Marillion - Cambridge Corn Exchange, Light at the End of the Tunnel Tour

It has been over a year since 'The Light at the End of the Tunnel' Tour was first announced. 'To shed some light on UK stages with the long, dark days of Covid-19, hopefully, behind us'. Well that isn't quite the case sadly but the show goes on despite a lurking uncertainty. The band have gone to great lengths to stay in a 'bubble' to keep themselves safe. Backed up by the 'Lightsaver' fan pledges to cover costs should the tour be cancelled it is all systems go thankfully. 

Plenty of fans around too in Cambridge beforehand. Particularly at the Wetherspoons 'Regal'. The Adnams 'Ghost Ship' (£2.30) has gone down well and set me up nicely.

The Cambridge Corn Exchange is the venue for the 5th night of the 10 date tour. Although we are seated up in the balcony I can't resist having a little look in at ground level. A bit like going to a new football ground and getting that first glimpse of the pitch. 

I've seen Marillion here twice before, it really is a great venue and the surround is terrific. The photography policy is more relaxed this time too. Last time it was totally banned which was a shame as I only wanted a few for the blog. I think the people who record live videos tend to spoil for the rest of us.

Safely seated in our 'eyrie' several rows back on the balcony we are in time for the support 'Antimatter'. A duo that is described as a 'dark rock band'. They  play a short set of 6 songs and go down very well. Singer Mick Moss has a good voice, the last song 'Between the Atoms' really reminds me of 'Eddie Vedder' of Pearl Jam. I hope that he would be happy with that comparison?

It is only a short turnaround before Marillion are due on stage at 8:30. As far as I can tell there are very few empty seats around. The house lights dim, the crowd roar and its showtime. 

It soon becomes apparent that photography will be difficult. I can lay claim to the one of 'H' though waving on the left. Thankfully my wife managed to get some reasonable photos. Also some kind fans gave me permission to use some of theirs. I will credit them at the end of the write up. 

It's hard not to imagine and hope for certain songs. With such a huge back catalogue to choose from they really could put together any number of great set-lists. For the record I quietly hope for Neverland, The Invisible Man, Ocean Cloud, This Strange Engine, Real Tears for Sale, The Space, King, Afraid of Sunlight ..... I could go on ....

They open up with 'Sounds that can't be Made' from the album of the same name released in 2012. It sounds even better than I remember. We are up and running fast out of the blocks.

I think its something like 726 days since they played live at the start of this tour and if anything 'H' sounds as though his voice has got even better thanks to the enforced lay off. 

The next song should really have been on my wish list too. The stirring and iconic 'King' in which 'H' thrusts and waves his guitar around more as a prop than an instrument.

There is an urge to stand up but that wouldn't be very acceptable in this all seater venue unfortunately. Something of a moot point with fans the old standing and seating debate. Something I experienced recently on the 'Marillion Fans' FB site. A certain individual believing that anyone who is tall should stand at the back... We agreed to disagree amicably of a sorts at least. Anyway enough of all that we are witnessing what I can only describe as a power trio of songs! King is followed by two other classics, 'Afraid of Sunlight' and fans favourite 'Easter' -WOW.
 

I'm not sure they have ever sounded better and the acoustics at the Corn Exchange are excellent. There aren't many better Steve Rothery guitar solos than  on 'Easter'. 

What a guitarist he is, a real no frills just get on with type of player.The type who makes it look ridiculously easy, unassuming and at the top of his game, what more can you say?

On Lead Guitar Steve Rothery

A mini set from the 1994 'Brave' album follows, the first 3 tracks; 'Bridge', 'Living with the Big Lie' and 'Runaway'. The album was played in It's entirety on the original tour. It has been played in full since at Marillion weekends too. The lighting tonight is exceptional! Lending itself perfectly to the songs, cascading around the old oak beams and brick walls. A venue that witnessed the last ever performance of Syd Barrett in 1972.

The next song is from the upcoming album 'An Hour before Its Dark' the bands 19th album or even the 20th depending if you include 'With friends from the Orchestra? I had deliberately avoided hearing 'Be Hard on yourself' and wanted to experience it live first of all. It's the only song off the new album they will do on this tour.

It was worth the wait! Some Marillion songs need to be heard a few times to get them. This one feels very instant and is a 3 part song. It starts with a big keyboard intro in the safe hands of Mr Mark Kelly. I'm really looking forward to the release of AHBID once all the cardboard shortages are sorted out. That's not really very Rock n Roll is it?

Mr Mark Kelly on Keyboards

The next song on the list is a gem,like an understated Christmas tree decoration, it twinkles and sparkles along. It is the highly underrated 'This Train is my Life'. Looking at other set-lists on the tour it seems that one or two songs are being shuffled around, this song is one of those.

'The Release' takes us up to the epic 'Neverland' which I never tire of. ''H has delved into his extensive wardrobe and pulled out a white tassely number that Elvis would have been proud of during his Vegas years. 

What a song it is, sung with so much passion and energy. Another awesome Steve Rothery guitar solo and a fitting closer to a superb performance. 

Pete Trevawas

I haven't yet mentioned a couple of band members. Sitting in his plastic greenhouse towards the back of the stage we have Mr Ian Mosley. Unflappable, shades on, a man of mystery.  Would you buy a used car from him? I fear not.. But he can't half  play those drums. On the Bass guitar ( I always want to say that in a Pirates voice for some reason?) we have Pete Trevawas commanding his area of the stage, at times 'bouncing' would be a better description. I suspect that he has had a sip of whatever 'H' has been drinking? Ultimate professionals them all though.

Marillion know to do an encore alright, and 'Splintering Heart' fires the audience back up again.'What year is this next song from asks 'H' to the Bass Man? No idea he replies, same question to Mark Kelly. 2016  , Bloody hell, only feels like last week says 'H'. From the FEAR album we have 'The full version of 'The Leavers'. 

The Full Set List

The band leave the stage once more to rapturous applause. Marillion have flown under the radar, out of the spotlight glare in terms of media popularity and airplay for years.A totally fervent and ever loyal fan base is what its all about with the band.  The last song of the night is more obvious, with its 'Punting on the Cam' reference. No Marillion show in Cambridge would be complete without 'Garden Party'. A rousing rendition it is too, and everyone will go home happy for sure.

What an evening, the odd technical issue, a false start but nothing to spoil an otherwise perfect evening. 

Thanks again to the following for permission to use their photos 

Marina Arthur

David Sampson

Sjoerd Majoor

David Green