Here I am once more.....not in the playground of the broken hearts, but definitely at the International in Leicester. My third time seeing the excellent Mr Punch who are playing three UK dates. This one sandwiched between The Underworld in London and the 1865 Southampton. Pay tribute to Fish Era of Marillion, complete with make up and theatrics in classic Fish style. A combination of Italian musicians from various Prog/Rock bands. It has already been a good start to the night. The NCP is now shut down and there are no barriers up. The result being free parking! Never a bad thing. We arrive just in time as the doors are about to open.
Marco Vincini - vocals
Licia Missori - keyboards/piano
Marcella Arganese - guitar
Luca Cristofaro - bass and backing vocals
Marco Fabbri – drums
The venue soon starts to fill, we take up residence near to a post, left of stage. With my very dodgy knee I will need something to lean against no doubt. The band take to the stage around 8:30 with the intro to 'Clutching at Straws' album 'Slainte Mhath' . This is followed by a rousing version of 'Assassing'. In fact several of my all time favourites get an early airing, 'Cinderella Search' and 'Incubus' included. Marco gets into character for the epic 'Forgotten Sons'.
After a short interval Marco has swapped his military jacket for the 'Incommunicado Suit'. The set continues with the CAS theme with 'Hotel Hobbies', 'Warm Wet Circles' and 'That Time of the Night'. At the back of the stage Keyboardist Licia Missori is having a party all of her own. We get our first taste of 'Misplaced Childhood' with 'Kayleigh', 'Lavender' and 'Heart of Lothian. I'm starting to struggle with the knee injury but there is plenty more to come. The classic 'Fugazi ends the second set.
After the shortest of breaks the band return with the only 'Hogarth' era song 'Easter'. It's fine , but the 'Fish' era material is spectacular. The night ends in traditional style with 'Incommunicado' and 'Market Square Heroes'. No room for a 'Garden Party' tonight, but you can't have everything I guess!
There is still time for more fun and games though! Promoter Danny Mayo (Doktor Dyper) takes to the stage for a spot of 'jammin' . 'The Led Zep 'Rock and Roll' is still ringing out as we head off to the car park. We are into 'Springsteen territory' now as the clock heads towards the witching hour. My knee is totally shot to pieces with all the standing. I'm not looking forward to the drive home much either. It's all worth it though of course. It has been a great night once again. Mr Punch are scheduled to be back in Leicester next year at the Marillion Convention.
Set 1:
Slainte mhath
Assassing
Cinderella
Incubus
White Russian
The web
Sugar mice
Forgotten Sons
Set 2:
Hotel Hobbies / Warm Wet Circles / That Time of the Night
Script for a Jester's Tear
He knows You Know
Jigsaw
Freaks
Kayleigh/Lavender/Heart of Lothian
Last straw
Fugazi
Encores:
Easter
Incommunicado
Market Square Heroes
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