2015 is coming to a close faster and faster as we head into the holidays and then prepare our musical minds to welcome in the brand new 2016; This fact doesn’t prevent the occasional tour from being announced and while I always love learning that Marillion is planning on some US visits, I admit I was surprised to hear about dates that will not be happening for almost a year. Check out the promo art, press release and disclosed dates below. I’ll return with some more opinion afterward.
The Press Release:
(December 9, 2015) – Triumphant cries can be heard across the pond as Prog fans celebrate the return of Marillion to North America in 2016 with thirteen dates next fall beginning on Friday, October 21 in San Francisco – full routing below. Special Guest John Wesley will support for the run of dates – a frequent guest at their bi-annual conventions. Tickets will go on sale this Friday, December 11, fans can visit marillion.com for more info on each date.
Marillion will be on the road for much of 2016 in support of their forthcoming 18th studio album releasing in the spring via partnership with PledgeMusic announced earlier this year. The DIY pioneers have had a direct relationship with their devoted following creating a new business model of crowdfunding back in 1997, long before Kickstarter and GoFundMe provided an opportunity for artists and filmmakers alike. For more information on the new album please visit http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/marillion.
Formed in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England, in 1997, Marillion have sold more than 16 million albums and are celebrated across the globe by a devoted following whom they share a most unique and intimate relationship. Marillion are pioneers with their internet-based business model – fans have funded their last five releases in advance of recording with presale campaigns. Marillion have remained uniquely independent with their in-house label and their own Racket Records recording studio. Marillion host a bi-annual “Marillion Weekend,” recently awarded ‘Best Live Event’ by the Progressive Music Awards, wherein fans have an opportunity to not only see their favorite act perform different sets, multiple nights in a row, but also become immersed in the Marillion culture and history with various activities. Marillion continue to tour an annual average of 100 sold out shows and festival stops globally. Marillion recently partnered with PledgeMusic for their forthcoming 18th studio album to be released in 2016.
Marillion are Steve ‘h’ Hogarth (vocals), Steven Rothery (guitar), Pete Trewavas (bass), Mark Kelly (keyboard) and Ian Mosley (drums).
2016 Tour Dates:
Friday, October 21 – San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
Saturday, October 22 – Beverly Hills, CA @ Saban Theater Beverly Hills
Tuesday, October 25 – Denver, CO @ Paramount Theatre
Thursday, October 27 – Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre
Friday, October 28 – Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre
Saturday, October 29 – Northfield, OH @ Hard Rock Live
Monday, October 31 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
Tuesday, November 1 – Montreal, QC @ Virgin Mobile Corona Theatre
Wednesday, November 2 – Québec, QC @ L’Impérial Bell
Friday, November 4 – Boston, MA @ Royale Boston
Saturday, November 5 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
Sunday, November 6 – Philadelphia, PA @ Keswick Theatre
Tuesday, November 8 – New York, NY @ PlayStation Theater
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PiercingMetal Thoughts: I was a latecomer to the sound of Marillion but thanks to friends recommendations became a quick reverse study of the Fish material and had been supporting the new voice of “H” since he first made his appearance. The band has offered many rollercoaster rides of creative output with some blowing our minds and others leaving me wondering what just happened but with that being said I must stress that they are an incredible live act and one that must be witnessed for the atmosphere that they put out there. It’s pretty far away for me to plan if I will be there but I sure do want to since this is one of my favorite mid-sized venues. The band’s latest album is actually an expanded version of their “Sounds That Cannot Be Made” release and I enjoyed it. What do you readers think about this tour? Are Marillion a band that you enjoy and try to see when they come a calling? Let me know in the comments section below.
Official Website: http://www.marillion.com