incommuni-commando?
NO FOOLS HERE...
The scene was set. Battle-torn London on a Sunday evening, April Fool's Day to be more exact. The poll-tax riots of the day before were well embedded in everybody's minds and the political timing sheerly coincidental with tonight's gig. Anyway, there was an air of anticipation as to what the prophetic Scotsman would have to say about such events.
The players took their places. FISH slid down a sidewalk attired in commando costume, as we were introduced to the watching world of "The Voyeur" before he knocked us into shape with "Punch and Judy." He spoke his mind on the illogical attitude of the government, dedicated his debut single "State of Mind" to the Tory Cabinet. Fish once again extolling the virtues of what he calls "people power"! Then he braced the topic of child abuse in the song "Family Business," reiterating that "there comes a point when you hear someone cry and you just have to get involved." Realism is definitely one of Fish's strengths!
The perilous world of "Assassin" broke the ice with its frantic fervour and the die-hards lapped it up. Fish had a subtle dig at the tabloid press during "The Company," which is actually a song about his less than amicable split with MARILLION.
The perilous world of "Assassin" broke the ice with its frantic fervour and the die-hards lapped it up. Fish had a subtle dig at the tabloid press during "The Company," which is actually a song about his less than amicable split with MARILLION.
We were given a heart-rending version of "Script For a Jester's Tear," which I think still remains the most popular older track in his repertoire -- it's amazing how the crowd can still remember the words!
Always one to wear his heart on his slave, Fish then transcends into chart conservatism with "A Gentleman's Excuse Me" with its sentimentalism so distant from the bitter harshness of his other material.
We are treated to an acoustic "Sugar Mice," which Fish dedicated to all day dreamers. The title track of his solo album Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors was another song used as a vehicle for a speech, this time about the bureaucratic bullshit of "contradictions in society." Very touching I must admit!
Always one to wear his heart on his slave, Fish then transcends into chart conservatism with "A Gentleman's Excuse Me" with its sentimentalism so distant from the bitter harshness of his other material.
We are treated to an acoustic "Sugar Mice," which Fish dedicated to all day dreamers. The title track of his solo album Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors was another song used as a vehicle for a speech, this time about the bureaucratic bullshit of "contradictions in society." Very touching I must admit!
Reviving past glories is a hallmark of Fish's live set. Therefore, without further ado, the band served up a slice of "Misplaced Childhood" with "Kayleigh," "Lavender," and "Heart of Lothian," which proved to be another highlight. I did Miss Steve Rothery's soaring guitar, though.
Guitarists Robin Bolt and Frank Usher and the Brzezicki Rhythm Brothers, while competent session players, fail to provide the same solid backbone to the songs as Marillion did. On the other side of the coin though, keyboard virtuoso Mickey Simmons has a perfect musical mastership that complements Fish more so than ever before.
Guitarists Robin Bolt and Frank Usher and the Brzezicki Rhythm Brothers, while competent session players, fail to provide the same solid backbone to the songs as Marillion did. On the other side of the coin though, keyboard virtuoso Mickey Simmons has a perfect musical mastership that complements Fish more so than ever before.
Headlining Hammersmith Odeon was a bit like jumping out of a pond into a sea. Personally, I thought that Fish's performance last year at the Town and Country Club was much more intimate and moving! With or without Marillion, Fish still remains a towering personality with something to say!
Pic: Mark Termeer
Riff Raff
1st April, 1990
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