Canada's The Metal Voice recently spoke to Marillion's guitarist Steve Rothery.
In the chat Rothery talks about the upcoming Marillion's weekends; the legacy of the band; their latest album; the band's connection with Iron Maiden's manager Rod Smallwood and the bands appeal to metalheads in the early years.
Steven Rothery is the original guitarist and the longest continuous member of Marillion. Outside Marillion, Rothery has recorded two albums as part of the duo The Wishing Tree and an instrumental solo album, The Ghosts of Pripyat, released in September 2014. He also founded the British Guitar Academy in 2011.
Tickets available for Montreal and all other upcoming weekends via www.marillionweekend.com
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Watch full interview here
In the interview guitarist Rothery was asked about the bands connection to Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood in the early years, he said, "Rod (Smallwood) was brought in by John Arnison ( Marillion management) as a consultant manager in the 80's when we're trying to break America. I've known him since those days. There was a period after we left John Arnison Hit and Run Management where Sanctuary managed us for a year or two. He's (Rod Smallwood) one of a kind. "
Rothery was then asked if the band was purposely marketed by Rod Smallwood at the time to appeal to Metalheads," No, That just came about quite naturally. The logo was so distinctive on the first records. You know you'd see people with denim jackets or the leather jackets with the logo written or or painted on. I think there's a very strong identity and it's that wanting your own thing, wanting your own new band for your generation. We had tracks like Kayleigh and Lavender in the top of the Heavy Metal charts which obviously was about as far from Heavy Metal as you could get. But it was Rock Fans really I would say more than Heavy Metal Fans. Just people who like to hear guitars who like music with a bit of attitude and I think there was quite a crossover, especially in the Fish years with that kind of audience. "
Upcoming Marillion Weekend dates and links
Friday 28 April 2023
Friday 12 May 2023
Saturday 27 May 2023
De Montfort Hall, Leicester, UK (Sold Out)
Friday 23 June 2023
Marillion's latest album 'An hour before it's dark'
This is the CD / Bluray Deluxe version of a brand new (2023) Stereo & 5.1 Remix of Marillion's fifth album and first with Steve Hogarth, Seasons End.
Disc One features a brand new stereo remix of the album by Michael Hunter.
Discs Two and Three feature the full Sunday night concert from the Marillion Weekend 2022 in Leicester which included the album performed in it's entirety.
The blu-ray contains 48/24 stereo and LPCM 5.1 mixes and a DTS-HD Master 5.1 audio of the album. B-Sides and Bonus tracks are also included. Also included is a "Bootleg Mix" of the 1990 concerts in Montreal.
Video content consists of "Seasons Change" - an 85 minute documentary covering the making of the album.
Also included is the full "From Stoke Row To Ipanema" documentary, the full Rock Steady live performance and the promotional videos for Hooks In You, Easter, and The Uninvited Guest.
Marillion Steve Hogarth Interview-'An Hour Before It's Dark' Music & Themes, Fan Approval, Montreal
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