Marillion - The Dome Brighton

The Dome Brighton

Haunt The Woods

Marillion at the Brighton Dome, the perfect excuse for a weekend in Brighton. It has been a grey and drizzly Sunday. We have been on the Pier and sampled a local hostelry as we head to the venue. The support band had already started at 7PM as we took to our seats in the lower stalls. The last seats on the row that adjoin the Lower Circle. Pretty good as we won't be disturbed by latecomers or those needing to use the facilities. Something that seems to have become more of an issue, particularly with the older male audience. Hailing from the South West, Haunt the Woods have been around since 2016. I suppose they would be described as alternative Rock in the Radiohead sense. The four piece band made a good sound and were well received by an appreciative audience.  

It is an all seated venue tonight sometimes that can affect the atmosphere at times the audience subdued and comfortable. This is the second night of the tour after Portsmouth previously. The epic and somewhat emotive 'Gaza' sets things off from 'Sounds That Can't be Made'. Followed by 'Seasons End' and 'You're Gone'. Hogarth gives an update on the much anticipated new album. 'It will definitely be finished by the end of the century' he confidently predicts. 'Just as we start to make progress we go out on tour'. In the meantime we get a song from the new album 'Ribbons and Lace' to whet our appetites. 

'H' and 'Rothers'

We get a tease of 'Hotel Hobbies' before one of my favourites' Afraid of Sunlight' gets an airing. With no new album to promote there is room for a few set list rarities. 'Enlightened' and 'Built in Bastard Radar' from the 'Marillion.com' album would certainly as obscure live songs. The previous album 'An Hour Before It's Dark' is well represented with the full 'Care' combination. Followed by the 'Crow and The Nightingale'. They always go down well because of the obvious meaning to many people. Probably the highlight of the night was 'Easter' which is pretty much a staple for any Marillion concert.I never get tired of hearing the Guitar solo  from Steve Rothery (pictured left). More rarities follow in the form of 'Wave' and 'Mad' from the Brave album. I get the feeling that 'Hogarth' isn't too keen on the all seater venues. 'It feels like 'I've been up here for a fortnight' he quips. There are a few strange ramblings about 'Fiona Bruce' , but even he isn't quite sure?? 

It's all good fun though and before we know it the band are taking their leave from the stage. At some stage the final ending for the band will inevitably happen. Drummer Ian Mosley is in his 70's. But on the evidence of tonight there is plenty of life in these band for now. They are an enigma in many ways, always under the radar. To the uninitiated mention the name Marillion and you usually get the response of , oh 'Kayleigh' or is 'Fish' still singing. Like the finest of wines they have aged and matured to a perfection. Don't all the best bands ? Rush, Purple , Floyd, to name but a few who have stood the test of time. 

The band return with an encore consisting of 'The Release' and from 'Clutching at Straws and the 'Fish' era 'Sugar Mice'. A good venue, excellent sound but maybe lacking slightly in atmosphere? They leave us though very much looking forward to the new album. Hopefully a lot nearer than the end of the century!