Marillion

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Marillion are a British rock band, formed in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, in 1979. They emerged from the post-punk music scene in Britain and are primarily associated with the progressive rock genre, having become one of the most commercially successful bands in that genre from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. Marillion's music is characterized by complex song structures, intricate instrumentation, and the distinctive voice of their lead singer, Fish, who was with the band from 1979 until 1988. After Fish's departure, Steve Hogarth took over as lead vocalist, leading to a shift in their musical direction.

History

Early Years

Marillion was formed in 1979 by guitarist Steve Rothery, who is the band's longest-serving member and the only one to be involved in all of their recordings. The band's name was inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's work, specifically a shortened form of the Silmarillion. Their early music was classified as neo-progressive rock, a revival of the progressive rock that had been popular in the 1970s.

Fish Era (1980s)

With Fish as the frontman, Marillion quickly gained a loyal following. Their debut album, Script for a Jester's Tear (1983), was a critical and commercial success, followed by Fugazi (1984), Misplaced Childhood (1985), and Clutching at Straws (1987). Misplaced Childhood is their most successful album to date, spawning two hit singles, "Kayleigh" and "Lavender". The lyrics during this period were marked by Fish's poetic style, often exploring themes of love, politics, and personal turmoil.

Hogarth Era (1989–present)

Following Fish's departure in 1988, Steve Hogarth was recruited as the new lead vocalist. The band's musical and lyrical direction shifted under Hogarth, moving towards a more varied musical style that incorporated elements of pop, electronic music, and traditional rock. Albums from this era, such as Seasons End (1989), Brave (1994), and Marbles (2004), have been praised for their innovation and depth.

Musical Style and Influence

Marillion's music combines elements of traditional progressive rock with a modern twist, incorporating electronic elements and pop sensibilities. Their complex compositions, featuring extended instrumental passages and dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, are a hallmark of their style. The band has influenced a wide range of artists across various genres, despite often being overlooked in mainstream music discussions.

Legacy

Marillion has maintained a dedicated fan base throughout their career, supported by a pioneering approach to the music business. They were among the first bands to recognize the potential of the internet for promoting music and engaging with fans. In 1997, they famously financed the recording of their album Anoraknophobia (2001) through a pre-order campaign directly to their fanbase, a model that has since been adopted by many other artists.

Discography

• Script for a Jester's Tear (1983)
• Fugazi (1984)
• Misplaced Childhood (1985)
• Clutching at Straws (1987)
• Seasons End (1989)
• Holidays in Eden (1991)
• Brave (1994)
• This Strange Engine (1997)
• Marbles (2004)
• Sounds That Can't Be Made (2012)

Members

Current

• Steve Hogarth – lead vocals, keyboards (1989–present)
• Steve Rothery – guitars (1979–present)
• Pete Trewavas – bass (1982–present)
• Mark Kelly – keyboards (1981–present)
• Ian Mosley – drums (1984–present)

Former

• Fish – lead vocals (1979–1988)
• Mick Pointer – drums (1979–1983)
• Diz Minnett – bass (1979–1982)
• Brian Jelliman – keyboards (1979–1981)
• Jonathan Mover – drums (1983–1984)

See Also

• Progressive rock
• Neo-progressive rock
• List of Marillion band members