Last weekend at Shank Hall it was my distinct pleasure to see — and have the privilege to cover — two of my favorite performers … one from “back in the day” and one of more recent vintage: Fish with special guest Strange Land.
First up was Strange Land, a band I discovered just a few years back, and being a huge Prog fan, I fell in love with their sound immediately. Blending the best of both Prog and Metal with some of the tightest playing you’ll find, Strange Land has never disappointed live and tonight was no exception. Taking every minute of their 45-minute opening slot to shred minds and take no prisoners, the audience was convinced of their prowess within only a few minutes. Highlights included the songs “All Things Considered” from their album Anomaly, “Dear Helena” from Blaming Season and “Ebb” from their forthcoming release, Catharsis.
If you’re unacquainted with Strange Land, I highly recommend that you check them out.
And then … from “back in the day,” Fish.
I discovered Marillion with their second album from 1984, Fugazi. This was back at a time when Prog was all but “dead.” The “Masters” had become old and stale and most of the public had turned their backs on the genre. For me, Marillion and Fish put it back on the map.
I kept meaning to get around to seeing Marillion but it never happened before Fish and the band parted ways after the 1988 live release of The Thieving Magpie. I thought the departure of Fish would have finished Marillion, but no … Marillion carried on and, ironically, I’ve seen them with replacement vocalist Steve Hogarth every time they’ve been to the states.
I’ve remained a huge fan of Fish throughout his solo career, as I’ve enjoyed all of his emotionally charged releases since his first, Virgil in a Wilderness of Mirrors.
Ironically again, I hadn’t had the chance to see Fish for lo these many years — until tonight. Apparently, good things come to those who wait.
Fish is the consummate performer. I can’t say enough about how blown away I was by this man’s stage presence. From the moment he walked on stage, he grabbed the audience by the throat and just wouldn’t let go. Emotionally, physically and vocally, Fish takes you on a voyage of relationships, both good and bad. You literally laugh as well as cry … and I did both.
And his bawdy Scottish tales in between songs are a treat in and of themselves.
Yes, he did some Marillion songs, including “Sugar Mice” and “Warm Wet Circles,” but the highlight for me was the new material, including a haunting meditation on loss, “Arc of a Curve” from his new release, 13th Star.
What a pleasure to finally see one of my favorite singers of all time.
For making it all possible, I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank Sean, Chad and Brad from Strange Land. I can’t thank you guys enough for affording me this opportunity. You guys rock … as did your set.
Also, to Fish himself, whose friendly demeanor and simple request, “Just don’t use flash, eh?” only enhanced my image of him. What a lovely gent!
COMPLETE GALLERY
Fish & Strange Land
Slainte
Gareth — The Celtic Camera Photography
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