, keyboards, and percussion, Steve Rothery on lead and rhythm guitars, Mark Kelly on keyboards, Pete Trewavas on bass and backing vocals, and Ian Mosley on drums.
Discography:
Script for a Jester’s Tear (EMI, Capitol, 1983)
Fugazi (EMI, Capitol, 1984)
Misplaced Childhood (EMI, Capitol, 1985)
Clutching at Straws (EMI, Capitol, 1987)
Seasons End (EMI, Capitol, 1989)
Holidays in Eden (EMI, I.R.S., 1991)
Brave (EMI, I.R.S., 1994)
Afraid of Sunlight (EMI, El Dorado, 1995)
This Strange Engine (Raw Power, Velvel, 1997)
Radiation (Raw Power, Velvel, 1998)
marillion.com (Intact, Sanctuary, 1999)
Anoraknophobia (Liberty EMI, 2001)
Marbles (Intact, 2004)
Somewhere Else (Intact, 2007)
Happiness Is the Road Vol. 1 / Happiness Is the Road Vol. 2 (Intact, 2008)
Less Is More (Intact, 2009)
Sounds That Can’t Be Made (earMUSIC, 2012)
F… Everyone and Run (F E A R) (Intact, earMUSIC, 2016)
With Friends from the Orchestra (Intact, earMUSIC, 2019)
An Hour Before It’s Dark (Intact, earMUSIC, 2022)
I’ve only just discovered this band a few years back, don’t know how I missed them, but so happy I finally found them! I’ve been obsessed ever since and my life has been enriched, by what I now know, is the best band ever! ♥
I found marillion just after real to reel was released. certainly one of the best live albums I’ve heard to this day. I’ve been hooked ever since. even when fish left it was always the music that got me through some dark times and more good times. I can’t imagine a day without listening to this amazing band.