Everdon Stubbs Bluebells

It's always a great pleasure to get over to Everdon Stubbs at this time of year. The Bluebells here are nothing short of spectacular. I have written several blogs in previous years about the beauty of the woodlands. This time I am just going to post some photos that hopefully capture the beauty and calmness I experienced.

Stillmarillion - The 'Y' Theatre Leicester

 

It is a great relief to be blogging again. Apologies for the gap. Two recent operations have seen me cancel several events I would normally have written about. Funnily enough my last post was seeing a Marillion tribute band 'Mr Punch'. We are running a touch late tonight. Struggling to get parked up, and then to find the venue. I have been to the 'Y' Theatre before to see Mostly Autumn. It's all a blur tonight though. We ask for directions and get sent to the local YMCA... No problem though as the Theatre is actually next door. Really looking forward to see Stillmarillion again, they always put on a great performance. This will actually be their second performance of the day. Billed as the 'Best of Both Worlds' there was an afternoon show featuring 'H' era songs and Fish solo highlights.

We are perched up on the balcony for a change. It's a pretty good view though. The only downside is the lack of leg room. The set starts with the 'Slainte Mhath' intro from 'Clutching at Straws'. Things quickly speed up with the brilliant 'Assassing' from Fugazi.We really are in for a 'Fish era frenzy' tonight. 'Punch and Judy' and the seminal 'Script for a Jester's Tear' soon follow. The slideshow backdrop gives a bit of a heads up as to what is to follow. or at least it did.. That was until the juice ran out on The Mac. 'I gave him one job to do' says a bewildered Martin (Jakubski). Looking in the direction of Keyboardist Stewart. 'More like 50' he replies. 'Yeah and you fxxxed them up as well! We continue without the benefit of a slideshow. 

There is a chance to hear a rare rendition of ' Three Boats down from the Candy'. The 'B' side to the 1982 debut single 'Market Square Heroes'. ' Warm Wet Circles' gives the audience license to exercise their own vocal chords. Not that they need it of course, most of those present know the words to every song. As you would expect the masterpiece 1985 album 'Misplaced Childhood' is well represented, all the 'hits' are covered off. It was great to hear a personal favourite of mine too with the amazing 'Incubus'.  

There is no easing up from the band. They are still going strong and may or  may not be fuelled by alcohol? There is a suggestion from Martin that Guitarist Mark (Mitchell) may have had more than the rest of the band? 'He's always drunk' shouts a female voice in the crowd! Martin quickly dispels this rumour. Stating that he has been in bands with Mark for 18 years. During that time he could clearly remember him being sober on at least two occasions. Good stage humour is always guaranteed with Stillmarillion. I can't help thinking  Martin is looking more like the ex-Scottish International footballer 'Ally McCoist'. Check it out! Have you ever seen them together? The last song of the night is 'Incommunicado' from the 1987 'Clutching at Straws' album.

I've also had to explain to my wife what a 'Warm Wet Circle' is. She actually thought it was something rude , heaven forbid. The band warn us that they are going to do that 'leaving the stage thing' and then coming back on.

 

As promised the band return to deliver a fantastic encore of 'Fugazi', 'Garden Party' and 'Market Square Heroes'. It has been a wonderful night of early years Marillion. Full credit to the band for providing two completely different shows in one day. In total 7 Marillion albums were covered along with one Fish solo album. Thank you Stillmarillion and Leicester 'Y' Theatre ' What a night'.  

As far as the 'Set List' is concerned who better than 'Mr Set list' himself in Marillion circles (Warm wet ones)  'James Greenwood' to do the honours. On this occasion ably assisted by Martin.