Marillion have crowned their renaissance year with a sell-out show at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Taking to the stage at the iconic venue on Friday night (13th October), the quintet pulled out all the stops to ensure that the event would be one to remember for both fans and band alike.
By Eamon O'Neill On 14th October 2017.
Marillion have crowned their renaissance year with a sell-out show at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Taking to the stage at the iconic venue on Friday night (13th October), the quintet pulled out all the stops to ensure that the event would be one to remember, for both fans and band alike.
With tickets for the prestigious Kensington venue selling out almost instantaneously, the stage was set for the band’s crowning achievement in their almost thirty-year second act.
Fronted by multi-instrumentalist Steve Hogarth, and featuring the soaring guitars of Steve Rothery, widescreen keys of Mark Kelly, and anchoring rhythm section of bassist Pete Trewavas and drummer Ian Mosley, the band delivered tracks from right across their career, as well as performing their UK Top 5 album ‘F.E.A.R’ in full.
With fans travelling from as far away as Canada and Brazil to attend, and family, friends and fellow musicians in the house, the event was a real coming together for the loyal Marillion community.
Taking to the stage at 7.30pm sharp, the band wasted no time in stamping their authority on both the RAH stage, and their latest material, by launching into the multi-faceted ‘El Dorado’. With the audience watching in absolute silence, the song's twists and turns gained new momentum, with the roaring applause saved for the track’s epic finale.
Greeting the crowd with a wry smile, Hogarth said little during the first half, choosing instead to let the music, spectacular light show and animated backdrops do the talking.
Promising “Something special” during the second half meanwhile, the Aylesbury-based act did not disappoint, augmenting their already glorious sound with the In Praise Of Folly string quartet, ably abetted by flute and French horn.
What followed was standing ovation after standing ovation, as Marillion brought the drama with ‘The Space’, sheer naked beauty with ‘Afraid Of Sunlight’, and a mesmerizingly emotional ‘The Great Escape’.
The band’s run through some of their most loved tracks would have been enough to secure the night’s future “I was there” status, however it was the fans that provided the final piece of magic. Arranged via Facebook, an illuminating run through ‘Go’ saw the auditorium light up, as thousands of coloured LEDs – provided by the band to attendees as the arrived - sparkled during the songs crescendo.
Taking their final bows, Hogarth summed up the feeling in the room, saying; “This has been an extraordinary occasion”. He continued; “It’s astounding; this is the Royal Albert Hall – we don’t have many nights like this!”.
Marillion follow up the Royal Albert Hall show with a full UK tour in early 2018. The run kicks off on 11th April in Gateshead. For a full list of dates see below.
Click here for eonmusic's exclusive interview with Marillion from the Progressive Music awards in London.
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Marillion 2018 UK Tour Dates:
Wed 11th April - Gateshead, The Sage
Fri 13th April - Cambridge, Corn Exchange
Sat 14th April - Birmingham, Symphony Hall
Mon 16th April - Brighton, Dome
Tue 17th April - Bristol, Colston Hall
Thu 19th April - Reading, Hexagon
Fri 20th April - Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall
Marillion have crowned their renaissance year with a sell-out show at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Taking to the stage at the iconic venue on Friday night (13th October), the quintet pulled out all the stops to ensure that the event would be one to remember, for both fans and band alike.
With tickets for the prestigious Kensington venue selling out almost instantaneously, the stage was set for the band’s crowning achievement in their almost thirty-year second act.
Fronted by multi-instrumentalist Steve Hogarth, and featuring the soaring guitars of Steve Rothery, widescreen keys of Mark Kelly, and anchoring rhythm section of bassist Pete Trewavas and drummer Ian Mosley, the band delivered tracks from right across their career, as well as performing their UK Top 5 album ‘F.E.A.R’ in full.
With fans travelling from as far away as Canada and Brazil to attend, and family, friends and fellow musicians in the house, the event was a real coming together for the loyal Marillion community.
Taking to the stage at 7.30pm sharp, the band wasted no time in stamping their authority on both the RAH stage, and their latest material, by launching into the multi-faceted ‘El Dorado’. With the audience watching in absolute silence, the song's twists and turns gained new momentum, with the roaring applause saved for the track’s epic finale.
Greeting the crowd with a wry smile, Hogarth said little during the first half, choosing instead to let the music, spectacular light show and animated backdrops do the talking.
Promising “Something special” during the second half meanwhile, the Aylesbury-based act did not disappoint, augmenting their already glorious sound with the In Praise Of Folly string quartet, ably abetted by flute and French horn.
What followed was standing ovation after standing ovation, as Marillion brought the drama with ‘The Space’, sheer naked beauty with ‘Afraid Of Sunlight’, and a mesmerizingly emotional ‘The Great Escape’.
The band’s run through some of their most loved tracks would have been enough to secure the night’s future “I was there” status, however it was the fans that provided the final piece of magic. Arranged via Facebook, an illuminating run through ‘Go’ saw the auditorium light up, as thousands of coloured LEDs – provided by the band to attendees as the arrived - sparkled during the songs crescendo.
Taking their final bows, Hogarth summed up the feeling in the room, saying; “This has been an extraordinary occasion”. He continued; “It’s astounding; this is the Royal Albert Hall – we don’t have many nights like this!”.
Marillion follow up the Royal Albert Hall show with a full UK tour in early 2018. The run kicks off on 11th April in Gateshead. For a full list of dates see below.
Click here for eonmusic's exclusive interview with Marillion from the Progressive Music awards in London.
Like this story? Like us on FaceBook and follow us on Twitter for regular updates & more of the same.
Marillion 2018 UK Tour Dates:
Wed 11th April - Gateshead, The Sage
Fri 13th April - Cambridge, Corn Exchange
Sat 14th April - Birmingham, Symphony Hall
Mon 16th April - Brighton, Dome
Tue 17th April - Bristol, Colston Hall
Thu 19th April - Reading, Hexagon
Fri 20th April - Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall
