Today is the 30th anniversary of Marillion’s first single, “Market Square Heroes”.
Who would have guessed back then that they’d still be going three decades later? Of course, they’ve changed and evolved a lot, soon shaking off the “Poor man’s early Genesis” tag to develop a sound of their own. And they’ve continued to reinvent themselves since their original frontman Fish and the rest of the band went their separate ways more than two decades ago. Most artists of their vintage have long since ceased adding to their legacies, content to turn into their own tribute bands playing greatest hits sets from their glory days. Both Marillion and Fish with his solo career are exceptions to this.
I bought the 12″ version of “Market Square Heroes”, which contained the infamous 17-minute “Grendel” on the b-side, loved by some, hated by others. I’ve actually been a fan for rather longer, since seeing them play halfway up the bill at the 1982 Reading festival.
I ended up spending my 25th anniversary of first seeing Marillion in the company of Fish’s ex. But that’s another story…
Let me ask the question every fan hates to hear: What’s a good album to start with?
I could simply say “It depends”.
“Clutching at Straws” (the last one with Fish) and “Seasons End” (the first with Steve Hogarth) are good entry point for their earlier work, while “Marbles” is a good starting point for their more recent output. Get the double album version that’s only available direct from the band’s website.
My favourite is still “Brave”, very dark and intense, but probably not their most immediately accessible.
Tim’s recommendations are what I’d give as well.