The Marillion Round Table

Sorry for the double post back there ... having some Internet connectivity issues today. Listening to "Ocean Cloud" (from Marbles) right now ... 17:58 of bliss!

"Ocean Cloud" is one of Marillion's best! But, as you stated, Marbles on a whole is a superb album

GrapeApe, that is a truly wonderful history of your involvement with the band, and I do so recognise the story you tell about your grandfather. I have always found that H's lyrics resonate with me deeply when I have such life changing experiences. Of course, if you trawl though the Round Table thread, you will pick up all of our stories about introductions to the band, so I will not repeat mine here. Suffice to say, it's great to have another Marillion nut on board.

Eric - I have to say that this thread is getting bigger and better by the day

Wow, another new arrival!
Hope you enjoy PA, and particularly this forum as the other fellas have said.

GrapeApe wrote: I next picked up Holidays in Eden, parts of which I loved, and other parts (OK, "No One Can") that I thought incredibly lame. Then, while in college in the early '90s, I discovered the "Freaks" newsgroup and subscribed. It was then that I felt like I was part of something bigger. I bought the other three Fish-era albums, and kept up with each new release as they came out, starting with Brave. In 1997, my grandfather, who'd been a father to me all my life, fell ill. This was the same summer that the Freaks list initiated the drive to fund a Marillion tour in the U.S. When they announced they would play here, it was the only real highlight of an otherwise rough year. I was living in Milwaukee (where I flicked through a lot of channels, but not in Holiday Inns), and they played there on September 20, 1997. My grandfather passed five days later, and I found peace in the lyrics to "Estonia" (“No one leaves you when they live in your heart and mind"), playing it over and over again for several weeks of mourning.

My grandfather passed away around halfway through last year, one of the first things I did when it really hit me was listen to Estonia; the lyrics just seemed incredibly fitting at the time... Amazing song. I'm really surprised to see someone else has had a nearly identical response to that song after the death of a loved on as I have. I guess thats a testament to the power of music, and in particular, Marillion.

Welcome to the site, hope to see you around
-Joel.

GrapeApe wrote: Thanks, lazland ... not sure how I'm going to find time to read through 35 pages of posts, but I'm gonna try!

Well worth it for all of the great insights to the band

GrapeApe wrote: Basiliea, Like many others my age (I'm 40), I discovered the band when I saw the video for "Kayleigh." I was a 16-year-old hair metal nut but with a healthy appreciation for pop and arena rock (Journey, Styx, etc.) as well. There was something about Fish's meter and phrasing in that song that really struck me. Around the same time, the lyrics for "Kayleigh" were printed in the back of Circus or Hit Parader, and when I read them, I was hooked. But still, being a metalhead, I didn't explore past Misplaced Childhood. Then, in 1989, my girlfriend surprised me with tickets to see Marillion. I had no idea that Fish had left the band until the show started and Steve Hogarth came out. Despite a little disappointment, H knocked my socks off, and I was hooked (again). I bought Season's End (on cassette!) the next day and I can't remember how long it stayed in my car. "Easter," "Uninvited Guest," "Holloway Girl," and "After Me" all just gave me chills every time I listened.  I next picked up Holidays in Eden, parts of which I loved, and other parts (OK, "No One Can") that I thought incredibly lame. Then, while in college in the early '90s, I discovered the "Freaks" newsgroup and subscribed. It was then that I felt like I was part of something bigger. I bought the other three Fish-era albums, and kept up with each new release as they came out, starting with Brave. In 1997, my grandfather, who'd been a father to me all my life, fell ill. This was the same summer that the Freaks list initiated the drive to fund a Marillion tour in the U.S. When they announced they would play here, it was the only real highlight of an otherwise rough year. I was living in Milwaukee (where I flicked through a lot of channels, but not in Holiday Inns), and they played there on September 20, 1997. My grandfather passed five days later, and I found peace in the lyrics to "Estonia" (“No one leaves you when they live in your heart and mind"), playing it over and over again for several weeks of mourning. For reasons I don't recall, however, I lost touch with the band after that. I was in graduate school, and then I moved to New York in 2001 and just didn't keep up with their new releases. Then, in 2004, the band brought the Marbles tour to New York City. I got a ticket and went by myself, not knowing a single song from their last 3-4 albums, and I stood riveted, hanging on every note of songs I'd never heard before. And ever since then, I've remained loyal and informed. They are my favorite band - always will be, I imagine. Next on the agenda is Marillion Weekend 2011 in Montreal ... just gotta convince the wife :)

Michael, brother, you and I have so many parallels that I thought I was reading my own story. From our relatively closeness in age (I'm 42), to discovering them through "Kayleigh" on MTV, to re-discovering them around 2004. The most eerie, however, is the fact that you and I both lived in Milwaukee at the time (I lived in West Allis). Unfortunately, I was miles apart from Marillion during this time and hadn't a clue that they were playing in town (I think at The Rave). How stupid must I feel now? There they were playing in the city where I lived, and I was probably holed up in my apartment. This performance was made available on the FRC, but I think they might be all sold out (I don't have this one).

What a great story. And you HAVE to make it to a convention. I may be going to Holland, but knowing that you and Kenmar might be there is swaying me. I went by myself, but I can assure you that you won't be alone (my wife stayed back with the kiddo). I met so many wonderful people there. You will come away with a multitude of friends. That I can promise you.

E

http://www.marillion.com/music/frc/031.htm

Looks like the Milwaukee FRC is still available. Not sure I'd want it as it would be too painful knowing I was a mere 15-20 minutes away. @#%!!

E

I did take a break from Brave about a year or so ago. It seems I was listening to it once a week and I just didn't want to burn it out. That disc still evokes a ton of emotions.

E

I probably don't play as much Fish era that I should. I did spin Clutching At Straws a week or so ago and really enjoyed it. It's probably my favorite Fish era disc.

I do reach for the h era stuff more than anything, though.

E

Great performance! Great DVD!

E


Edited by E-Dub - February 13 2010 at 15:50