LIVE IN GLASGOW

'Live in Glasgow' is a live album from Marillion's first tour with Steve Hogarth. Tracks 1-8, "The King of Sunset Town," "Slàinte Mhath," "Uninvited Guest," "Easter," "Warm Wet Circles," "That Time of the Night," "Holloway Girl," and "Seasons End," were recorded live in Glasgow at the Barrowland Ballroom on April 12 1989. Tracks 9 and 10, "Berlin" and "The Space," were recorded in Bradford at St. Georges Hall on October 12 1989.

Most of the 'Seasons End' album was performed live, with the exception of the tracks "After Me" and "Hooks in You." The remaining three tracks on this live album include "Slàinte Mhath," "Warm Wet Circles," and "That Time of the Night," all of which were originally recorded on the album that preceded 'Seasons End,' 'Clutching at Straws.' For the first few Marillion tours with Steve Hogarth in the band, their setlists would contain some songs from the first four Marillion albums interspersed throughout. In other words, songs when Hogarth wasn't in the band and Fish was their frontman. It wasn't until the 'Radiation' tour when the band stopped playing Fish-era songs. Since then, Marillion have learned that there are still fans of that small epoch of the band who like to hear that material, and will occasionally play those old-time favorites. Also, for the first few tours, Marillion probably needed extra material from throughout the band's history to fill up an entire set.

Steve Hogarth does sound a bit nervous at times, whether that's when he's singing or during his short audience interactions. He had basically just joined the band mere months before this tour. It wouldn't take very long for Hogarth to gain confidence as Marillion's frontman. It's interesting to hear Hogarth sing the Fish-era songs. The songs from 'Seasons End' are performed well. Hogarth begins the song "Seasons End" by singing the Christmas carol "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." The last two tracks were recorded later in the tour. In my opinion, Hogarth sounds better and more confident on these last two tracks.

In conclusion, 'Live in Glasgow' is a decent live album from Marillion. Steve Hogarth's lack of confidence falters this live album slightly. Nevertheless, the tracklist is great, as 'Seasons End' and 'Clutching at Straws' are two of my favorite Marillion albums.