Marillion are used to fighting misconceptions. So let's tear down any that you may have before we go any further. Marillion are not what you think they are. No, really, they're not. An undisputed fact that is worth repeating. Marillion are not what you think they are. They are not a Scottish heavy metal band, archaic prog-rockers, Genesis clones or a bunch of hippies that sing about goblins. No, their brand of modern and relevant music has more in common with the likes of Massive Attack than any of the seventies prog rock bands they are usually disparagingly compared to. But hey, you knew that already. Didn't you?
In an era that can be accurately described as the musical dark ages, where the music industry is slowly being destroyed by the proliferation of saccharin and soulless boy/girl bands, Marillion are digging in, fighting back and creating contemporary music that means something. A music that draws its influences from jazz, rock, dub, country, funk and groove all melded together with the extremely personal and impassioned vocals of Steve Hogarth to create something very special indeed.
Yet, bizarrely, the fashion police of the musical mainstream all too often overlook their music. And as a result, the numerous misconceptions people hold about Marillion have been allowed to ferment, as Steve Hogarth confirms.
"People think we split up years ago. The people who read the music press will have figured it out by now, but your Mr Joe Public down the high street has no idea. People either don't know we exist or they're nuts about us. There's very little grey area. For those who know what we are doing it is a great passion, but everyone else hasn't got the foggiest."
But with the likes of Radiohead, Toploader, and Paul Oakenfold all apparently taking more than a passing interest in Marillion's inspired compositions, it's only a matter of time before their fortunes take a sharp upward turn. And by sticking your neck out and telling it like it really is, you could be the first to "rediscover" this band...
