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From The Times
April 21, 2007

How to thrive on a Fish-free diet

Once the epitome of uncool, Marillion are now pioneers

Marillion
Stephen Dalton

There are no goblins guarding the gates to Marillion’s secret lair in the rolling depths of Middle England. No cackling old crones casting spells on strangers foolhardy enough to enter this remote Buckinghamshire backwater. No towering battlements topped with boiling oil ready to repel invading hordes of fork-tongued metropolitan rock critics.

A faceless industrial unit outside Aylesbury, rather disappointingly, is where Marillion have based their global empire for the past decade. This is the band’s rehearsal space, recording studio, record label and management office combined. Alas, it does not even have a moat.

An affable bunch of divorcees and middle-aged dads, Marillion are as English as a pub darts team. The guitarist Steve Rothery, the keyboard player Mark Kelly and the drummer Ian Mosley share 25 years of history. Even the singer Steve Hogarth, the new boy, has notched up almost two decades of service.

The band have just released their 14th album, Somewhere Else, which is really rather good. Containing tracks that shimmer like Coldplay, ache like Radiohead and thunder like Muse, it is better than 80 per cent of this month’s releases. But you are unlikely to hear Marillion on British radio, read about them in the music press or see them play a major festival.

This is largely because Marillion have — how can we put this kindly? — an image problem. Their music is still perceived as bloated, bombastic mullet-haired prog-rock, even by people who have never heard it. In fairness, they did once release an album called Script for a Jester’s Tear. But, come on, we all had bad hair days in the 1980s.

“We have got a bit of a reputation,” admits Kelly. “I had a conversation with Noel Gallagher at a party once and said to him, ‘I’m in a band but it’s the most uncool band in the world – Marillion’. He went, ‘Yeah, you’re right.’ Deadpan! Not even smiling.”

“It is kind of like musical leprosy in this country,” sighs Hogarth. “But fortunately the rest of the world doesn’t share that view.”

One key factor in Marillion’s perennially naff image is that they are still closely identified with their first singer, Derek “Fish” Dick, even though he left in 1988. “Fish had a personality that appealed to the heavy rock, hard-drinking, Scottish loudmouth sort of . . . er, I’ll stop there,” says Kelly.

Relations between Fish and his former band were chilly for a decade after their acrimonious divorce, although they have thawed in recent years. “I’m going to his wedding in August,” grins Mosley. “I was his best man originally, but he doesn’t want me to be this time. He said I put a curse on it last time.”

“He hasn’t invited me,” says Hogarth glumly. Still the new partner in the relationship, even after 19 years.

To tackle the Fish problem, Marillion discussed changing their name after his departure, but eventually decided against it. “Although there’s a lot of baggage with the name Marillion, it’s probably much better than no baggage at all,” shrugs Rothery. “We may be musical Marmite, but at least you’ve heard of Marmite,” grins Kelly.

Let’s be frank. Even at their mid1980s chart peak, Marillion were never cool. But their real problems began with declining commercial fortunes a decade ago. Fifteen years into their career, after eight albums for EMI and three for Castle, their manager advised them to get day jobs to make ends meet. Instead, they sacked him, making an instant saving of 20 per cent. Soon afterwards, they left the label altogether, but only after a brilliant act of guerrilla marketing. Inspired by an unofficial web community of American fans who had donated $60,000 to subsidise their US tour, the band tapped into the potential of the internet years before most of their peers. Their final album for Castle, released in 1999, was archly titled Marillion.com.

“That was all part of our leaving plan,” says Rothery. “We had one album to go and we thought the best thing was to turn it into an advert for the fact that we were going to do everything via the internet from then on. They didn’t twig it at all.”

Necessity being the mother of reinvention, Marillion pioneered a powerful new business model by becoming their own online record label. Armed with thousands of e-mail addresses, they even took the revolutionary step of asking fans to finance recording of their 2001 album, Anoraknophobia, by preordering copies 12 months in advance. An impressive 12,000 took the pledge. Years before the rise of MySpace, Arctic Monkeys and Lily Allen, Marillion became unlikely cyber tycoons.

“Everybody talks about Arctic Monkeys becoming huge on MySpace,” laughs Kelly. “That’s bollocks, of course they didn’t. They had a couple of tracks on MySpace and then a big record company push.”

Marillion continue to exploit their loyal internet following in innovative ways. Further fan donations helped finance the marketing of their 2004 album, Marbles, complete with a targeted e-mail campaign that secured the band their first Top Ten single in 20 years, You’re Gone. Bypassing conventional concert promoters, they have also hosted four of their biannual Marillion Weekend mini-festivals.

A decade after they were advised to get day jobs, Marillion remain full-time musicians earning more than they ever did as label slaves. How much? “Less than a consultant brain surgeon, more than a milkman,” grins Hogarth. They also employ five full-time staff, sell around 100,000 copies of each album and fill venues of 3,000 capacity and bigger.

Most important, they have freed themselves from the “gatekeepers” of public taste such as A&R men and radio pluggers. By turning an image problem into a marketing advantage, Marillion have secured an enviable degree of creative freedom.

“The holy grail is if you can make exactly the music that you want to make, for no other reason than that you want to make it, and still make a living,” says Hogarth. “I know a lot of musicians, and they’re all jealous.”

Jealous of Marillion? That’s a phrase you don’t hear every day. But love them or loathe them, Marillion are having the last laugh.

Somewhere Else is out on Intact Records (www.marillion.com). They play the Forum, Highgate Road, London NW5 (www.meanfiddler. com 020-7284 1001), Jun 15 & 16

Somewhere Else is a brilliant collection of songs. A Voice From The Past, No Such Thing, The Wound and the title track are particular highlights. I've been listening to this for 3 straight weeks and I think it ranks up there with one of their best. It is an album that takes some time to hit you, but once it does you realize how great it is. Most Toys isn't so bad. You have to admit that nasty riff in the middle of the song is quite good! The Last Century For Man is the only clunker on the album. You can't compare this to Marbles as that is a whole different animal, however I feel it's their best album since Afraid of Sunlight.

DW, Denville, NJ, USA

I have little guilt saying that Im a big Marillion fan. I'll be very honest and say that 'Clutching at Straws' is probably the best set of songs I have ever heard and the album means an awful lot to me.

I really like the H period stuff especially Brave and Afraid of Sunlight but would have to say that despite many, many plays that Somewhere Else leaves me rather frustrated... The title track and A Voice from the Past are sensational and everything that makes Marillion so utterly special. The rest of the album seems rather forced and at times rather dull. Most Toys should be kidnapped, rolled up in a carpet and chucked in the nearest lake. I worry that the band seem the need to be recognised as sounding like Cold Play or Radiohead (I love both, by the way) because Marillion should only sound like Marillion. And Marillion to me is a stunning marriage of emotion, power and subtlety.

GJ, bournemouth, dorset

I agree with Derek that „Somewhere Else“ is surprisingly challenging when you here it first. To be honest I have to admit that initially I found most of the tracks somewhat plain. Maybe it’s because the predecessor „marbles“ presented its beauty right on the surface and I loved it instantly. The brilliance of the new album I found „somewhere else“ beyond my expectations. Presently it is even my ipod favourite. Take your time (and your earphones preferably) to find the depth of this multi-facet piece of music. Very rare these times...

Marcel, Luxembourg,

After 28 years in the business, Marillion are still one of musics best kept secrets. To be able to produce albums of such immense feeling is due to their incredible playing ability. How many bands get their fan base to bank roll tours and future albums. Thank God they have been unspoilt by "Pop Idol" types of A&R men! That is why they still move people all over the world. long may it last!

Matt Sunderland, Guildford, England

I agree with Derek that „Somewhere Else“ is surprisingly challenging when you here it first. To be honest I have to admit that initially I found most of the tracks somewhat plain. Maybe it’s because the predecessor „marbles“ presented its beauty right on the surface and I loved it instantly. The brilliance of the new album I found „somewhere else“ beyond my expectations. Presently it is even my ipod favourite. Take your time (and your earphones preferably) to find the depth of this multi-facet piece of music. Very rare these times...

Marcel, Luxembourg,

You guys are great!

Tomas, San Diego, CA, USA

Got to say that I love Marillion but this album took a good few listens to get into - having said that this is superb and a real grower - so anyone who has taken to using it as a coaster - dig it out and let it play a bit - you'll soon be singing along in the shower and humming it in the traffic jams.

Derek, Ipswich, Suffolk

I bought this album this afternoon after reading Mr Dalton's article and it's the last recommendation I'll take from him.
This is the dullest most derivative collection of songs I've heard since the Brit-pop cash-in albums of the 90s.
On the upside I have a new coaster for the coffee table.

Allistair Henderson, Reigate,

I really don’t know what's make a band "cool". Maybe the answer is in a desk and NOT on stage and on studio. Marillion have making superb MUSIC in last 23 years. Even their 80’s songs still sounds great today. But if the band and the fans changes, the “critics” (the guys who decides what’s cool or uncool for many people who pay to others decide for them) still in 80’s, talking about things that they don’t know.

Marcio Delgado, Juiz de Fora, Brazil

No wonder you have an image problem, if when it comes to interviews you trot out the same old diatribe each time eg . we took control of our destiny blah, blah , blah. Yeah you have made some cracking albums - anything by the Scottish guy , Brave, Afraid of Sunlight, Marbles. But to become as dull as ditch water copyists of the likes of Coldplay, Radiohead, Keane et al . is just not good enough for musicians as talented as you guys clearly are . Somewhere Else does not inspire me to come and see you live for the first time in almost 12 years.

Lawrie Fairweather, Dundee, Scotland

I am glad to see some people eating a slice of humble pie. However, why the snide remarks about Kayleigh and Misplaced Childhood. Not only was this actually a bestselling album but it is one of the greatest albums of all time, a rare instance of something popular actually being pretty good. I would rave about most Marillion releases with and without Fish, though Marbles appears to top Somewhere Else. Nonetheless, please throw off your prejudices and go and seem them. Also, Hogarth is a very affable bloke. I interviewed him last year and he is a very thoughtful, informed individual.

Chris Wright, Newcastle,

I heard of this article when listening to Fish's Planet Rock show repeat on Sunday. I've seen Marillion at least three times, once with Fish. I've seen Fish twice as a solo artist. After listening to Marillion on the Marillion show on the Bob Harris show the other week, I came to the conclusion that if Fish era Marillion is Genesis like (I only learnt of the Mark Hamill, Van Der Graaf Generator comparisons this year from Wikipedia) then Hogarth era Marillion seems rather Pink Floyd like to me. I intend to see Fish on his tour, so perhaps I should check out Marillion again too?

Alastair Warren, Plymouth, Devon

Great Article! Marillion are so underated and people who don't really know modern Marillion still think of Kayleigh etc. Those people are really missing out, this is a really great band and Steve Hogarth is an amazing frontman with an exceptional voice. The new album Somewhere Else is very, very good and everyone reading this should go out and buy it.

Marillion without question are the best band in the world.

Will , Leicester, Leicestershire

Somewhere Else is a seriously good album. I read this article as a non-Marillion fan and became so intrigued I got myself a copy. I can't believe this is the same band that were an 80s laughing stock - as far as the lyrics go, this is as emotional, honest, thoughtful and relevant as they come. Plus it's all supported by well-produced, intelligent musicianship that comes across as 'Keane-with-guitars-playing-Coldplay-melodies-in-Radiohead's-studio'. Impressive stuff, and you won't hear me say that often. I urge anyone who thinks they know-it-all about the current UK music scene to give this a go, you'll be surprised and you won't be disappointed. This isn't the same band who invented the name Kayleigh, the isn't anywhere near 'Scottish Heavy Metal' and it isn't anything to do with Fish. I was wrong, I stand corrected and humbled, and I won't trust my preconceptions again. Who'd've thought that a bunch of 40-somethings from the Home Counties could've done that to cynical old me?!?!

Gary, Claygate,

Well, maybe in a world where image means everything, Marillion may have an image problem. But, well, I really though they were musicians! And music is something they do really well. Somewhere Else is the living proof of it. Does music need image? My ears don't think so... My feelings neither. Great band, great album, great article! Thanks a lot.

Paulo Mauad, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Very nice article... Love marillion since ages ago, I lived in the UK for a few years in the late 90's and never saw such a nice article on the press. Thanks for writing and sharing.

Francisco, Lisbon, Portugal

very special.
very unique.
very british.
one of the best bands ever.
cherish them, while they're around.

I/Ø, hamburg, germany

It's nice what you say about marillion these days.
Consider a "bad hair day" script for a jester's tear is at least hilarious.
Script was one of their best albums ever and songs like Forgotten Sons are eternal.

Francis, Beirut,

Many thanks for the article.
I've discovered Marillion in 2004 when I heard a few songs from their 13th album - Marbles - on the radio, and I've been their true fan ever since.
It's a shame that you can't hear music like that on the radio every day and that Marillion don't get the attention from the media they deserve.
And as it is to their image:
"We live in a world where they give bad names to beautiful things."
I think all fans recognize this sentence...

Mark, Poznan, Poland

Great and honest article. Finally someone in musical press did his homework seriously and LISTENED one Marillion CD before write about it. Unhappy, it’s hard to find it.

Marcio Delgado, Juiz de Fora, Brazil

Please review the new marillion album: 'Somewhere Else'. Amazing that a band going for so long can make an album that sounds so fresh and challenging.

Glyn, Oxford, UK

I don't care about pointless notions of "cool" and "uncool". Bottom line is, Marillion make great music of substance and atmosphere which moves me. When you think about it, such blinkered fallacies about what constitutes "naff" music and "hip" bands etc have been invented over the years by no more than a few scribblers in the media. I know quality music when I hear it and that's all I care about!

By the way, Marillion might be deemed to have an "image problem" from the early days but Fish's work with the band is generally brilliant too!

Matt, Halesowen, England

I too would like to see a follow-up with a review of "Somewhere Else", let's talk about the music this incredible band is making!

Frans, Seattle, WA, USA

Marillion will always be an important part of my life.
Would have liked to read a bit more about their new album in this article and surely we're all well and truly over fish now?!?

Jasper Kan, Mt Tamborine, Australia

There's never been a band that induces more sheer pleasure than Marillion. Each album takes you on a roller coaster of emotion and brilliance. Their live shows are even better. Even though I'm an atheist, Marillion live is a religeous experience.

Jeff Kendall, Philadelphia, USA

Great article and so nice to see the guys in the press.
If you've not had a listen to the new album or seen them on tour ??
Do it before its too late.

Dave, Littlehampton, UK

I would just say, change your misconceptions of this band, pretend their called something else if the name concerns you and go get yourself "Somewhere Else". Its truly brilliant and from a band that continue to be one of the best kept musical secrets!

Roger, Horsham, Sussex

Marillion have always been around making consistantly good music and touring . They have a massive and loyal following . Its great to see a national newspaper taking an interest in the band . I'm convinced if more people were able to find out and listen to their music they will be big again .

mikey webb , London, UK

Great article. On the negative side, only harcore Marillion fans like us are going to read it.

Reynaldo, Mexico City, Mexico

Brilliant piece of writing. Hopefully Somewhere Else will bring them world fame at last.

roel, Den Bosch, Netherlands

Marillion is a beter way of life .
Go and check them out ,You'll be surprised

Robz, Rotterdam, The Netherland

Great article on an innovative, industrious band that deserve all the success they get.

Glen, Cheltenham,

I've been a Marillion fan since the release of "Script for a Jester’s Tear", which still is a jolly good listen, and the band have never been better. If they were with a big label and they were allowed to produce the kind of music they produce at present they would surely be one of the biggest bands in the world - just like Iron Maiden are. But hey, who needs big labels so long as you have the product. See you at the Forum guys, and probably "somewher else" too.

Greg S., London, UK

Good article, on a much under-appreciated, but great band!

Now, why not review Marillion's new album "Somewhere Else" (released 9 April), and then surely include it in the list of "Must Have CD's For Spring 2007"?

Jon Huby, London, UK

Marillion still makes me cry. They are one of those very well keep secret but always shine with a stars!!
Looking forward to Marillion gig at The Forum, Jun 15

George Radushev, Sofia, Bulgaria

Give them a listen folks, this band are worth it!

Andy, Saltash, UK

Good to see Marillion in the press. Great album, great band, everyone should check them out and give them a go. Much better that marmite.

Richard, Wakefield,

It's long past overdue, but thankfully we get to see this wonderful band finally getting some well-deserved exposure! An excellent article.

Ed, Toronto, Ontario

Marillion are the best band in the world as far as I am concerned, and at last a decent article about them. Media has at times been unkind to these fellows, but that only brings the Marillion family closer together.
Thankyou, whoever you are.

Dave, Prestatyn, UK

Fantastic music and fantastic guys !
Seems that you've got one of the best band in the world and you ignore it !

Lionel, Bonvillers, France

Brilliant read. Thank you, whoever you are.

Steve, NYC, USA

Fantastic article. At last somebody who can see the brilliance of Marillions music

Wayne, Liverpool, UK

Fantastic band, fantastic article.

many thanks

Lucy, Aylesbury, UK

Thanks for such a positive review and interview in The Times. As a long standing Marillion fan I couldn't agree more with everything you have said.

Anyone reading this should check out the new album and also visit their website www.marillion.com as they send out free taster CD's - try it you might like it!

Oh and they are touring 11 dates in the UK - not just London so go along and catch a show - tickets available from the website too.

I know I sound like I am a sales person but I just can't help it - this band rock.

John Davis, Manchester, UK

An excellent article, that really hits the issue between the teeth - "Record labels are killing creative music!!"

Thank you for telling the "truth" !!!

Neal Brown, Northampton, Northants

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