Tonight’s entertainment started early. In fact before the doors had even opened. The sizable queue of Marillion fans who had gathered on the steps of the university were treated to eyefuls of carefree female students clad in hot pants and grass skirts and the odd bikini top who themselves had gathered to embark on a city pub crawl. It was amusing watching the older Marillion fans trying to sneak longing glances without their wives or girlfriends clocking them.

Entering the venue the first thing that struck me was the turn out. It was pleasingly packed. This has major relevance for the following reason. For many years Marillion have toured behind their album releases and frustratingly kept passing Newcastle by. Admittedly they came to Durham University a good few years ago and regularly stop off in Leeds but Newcastle was beginning to feel like the forgotten city. I chatted to some Spanish fans before the show that had flown over especially for the gig. So what you say. The point I am making is our city has a great international airport with Metro stops, which drop off directly at Newcastle University, City Hall and The Academy. Tonight will hopefully inspire confidence in Marillion and their management to keep Newcastle on their regular touring itinery. Okay enough rambling and on with the show.

Support came from Ainslie Henderson a singer /songwriter with help from another acoustic player and a violinist. His set was mellow and his music fairly laid back. Marillion fans have “open ears” to music and his set was politely received. It was intimate yet poppy music and as his set progresses the audience warmed to him. A highlight was a track, which I think was called “You Look Good On The Dance Floor”. It had people nodding along. He did enough to make me consider seeing him again on his own terms in the future as I think his music would benefit from being heard in more subdued surroundings rather than in a room full of Marillion starved Geordies who were buzzed and chomping for the main act.

Marillion took the stage in fine style at approximately 9p.m.Opening with “Splintering Heart” each member took to the stage separately. First Hogarth (vocals) then Rothery (guitars), Trewavas (bass), Kelly (keyboards) and finally Mosley (drums). As each one added their parts the music built to a glorious crescendo. The stage set was minimal but the lighting was organised for maximum effect as the colours changed to create mood and atmosphere.I knew instantly this was going to be a fine show as not only was it visually spot on but also sound wise it was a revelation. Hogarth’s vocals were punchy and crisp and the instruments were balanced to perfection.

Next up was “The Other Half” from the new album “Somewhere Else”. This was delivered in style. It gently bounced along and its emotive lyrical content became even more meaningful as Hogarth sung it in his unique and sincere style. He moved around the stage and danced like a man possessed. Here was a showman who made a concert hall feel like an arena.“You’re Gone” is a song which you can’t help but clap along to. It’s supremely melodic and lost none of its charm when played live. Hogarth entranced the audience with his practiced moves.

Another new song “No Such Thing” was up next. It shuffled along and drew the audience with it. It built beautifully and showed one of Marillion's strongest talents. They can build a song from the bare bones and turn it into a spectacular soundscape “Thankyou Whoever You Are” is one of my personal favourites from the new album and judging by the audience reaction I am not alone. The song sounded dramatic and massive and seeing all the smiling faces shows the song is destined to become a live favourite.

“Most Toys” was started by the crowd who launched into it totally impromptu. The band was visibly taken aback and lapped it up before launching into the song themselves. Anyone who doesn’t think Marillion can rock would be well advised to check out this track. In the live environment it came into its own. “Afraid Of Sunlight” is one of Marillions most spectacular songs and tonight the band nailed it. Hogarth’s vocals were just stunning every little inflection and nuance was there, nothing was lost even on this live version. “Fantastic Place” has to be one of their prettiest songs and the bands performance tonight had all the couples in the audience clinging on to each other. When life is getting too much just listen to this track and the music will begin the “healing” process.

“The Wound” was spectacular. The lights played a big part in making this song really stimulate visually along side the music. Again the band built the song up perfectly. During the evening Hogarth had been asking if there were any requests and the one song which was being shouted the most finally got an airing.” Ocean Cloud” is a veritable epic song. It’s long and has many sections. Steve Rothery had his moment on this number as he put in a very cool guitar solo showing that he is possibly one of this countries most underrated guitar players.“Sugar Mice” went down a storm. Again the crowd stepped up the ante as they led the song in a mass sing a long. This was the oldest song of the night and its reception showed that all the “original” Marillion fans are still there. Great stuff.

“Between You And Me” is Marillion blending pop and rock to perfection. Various sections of the crowd went politely nuts and all the jumping up and down could have one mistakenly thinking one was at an Oasis concert.The band left the stage and the crowd raised the roof with their appreciative outpouring of applause. There was never any doubt of an encore and it came in the shape of “Estonia” and an incredible “Neverland” which was truly breathtaking. A second encore came with “The Space” which just put the icing on a superb show.I caught up with my friend “Stu” as the house lights came on. He has to be the U’K’s biggest Marillion fan and the guy who switched me on to Marillion many years ago. He has seen the band so many times and I wanted to know his opinion of the performance. His verdict “the best I’ve ever seen them”. His wife “Jinny” told me they were off to Glasgow for the next night of the tour and after tonight’s show I have to say I feel rather envious.The bottom line is this gig was “bloody marvellous” on every level. Lets hope Marillion keep Newcastle on their touring map permanently from now on.