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.
Craig & Mezza are joined by Mark McCormac, Guy Vickers, Claude Attard & Keith Wickenden to discuss Fish leaving Marillion in 1988. A lengthy chat includes a mix of facts, rumour and opinion from all the panel, around this huge change in Marillo world. From the Clutching tour, via Fife Aid and Dalnagar Castle to the press release in September 1988. There is a lot to discuss!The result of this, of course, is the arrival of Steve Hogarth to front the band and Dereks solo career......
Our new sister podcast episode.Join the Planet Music guys, Mikie, Grae, Craig & Mezza, as they take a look at the first album from the British duo, Hurts, Happiness, from 2010.A lengthy chat includes the origins of the band and album, a track by track review (including the seven singles taken from it!), gig memories, David Sneddon and much more besides.
Join Craig & Mezza as they catch up with YouTube phenomenon, Jim Newstead. Jim has established a great community via YouTube based around his regular videos of him discussing, listening to and reacting to music on his Adventures in Music channel.Jim has amassed a huge number of videos - a number of which are Marillion & Fish based. Jim talks about his channel, alongside his love for Marillion, with the PM guys.Visit Adventures in Music at https://www.youtube.com/jimnewstead
Mezza & Craig are joined by James Levey, Grae Tennick and Nathan Page to look at the band Kino - featuring Pete Trewavas, John Mitchell, John Beck & Chris Maitland (and then Bob Dalton and then Craig Blundell!).A lengthy chat includes all 3 of the bands albums (from "Picture" to "Radio Voltaire", via "Cutting Room Floor") the history of the band and gig memories - as well as their pop/prog legacy.
Our latest sister podcast episode...Join the PM guys as they take an in depth look at Dire Straits' fifth studio album "Brothers in Arms". Chat includes a track by track review, the dawn of the Compact Disc era, artwork, the tour for this album and its longstanding legacy.What do you think of this multi million selling album? Join the discussion in the Planet Music Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/651497387797567
Listen in as Mezza & Craig welcome Steve Rothery back to Planet Marzipan Podcast.In a relaxed conversation, Steve talks about the new Bioscope album, Gentō - Released on Friday 22nd August. Other topics covered include, Bioscope live dates, playing live with Steve Hackett & Tangerine Dream, Marillion weekends, the albums Steve is currently working on ( Revontulet and an album with Steve Hackett) and lots more besides.In the second half of this episode the PM guys are joined by James Levey, Grae Tennick, Seamus Colgan & Nathan Page to review the Gentō album and Nathan gives us the scoop from the recent Atmos playback of the album in London.
Craig & Mezza catch up with Steven Rainey - BBC Radio Ulster presenter - and Marillion fan - to talk about his show "Long Player" - which includes one episode devoted to the mighty "Brave" album.Steven talks about the album and it's legacy - and how he convinced the BBC to feature a whole hour of radio about Marillion!The show is available on the BBC Sounds app/BBC website for UK listeners https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002gcy0
Episode 8 of our sister podcast - Planet MusicThe Planet Music guys are back to take an in depth look at a 2025 release - Steven Wilson's "The Overview" - a modern progressive album - with just 2 tracks, which fits on to a single vinyl record.There is a lot to discuss around this record and, in a first for Planet Music, the guys also discuss the recent UK tour for the album.What do you make of this record? - Join the conversation in the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/651497387797567
Mezza & Craig are joined by Kieron Buxton and Seamus Colgan to take look at the first 3 releases in the new Racket Records vinyl series, "A Piss Up in a Brewery", "Afraid of Sunlight - Live 2003" and "Remains of the Weekend - Friday - Live in Port Zelande".Chat includes the packaging, the sound quality and, of course, the music. Thanks to Mark Kennedy for the background information on this great series.
Joining the PM guys to look back at the first Butlins Marillion Weekend are Darren Newitt, James Levey, Fraser Marshall & Mikey Kay.A different location, a world record attempt, swap the band, a full performance of the Afraid of Sunlight album and lots more fun!Listen in as they discuss events and memories from the second residential Marillion Weekend.
The new episode of our sister podcast, Planet Music.Join Mezza, Grae, Mikie and Craig as they take a deep dive into the only album by Toy Matinee - the band assembled by Patrick Leonard (Producer extraordinaire) and featuring Guy Pratt (Pink Floyd) on bass, Tim Pierce on guitar, Brian MacLeod on drums, Bill Bottrell on guitar and the vocals/guitar/keyboards of Kevin Gilbert.This lost classic is an aural journey - produced by Bottrell and sounds fantastic.Chat includes the origins of the project - a track by track review - the legacy of this record and what happened next for some of the key players...(Tuesday Night Music Club amongst other things.....).
A weekend, in a UK holiday camp, surrounded by hardcore fans, what could possibly go wrong? Craig & Mezza are joined by Fraser Marshall, Mikey Kay, Andrew "Barnsley" Wood & James Levey to look back on the first residential Marillion Weekend at Pontins, Brean Sands, in 2002. A historic weekend, the germ of an idea that has become fully realised as the biannual Port Zelande weekends.It was a big weekend for Fraser too - life changing. Listen in as the boys reminisce on this amazing weekend.
The PM guys look back at the genesis of Marillion Weekends with the help of Lucy Jordache, Georgina Wistow, Mark Kelly & Ian Mosley.Lucy & George talk through the planning of the first residential Marillion Weekend in 2002, joined, later in the conversation, by Mark Kelly and Ian Mosley.In a lively conversation (which does go off topic at times!) hear secrets about those early weekends, never told on a podcast, until now! :-)Coming soon - reviews of the 2002 Pontins Weekend and the 2003 Butlins weekends.....Mark and Tallulah Kellys podcast "Prog & Progeny" is available from Patreon (with exclusive member benefits) or via streaming https://www.patreon.com/progandprogeny/membership
The new episode of our sister podcast, Planet Music.Grae, Mikey, Craig & Mezza are joined by Gary Page to take a close look at Pet Shop Boys' 1990 album "Behaviour".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 deeply personal album. What do you think of this album?Join the discussion in our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/651497387797567/
Mezza & Craig are joined by Andrew Wild and Greg Spawton to chat about Andrew's new book " A Playground of Broken Hearts - The Progressive Rock Revival 1984-1989" - the follow up to last years "A Mirror of Dreams".This book chronicles the remainder of the eighties for Marillion, IQ, Twelfth Night, Solstice, Pallas and Pendragon. These years feature lots of great music, numerous personnel changes, the height of Marillion's popularity with the Misplaced Childhood album, the departure of Fish and the arrival of Steve Hogarth.There is also a lengthy chapter at the end of the book covering lots of other bands from the scene including amongst others, It Bites, Haze, No Man & La Host.The book is out now and available online from Burning Shed. https://burningshed.com/andrew-wild_a-playground-of-broken-hearts_book
Join the PM guys along with Grae Tennick, Neil McChrystal, and Mikie Kay for an in depth review of The Thieving Magpie - double live album.Chat includes the background to the album - short timescales for delivery - overdubs - artwork - track selection and the gigs featured.Fish's departure from the band is briefly covered - It will get it's own episode at some point.As its a PM review - the episode concludes with listener thoughts on this live record.
Join the PM guys along with Grae Tennick, Neil McChrystal, and Mikie Kay for a Charting the Single episode - Freaks (Live) / Kayleigh (Live).Chat covers the stories around the release of this single - formats - artwork - and more.Its a great taster for the Thieving Magpie - an episode about this live album - follows REALLY soon...
Episode 5 of our sister podcast Planet Music. Hope you enjoy.The Planet Music guys are back again to cast their eyes and ears over Pink Floyd's first post Waters album "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" from 1987.Chat includes the background to the album and tour, a track by track review, the artwork and imagery surrounding this 'rebirth" of Floyd. Is it a "clever forgery" (as grumpy Roger once said) or a rough diamond?What do you think of this album? Let us know in our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/651497387797567/
The PM guys are joined by Tim Sidwell, Darren Newitt and Mike Barton, to conclude their look at the "Less is More" album and tour.Chat includes the sleeve artwork, album formats, the live tour and the "Live from Cadogan Hall" Film / Live Album. Tim gives his insight into the filming of these 2 landmark gigs.No album review on PM would be complete without a few listener comments and this album certainly stirs up some strong feelings!
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
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