Join John 'Mezza' Merrick and Craig Houston for a discussion about the music and the world of Marillion and Fish, including solo albums, offshoots, tribute acts and much more besides. All opinions expressed are just that...opinions. We would love to hear your views on the music and the podcast. Email us at planetmarzipanpodcast@gmail.com
Planet Marzipan Podcast - A Marillion and Fish Podcast.
Mezza & Craig are joined by James Levey, Mike Barton & Darren Newitt to review the "Less is More" album. Controversial or a Classic?Chat includes the origins of the album - a track by tack review - alternate song suggestions and the legacy of this project.How many different ways can the guys avoid saying the word "Reinterpretation"? Listen on to find out.....
Here is episode 4 of our Sister Podcast - Planet Music.Join Grae Tennick, Mikey Kay, Craig Houston & Mezza as they take a look at Simple Minds 1982 album "New Gold Dream 81/82/83/84.".An in-depth chat includes the origins and stories around the album, a track by track review, artwork, tour information and a look at the legacy of this break out album for the band. What do you think of this album?Join the discussion in our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/651497387797567/Our next episode, in 2 weeks time, features Pink Floyds " A Momentary Lapse of Reason".
Originally planned as a bonus episode but now expanded to a 2 hour behemoth - Craig and Mezza turn their attention to the tribute bands that played at the Leicester Weekend 2025 - Mr Punch, StillMarillion, Glass Satellites and Marquee Square Heroes - Steve Gutteridge and Andrew "Barnsley" Wood are on hand to help the PM guys review the gigs. This episode also features interviews with each band and updates on their upcoming gigs - featuring Craigs unique pronunciation of numerous European locations and venues! - and, although they were not in Leicester - there is a gig guide for Cillirion too!Settle in - it's a big one!
Mezza & Craig look back on a fantastic weekend in Leicester with the help of Lucy Jordache, Gary Page, Steve Gutteridge, John Farrand & Stuart Chandler.A lively chat includes the 2 fantastic Marillion gigs at De Montfort Hall, Lucy's Audience with...., the seven (!) tribute band gigs across the weekend and lots of other shenanigans!Part 2 follows soon......
Episode 3 of our sister podcast!Join Grae Tennick, Mikey Kay, Craig Houston & Mezza as they take a look at Queens 1982 album "Hot Space".An in-depth chat includes the origins of the album, a track by track review, artwork, tour information and a look at the legacy of this maligned album. What do you think of this album?Join the discussion in our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/651497387797567/Our next episode, in 2 weeks time, features Simple Minds "New Gold Dream (81, 82, 83, 84)"
Craig & Mezza round off their look into all things "Happiness is the Road" with the help of James Levey, Felicity Pryke, Nathan Page and Grae Tennick.Part 3 features chat about the album tour, the artwork, the formats and poses the question - Is it really a double album?
Mezza & Craig return to the Happiness is the Road album to review "The Hard Shoulder" album. Nathan Page, Felicity Pryke, James Levey and Andrew "Barnsley" Wood join the guys again for a track by track review and lots more besides...Find out why this album means so much to "Barnsley" as well as his "alternate" track listing! Hear about Felicity's love for one track in particular as well as James' insight into the origins of the tracks and Nathan gives his take on The Hard Shoulder.Look out for part 3 next week - Covering the tour, the artwork and the live recordings - as well as lister comments on this double album.
As a bonus we present the second episode of our sister podcast. We hope you like it. Normal service will resume on Tuesday with Happiness is the Road - Part 2. Mezza, Craig, Mikie and Grae are back to take a look at Elton Johns "Blue Moves", the lesser known of his double studio albums.An in-depth discussion includes album origins, a track by track review, artwork, formats, the live shows and how this album might be viewed, in hindsight. What do you think of this album?Join the discussion in our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/651497387797567/
Join Craig & Mezza as they get together with some friends to take an in depth look at Marillion's Happiness is the Road album over the next 3 episodes. In this first episode Nathan Page, Felicity Pryke, James Levey and Andrew "Barnsley" Wood help the PM guys to dissect the "Essence" disc. Chat includes the origins of HitR, the launch of the album - including the presale - and a track by track review.Look out for part 2 next week.
As a bit of a bonus we present here the first episode of Planet Marzipan's sister podcast. Hope you like it. Normal service will resume on Tuesday with Happiness is the Road - Part 1.Joining Craig & Mezza for the launch episode of Planet Music Podcast are Grae Tennick and Mikie Kay. The album up for discussion is Tears for Fears' "Seeds of Love".This episode includes stories and background information about the band and this album, including a track by track review. Later in the episode chat turns to the tour and the legacy of this amazing and expensive (!) album.What are your views on this record? What do you think of the podcast? Let us know in the Facebook group "Planet Marzipan Presents - Planet Music - The Album Podcast"https://www.facebook.com/groups/651497387797567Look out for another episode soon.....
Join Mezza & Craig along with Grae Tennick, Mikey Kay and Andy McIntosh as they revisit Fish's "Sunsets on Empire" album. A lively chat includes a full track by track review, artwork and tour reviews. There are lots of different opinions on this album and many of them are expressed here! The podcast also includes listener comments about the Sunsets album too!
Join Mezza & Craig as they chat to musician, Egbert Derix, about working with both Fish and Steve Hogarth on his solo album "Paintings in Minor Lila" as well as working with Fish on his "Feast of Consequences" and "Welschmertz" albums.Chat also includes lots of Egbert's other work with John Helliwell of Supertramp and Bill Hicks amongst others (!).For more information please visit www.egbertderix.com
Join Craig & Mezza as they re-visit the mighty Misplaced Childhood album, celebrating it's 40 year anniversary with Grae Tennick, Mark Owens, Richard Broadley and Mark Colton.In a bumper episode, originally conceived as the 100th Planet Marzipan Episode, chat includes the origins of the album, a track by track look at this masterpiece, memories of the tour, the cover art and the legacy of this wonderful record.Grab a drink & settle in - it's a long one! :-) For more info on Marquee Square Heroes visit https://www.marqueesquareheroes.com
Join the PM guys as they celebrate their 100th episode by meeting Pete Trewavas. In a very relaxed chat Pete discusses a wide range of topics including Marillion Weekends, the "Pete, Pete, Pete" chant, Marillion writing techniques, meeting Robin Boult and he gives a detailed account of some of his challenges with his health over the last year.Mezza and Craig would like to thank Pete for his time, and thank the PM listeners for helping achieve 100 episodes. Thanks also to Chris Oliver who is the mastermind behind the visual side of Planet Marzipan.
A bonus episode that wraps up the MW PZ 25 weekend - including interviews with PM listeners, recorded at the PZ meet up, Jon Chapmans discovery of Marillion story and listeners reviews of the PZ weekend. Look out for a very special 100th Planet Marzipan episode next week!
Join Mezza & Craig as they chat to Vanessa Kennedy in Port Zelande. Topics covered include Vanessa's take on entering Marillo world as a "Newbie", having Steve Hogarth give her away at her wedding (!), the fun of Port Zélande/ Marillion Weekends, an insight into the months of prep that go into MW '25 and much more besides.
Craig and Mezza are joined by Lucy Jordache, Grae Tennick & Mark Kennedy to discuss the Sunday activities in PZ - including the PM meet up - Haunt the Woods in the Action Factory, Rick and Dave in the main tent - and Marillions fantastic Sunday night show.A very tired Lucy and Mark give their overview of the weekend - and Ian Mosley even pops his head in briefly to join the chat.MW Port Zelande 2025 - is in the record books - and it was a cracker!
The PM guys are joined by Andrew "Barnsley" Wood, Grae Tennick and Tim Sidwell to discuss the shenanigans from Friday and Saturday of the PZ '25 weekend.Highlights include some of the non music events - the PZ street party - the MW PZ 2025 Quiz - Yoga - an Audience with Marillion - and lots of socialising.Musical highlights include Anneke van Giersbergen, Haunt the Woods, and of course Fridays Marillion set.Look out for part 3 (with Lucy J amongst others) - soon!
Listen in as Mezza & Craig are joined by Craig Coopersmith, Rick Kessler, Gary Foalle, Dave Dobbie, Vanessa Kennedy, Jon Chapman, Mark Kennedy and Zack Coopersmith to discuss the first couple of days of Port Zelande 2025.Hear the guys reminisce about past PZ weekends and their thoughts on the first Marillion gig of 2025. It's a lively chat - especially the second half - recorded post gig - after a few beers - on a single mic.It's live and loose!Part 2 of our PZ review - with different guests - is coming soon!
The PM team are joined by Mark McCormac, Grae Tennick, Mark Owens, Nathan Page and Dave Dobbie to discuss the last few dates of Fish's Road to the Isles tour - including the emotional final two gigs in Glasgow. Chat includes setlists, crowd reactions, pop up shops and a discussion on what Fish's retirement means to the panel. It's an emotional listen.So long Derek, thanks for all the Fish :-)
Join Mezza and Craig along with Grae Tennick, Emma Mills, Taff Jones and Mike Barton as they take an in depth look at the first half of Fish's Road to Isles UK Tour.From the first gigs in Haddington on to the English dates, the journey includes setlists, venue comments, and a detailed run down of the shenanigans that took place on the road.Look out for part 2 next week, The Final Fling....It's emotional!
Join Mezza & Craig as they meet Diz Minnitt ,Nigel Spennewyn and Deborah Hopper from Pride of Passion. Mark McCormack (from Markos Marillion Museum) joins the chat too.Diz talks about his memories of his time in Marillion, including Fish and Diz's demo audio tape for the band, early gigs, writing sessions, BBC sessions and lots more besides.Later in the conversion talk turns to Pride of Passion, the band that Diz joined after leaving Marillion. Nigel and Deborah discuss the bands time in the eighties (Including having Steven Wilson and Brian Jelliman in the line up at different times) and how they arrived at reforming now to record new Pride of Passion music. The episode also includes a new song "Legions".For more information on Pride of Passion visit their Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571994384626
Craig & Mezza are joined by the bands archivist, and PM regular, James Levey to discuss the 2 new "Making of" CD's - "Pulling Shapes Out of the Night - The Making of Holidays in Eden" and "DNA - The Making of An Hour Before It's Dark".These 2 albums provide a real insight into how our heroes' writing process has changed over the years. They include unheard songs, riffs and lyrics.The CD's will be available at the Port Zelande weekend and the other weekends thereafter. They will also be available from Racket Records - at a later date.
The PM team check in on Stephanie Bradley as the Port Zelande weekend resident's list is finalised and passed to the Center Parcs team. Stephanie gives an update on what to look out for in PZ whether it's your first time or your ninth! This video episode is the 3rd of our 4 in the "Countdown to Port Zelande 2025".Look out for the last one next week!
The PM guys are joined by Lucy Jordache, Georgina Wistow, Mark Kennedy (eventually!), Tim Sidwell and Darren Moore to talk about all the fun that is planned for the Port Zelande weekend 2025.Featuring an extended tour of the lovely new merchandise range, a request for fans help to contribute to a forthcoming documentary and full details on the Marillion Weekend Quiz 2025.
The PM Team meet the amazing Anne-Marie Forker, a fantastic, award winning, photographer who has shot some of the iconic images of our favourite band, amongst others.Hear all about Anne-Marie's adventures with Marillion, how she first discovered the band and how she gave up her job to fulfil her dream of being a photographer.We also hear about her new book "Get Ready, Foot Down, Push The Button - Marillion on Tour" to be released at the Port Zelande weekend - and on sale from Racket later. For more on Anne-Maries work visit https://www.forkerfotos.com
The PM team are joined by Mikey Kay, Andrew "Barnsley" Wood and Martin Jakubski to conclude their look at the singles from Clutching at Straws - This time it's Warm Wet Circles.The usual Charting the Single features are included...bsides, video, chart performance and artwork...along with more of Barnsley 's "facts you never knew...." !
The PM team are joined by Mikey Kay, Andrew "Barnsley" Wood and Martin Jakubski to take a look at the second single from Clutching at Straws - Sugar Mice.The usual Charting the Single features are included...bsides, video, chart performance and artwork...along with Barnsley 's "facts you never knew" slot!Look out for "Charting the Single - Warm Wet Circles" - coming soon!
Mezza & Craig are joined by Andrew "Barnsley" Wood, Martin Jakubski (Lead singer of both the Steve Rothery Band and StillMarillion) and Mikie Kay, to discuss the first single from "Clutching at Straws" - "Incommunicado". This mini pod chat includes the promo video, the history of the song, the Bsides, formats and lots more besides. Look out for our "Sugar Mice" and "Warm Wet Circles" episodes coming up VERY soon.
Craig & Mezza are joined by Stephen Wicks, Guy Vickers & Greg Forster to take a look at the bands headline gig at the Milton Keynes Bowl in 1986.Chat includes the road to MK, the peak of the bands popularity in the UK, personal recollections of the time and a detailed look at the bands playing on this historic day in Marillion folklore.Andy Rotherham also joins the chat to give his take on some of the German dates on this leg of festival shows.
Join Mezza and Craig as they take an in depth view of Fish's "Field of Crows" album. They are joined by Emma Mills, Taff Jones and Stuart Mitchell for a lengthy discussion which includes the story of the album's origin, a track by track review of the music, detailed tour memories, the physical formats, artwork and what the podcast listeners think of this album. Emma and Taff talk about the legendary Company Gloster, too! Settle in....it's a long one! :-)
Craig & Mezza are joined by James Levey (marillion archivist) , Mikie Kay & Gary Page to take an in-depth look at Steve Hogarth' s first solo album "Ice Cream Genius". A lengthy chat includes - song origins, cover art, band members, the short ICG tour as well as a track by track review of this legendary album. The episode concludes with listener feedback about this album and tour, from the Planet Marzipan Podcast Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/238339422155058
Back in October 2024 Craig and Mezza were interviewed by The Web UK - Marillions UK fan club - for an article to be included in the 2024 Christmas Web magazine, by Darren Newitt. The magazine featured an edited version of that chat. Now you can hear the full interview - at the end of which the PM boys turned the tables and interviewed Darren! The chat with Darren includes stories about how he came to design an album sleeve for the band and the time he got to play live with them.
Craig, Mezza, James, Mikie and Mark are back to conclude their in depth look at the This Strange Engine album. Chat this time includes the TSE tour, the album sleeve, the new deluxe edition box set, the vinyl editions, the surround mix and the "Tales from the Engine" Room remix album. There is also time for listeners comments about the album and part one of this podcast!
The PM team are joined by Mikie Kay (a fan of over 35 years), James Levey (Marillion's archivist) and Mark Kennedy (Member of the Racket Team) to discuss "This Strange Engine", the first album of the "Castle Years". Part one includes an in-depth, track by track, discussion of the music - with insight from James into the origins of some of the songs. Look out for part 2 next week.
A bonus episode to welcome in the new year....Mezza & Craig chat to members of Marillion tribute bands, Marquee Square Heroes, Something Else, Cillirion and Splintering Heart and ask them how was 2024 and what they have coming up in 2025. Craig, Mezza & Chris would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. We have lots planned for 2025, so please keep listening :-)
Join Georgina Wistow, Mark McCormac, Mike Barton, Martin Jakubski, Craig & Mezza as they review July to December 2024. from a Marillion & Fish fans perspective. Chat covers the Fish Internal & Vigil reissues, the SRB tour, The Remains of the Weekend releases, the h Natural tour, the SPQR release and much more besides. Happy New Year to all our listeners. We hope 2025 is everything you want it to be! ( Misplaced is 40 years old - AOS is 30 years old in 2025! )
Join Mezza & Craig as they get together with some like minded fans and friends to review 2024. Georgina Wistow, Mark McCormac, Mike Barton & Martin Jakubski discuss the year about to pass from a Marillion & Fish perspective. Part One covers January to June 2024 including Cruise to the Edge, Fish's Road to the Isles announcements, Marillion's MW 2025 announcements, h Live in Rome, StillMarillion's 2 gigs in one day in Leicester and much more besides. Look out for part 2 on New Years Eve.
Craig & Mezza get together to discuss the brand new release from Steve Hogarth - S.P.Q.R. - a live Blu-ray & CD recorded in Rome earlier in 2024. This fantastic gig with Ranestrane & the Flowing Chords choir is reviewed in depth. Also included in this episode is a review of h Natural - live in Liverpool - and details of the final episodes planned to round off 2024 on Planet Marzipan.
The PM team are joined by Stephanie Bradley, Mike Barton & Andrew "Barnsley" Wood to review the brand new "Remains of the Weekend" BluRay/DVD and the 2 double CD live releases from the Friday and Sunday night of the 2023 Port Zelande weekend. What do you think of these releases? Email us at planetmarzipanpodcast@gmail.com
Mezza & Craig are joined by Mark Kelly and Guy Vickers for a chat about 40 plus years of playing keyboards in Marillion, the writing process including how it has evolved over the years, the deluxe reissues series, Mark's book, the Marathon album (which Guy was the lyricist for), The Fish farewell tour and next years Marillion conventions - plus lots more besides!
The PM team are joined by Tim Sidwell for a tour of "The Space" Marillions VOD (Video on Demand) platform. This guided tour includes a look at some of rare and exclusive video content on The Space, as well as a look at the features of the platform, how to access the free trial and what's coming up on the near future. To visit "The Space" please follow this link - https://marillionvod.uscreen.io .
Guess who's back? Back again? Tim Sidwell! Tim joins the PM team again to chat about the new "`Remains of the Weekend" bluray from Racket Records featuring the Friday and Sunday (part 2) nights from the 2023 Port Zelande weekend. Tim gives a great insight into how this wonderful film came together, divulges some trade secrets, talks about the "All One Tonight" film and gives an update on what is coming next...
Join the PM team as they meet Marillion's live sound guru, Phil Brown, for a lively chat. Talk includes Phil's career as jobbing musician, from the Dooley's to Heartland via few detours, growing up in Whitehaven alongside Francis Dunnery, working as famed record producer Jimbo Bartons right hand man and, of course, Phil's time working with Marillion.
Craig & Mezza are joined by Andrew "Barnsley" Wood, Gary Uzzell, Gary Page and Nathan Page to give a fans view on Marillion's first Royal Albert Hall gig, immortalised by the "All One Tonight" album and film. Chat includes the excitement of the anticipation of our heroes first visit to the Albert, a track by track review of the gig, the legacy of this gig (including Toward Infinity's wonderful film of the event). Later in the episode the PM team visit their Facebook page for listeners comments and memories of this historic night.
Mezza & Craig are joined by Lucy Jordache, Georgina Wistow and Ian Mosley to talk about Marillions first gig at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Chat includes the planning and logistics of playing the RAH, including ticket management, band discussions and the reasons why playing the RAH is not like ANY other venue! Later in the episode, Ian Mosley joins the chat to reminisce about this historic gig. Look out for part 2 in our next episode.
The PM team are joined by Darren Moore, Mike Barton and James Levey as they continue their review of the FEAR album. In this episode they discuss the album sleeve, the title, the tour, the legacy of the album and much more besides. It is a lively chat and It's no less controversial than the first part! :-)
The PM team are joined by Mike Barton, James Levey and Darren Moore to take an in depth look at the F.E.A.R. album. Be prepared for lots of differing views in an, at times, frank and irreverent discussion about the songs, lyrics and meanings behind them. This episode is guaranteed to get you talking ! :-)
Planet Marzipan goes straight to video in an impromptu episode with a review Candacraig's live interpretation of Marillion's Brave gig, a hint on episodes coming up, and some Marillo world catch up news. Here is the link for tickets to Candacraig Live in Stoke on 24.10.24 Candacraig – Prog duo creating dark atmospheric musicSee Tickets - Candacraig - A retelling of Marillion's Brave Tickets | Thursday, 24 Oct 2024 at 7:30 PM
The PM team are joined by Mark Kennedy as they catch Fish's "Road to the Isles" tour in Utrecht, Holland. This "on the road" episode includes thoughts on the gig, setlist, stage design and the fantastic venue - As such it includes SETLIST SPOILERS. You have been warned! :-)
Join the PM team as they meet Fraser Marshall, from The Web UK team. A lively chat includes, how the Web UK has changed and developed over the last 20 years (!), the Port Zelande Marillion Quiz, Frasers Marillion lyric website and much more besides! Visit Frasers Explanations of Song Lyrics website at http://marillionations.blogspot.com For more info on The Web UK visit http://www.theweb-uk.com
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
