MARBLES ON THE ROAD

Whenever I hear of Racket releasing another gem by Marillion, I'm whipping out the credit card and hopping on their website. So, when it was announced that a DVD of a Marillion show on Marbles tour was going to become available, then it was a no-brainer. Compound that with the fact that Racket was going to make available a 2 disc version with a ton of bonus footage, then paying extra for that took very little contemplation and I'd deal with the ramifications (meaning the wife balancing the check book) later.

The performance itself is breathtaking. Marillion doing what they do best in front of a very enthusiastic crowd. The band (sans H) come on-stage for the opener of "The Invisible Man", and H follows all dapper in a suit and specs. I love the opening track of Marbles for starters; but, seeing it performed live makes me appreciate it even more. Just cracks me up when I see reviews accusing H not singing with emotion anymore because that's the only way the guy knows how to perform. The DVD does a great job of showing those in the crowd singing the material word for word (with all age ranges, as well). Highlights from disc 1 are "You're Gone" (which is just a stunner of a song), and "Fantastic Place" (Simply an awe-inspiring performance to which H looks emotionally spent afterwards). Regarding "Neverland", I have always heard people say how much they appreciate the song even more as a result of seeing it performed live....and now I see why. The song ends when a heavenly layer of keyboards and a scorching solo by Rothers, with H doing his best Peter Pan impersonation.

Disc 1 also has the rest of the show, which is specatular. It begins with (what I feel) is the best performance of "Bridge/Living With The Big Lie" from the Brave album that I've ever heard. Much like the studio album and the various live performances I've listened and seen, H just pours out every ounce of energy he has. Raw, intense, passionate! I consistently get goosebumps when he shouts, "The Cold Wars gone, but those bastards will find us another, and another, and another, and another! So, get used to it!" But that energy doesn't stop there. "The Party" from Holidays In Eden was a nice addition, and special to see Rothers pull off that solo. That song is pure intensity!

I watched disc 2 last night and I almost prefer the set list to disc 1. It just about has all of my favorites ("Quartz", "Afraid Of Sunlight", "The Great Escape", and "Easter"). Disc 2 also has footage of Marillion playing some Marbles material (some didn't even have titles at the time of the performance) which is nice to see how they've changed...which isn't too much.

I think I have just about every DVD from Racket (except for Script and the newest DVD Colours), but it's probably my favorite. It captures the band in their true element...performing live. And Marillion are one of the best! Also great to see a band not be so full of themselves to take out a flub or two (i.e. H having a tough time finding the right key for "Marbles IV"). The deluxe edition is so worth the money, too. The only drawback is it's tough to view for a person whose never seen them live in person. A truly special, special band and I'm thankful to have them in my life.