This was the third time in the last twelve months that Fish had stopped off in the West Midlands on his 'Return to Childhood' tour; evidenced by the fact that the Wulfrun was probably only a little more than half full. But the ones that stayed away missed another stunning performance as Fish once again proved that, in the live arena, he has few equals. 

Support for the evening was provided by Odin's Dragonfly better known as Heather Findlay and Angela Gordon from Mostly Autumn. An enjoyable, if short, set saw the ladies sharing vocal duties with Heather on guitar and Angela providing keyboards and flute. As well as original material there were a couple of Mostly Autumn tunes and a cover of Jethro Tull's 'The Witches Promise'. On this evidence they would appear to have a bright future for when the day job comes to an end and I look forward to their album later this year. 

After almost twelve months on the road Fish's band are currently tight, despite yet another personnel change of late with the arrival of drummer Dave Innes. For the most part the band, (including long term sidemen Frank Usher on guitar and Steve Vantsis) are content to stay in the background and let Fish grasp the limelight. The first hour was reserved for some of the choice moments of the Big Man's solo career, opening with a funky 'Big Wedge' and including 'Goldfish & Clowns' and 'Brother 52' from the sadly largely overlooked 'Sunsets on Empire' album from 1997. We also got 'Moving Target' and 'Innocent Party' from the last studio album proper, 'Field Of Crows'. I would have liked to have heard a couple more from 'Vigil', one of my favourite albums bar none, but time did not allow. There was also little time for any of Fish’s infamous chats with the audience, although we did get to hear about a stolen microphone and some Scandinavian sheep (!). The solo set closed with one of Fish's finest clap-a-long and sing-a-long moments, 'Credo', singer and band exiting the stage until only Dave Innes remained, the audience singing out the refrain ad infinitum. 

A moments pause and as 'The Thieving Magpie' strikes up it occurs to me this could well be the last time I hear the complete 'Misplaced Childhood' in its live glory. If that does turn out to be the case then this performance has left me with a wonderful final memory. OK so Fish sings it in a different key nowadays but with a performance as inspired as this one who cares? The haunting 'Pseudo Silk Kimono' gets things going and after the 'hit singles' are dispensed with its uphill all the way with the crowd singing along with every word from ‘Bitter Suite’ and ‘Heart of Lothian’ to ‘Childhood’s End’ and ‘White Feather’. One of the greatest albums of the last 20 years delivered with enthusiasm, passion and sheer joy by its principal creator. 

Live gigs don’t get much better than this. 

Encore time and it's another dip back into the past with 'Incommunicado' and 'Market Square Heroes' ; Fish also coming back on stage complete with (tight fitting) Scotland football shirt and engaging in some good natured banter with the crowd about England's World Cup prospects. Still the house lights stay down and we are treated to another encore in the shape of a storming version of 'Fugazi', complete with slightly dodgy backing vocals from keyboard player Tony Turrell. Probably my favourite moment from the first four Marillion albums and once again it doesn’t disappoint. Quite simply, brilliant. 

When the 'Childhood' tour finally comes to close at the Haddington Convention in August Fish can hopefully keep the nucleus of the band together and carry some of the current momentum through into his next studio project. On this evidence, it could well turn out to be a classic.

Return To Gig Reviews Main Menu