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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZMARILLION"Progressive rock' band formed '79 as Silmarillion, based in Aylesbury: name from Tolkien novel was shortened when vocalist Fish joined '80 (b Derek Dick, 25 April '58, Dalkeith, Scotland). Founder member and sole remaining original was guitarist Steve Rothery (b 25 Nov. '59, Brompton, Yorks); Mark Kelly (b 9 April '61, Dublin) joined on keyboards '81, bassist Pete Trewavas '82 (b 15 Jan. '59, Middlesborough), Mick Pointer on drums. Interest engendered by session for BBC Radio 1's Tommy Vance led to tour and contract with EMI, though they were being compared to Peter Gabriel-era Genesis due to Fish's vocal resemblance and use of stage makeup and costumes. But after the self- effacing pop of the early '80s a progressive revival seemed to be at hand and their live appeal led to headlining gigs at Hammersmith Odeon after one single, "Market Square Heroes' reaching only no. 60 (17-minute "Grendel' on B side was was staple of stage act). Script For A Jester's Tear '83 entered chart at no. 7, elaborate sleeve artwork (also a Genesis trademark) enclosing '70s-style rock. Pointer replaced by session veteran Ian Mosley (b 16 June '53, Paddington, London; played in Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar shows and in ex-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett's band), who joined during recording of Fugazi (no. 5 LP UK '84). They scored top 40 singles but live act was still their forté; release of live Real To Reel late '84 was risky after only two studio albums, but necessary to counter bootlegs: it reached no. 8. They threw off spectre of Genesis with no. 1 LP Misplaced Childhood as Fish dropped makeup and they reached new heights of confidence; a concept LP beloved of '70s progressives, yet was still commercial enough to yield three hit singles incl. "Lavender' (based on nursery rhyme) and "Heart Of Lothian': yet lyricist Fish had made few concessions, spinning web of Celtic intrigue. Loyal following continued despite new commercial status--again, like Genesis fans. More albums were partly live Brief Encounter '86, Clutching At Straws '87, B'Side Themselves and The Thieving Magpie '88 with title track La Gazza Ladra after Rossini's opera (Fish left, replaced by Steve Hogarth, described by critics as neither Fish nor fowl, but nobody really minded), Season's End '89, Holidays In Eden '91, Brave '94, This Strange Engine '97. There's nowhere else to go for prog rock nowadays. |