Fish - Aylesbury Market Square Gig Review

“This is the first day of the rest of my life” was Fish’s response to the emphatic reception he received when taking the stage for his headline appearance to close out the 'Hobbles On The Cobbles' event. Since he first headed down to Aylesbury in 1981 it had been a desire to perform in the Market Square but the occasion never presented itself until now. With a new album ("The 13th Star") waiting in the wings this served as a good warm-up for the full UK tour taking place throughout September and also offered the perfect opportunity to catch up with a few old friends (of which more later).

Aside from the new album Fish is also revisiting what was to be his final album with Marillion, "Clutching At Straws", to mark its 20th anniversary, and the set kicks off with a rousing 'Slainte Mhath'. As a frontman Fish has few equals and dominates the relatively small stage, so much so that the band is almost unnoticeable in the background. 'Circle Line' is the first of two new songs to be aired and bodes well for the upcoming release, with a laid back groove sitting behind Fish's slightly sinister vocal. 'So Fellini' provides one of many crowd sing-a-longs and then it is back to the new album and the heartfelt 'Manchmal'. The opening trilogy from "Clutching", 'Hotel Hobbies', 'Warm Wet Circles' and 'That Time Of The Night' provides the highlight of the main set and even if he doesn't quite sing every line the audience are happy to fill in the gaps.

Switching to the radio mic Fish makes his way into the crowd for the opening of 'Vigil', a song that remains one of the real gems from the debut solo album and one that was long overdue a return to the spotlight. The angry 'White Russian' is as biting and passionate as it ever was and the love song, 'Cliché' (dedicated to "no one"), provides long-time guitarist Frank Usher with a rare moment in the spotlight during the extended coda (and also gives Fish time to leave the stage and pop across to the nearest pub to grab a quick pint). With a curfew looming the band closes with 'Incommunicado' and receives a fantastic response, Fish appearing overwhelmed by the audience reaction as he leaves the stage.

The sighting of Pete Trewavas enjoying a pre-gig drink during the afternoon gave rise to much speculation as to who and what would happen for the encore and this was confirmed when Steve Rothery's guitar tech began setting up. Finally, after giving us the "story behind the song", Fish introduced Trewavas, Rothery, Ian Mosley and Mark Kelly and the classic Marillion line-up was onstage together for the first time since 1988. It might have been only one song, 'Market Square Heroes', and it might have been rough around the edges but for many in the crowd this was something we never thought possible. It was a wonderful moment to see five old friends enjoying the chance to wallow in nostalgia, even if both parties have gone in quite different directions since the split.

The encore will make all of the headlines, but if Fish continues to give performances like this then he is simply not to be missed.

Set List:-

Slainte Mhath
Circle Line
So Fellini
Manchmal
Hotel Hobbies
Warm Wet Circles
That Time Of The Night
Vigil
White Russian
Cliché
Incommunicado

Market Square Heroes (with Marillion)