RECITAL OF THE SCRIPT

I was interested to see this concert again after so many years. Having seen Marillion live twice during the Fish era I have some pretty good memories of the band and of watching their succession. It was easy to like their music at a time when Yes and Genesis were such a disappointment, especially Yes. So I was pretty surprised to watch this again and find that it didn't hold up particularly well for me. This was the show where the band is performing the entire "Script" album along with the old singles, notably Grendel. It is also important being the last show for Mick Pointer who would exit shortly thereafter. Fish gives the vocal performance his all and Rothery delivers some occasionally soaring lead guitar but it is not enough to rescue the show. The poor sound of this recording didn't help my viewing, there seemed to be an awful high-pitched noise present in the keys (or else I had a defective disc) and the tapestry of the keys/guitar together seemed especially thin. Only Fish and Pointer were coming through with good clarity. But my feelings for the music are best described by a section of Russellk's review of the studio album (if I may quote you Russ!): "Everything is so obvious, nothing has any hidden depths, nothing invites me back for a second listen. I give it a spin every year or so, and I've yet to discover anything of interest." That's where I've arrived after all these years of hearing so many better bands both pre and post "Script." It always was a little oversold for what you really get when you listen closely. Some nice melodies, some nice solos, and a vocalist who tries hard but is a shadow of the singer he emulates. I gave the studio album 3 stars and with the richer sound I'll let that rating remain, but with the weak sound here and some luke warm chemistry between the musicians this one gets a "for fans" tag. I do believe their live chemistry got better on the later Fish tours as I recall the "Clutching" show being much more interesting. Like Russellk I acknowledge that so many more reviewers find this essential listening but I have be honest. Despite the enthralling video of Fish ripping a plant to shreds on stage and rubbing the leaves on his body, I was less than captivated by the actual musical content. I'll leave it at that.