Planet Marzipan – A Marillion and Fish Podcast

Join the PM team as they meet film producer Dave Barras.

Dave is known for his work with Fish including the documentaries on all Fish's deluxe editions, since Feast of Consequences, the Vigils End live show and the feature film "Electric Man". He also produced the documentary for Marillion's "Clutching at Straws" deluxe edition - "The Last Straw".

Chat includes how he first became involved with Fish as well as Dave's work with the Scottish Youth Film Foundation.

Electric Man has been reissued as a Blu-ray (contains both 2 and 3D versions) and is available via these links

Electric Man 3D Blu-ray: PLATINUM LIMITED EDITION (gumroad.com)

Electric Man 3D Blu-ray: Standard Edition (gumroad.com)

Electric Man 3D - Digital Download (gumroad.com)

For more information on the Scottish Youth Film Foundation visit

Scottish Youth Film Foundation (syff.scot)

It's Planet Marzipans first birthday! :-)

To celebrate they've got some friends around to discuss Fish's Yin & Yang compilations from 1995.

This extended episode with Mikie Kay & Grae Tennick along with Craig & Mezza, includes a track by track review, cover and packaging discussion as well as tour memories.

Want to know which track has a "Beefy Creepiness"? Listen on.....

Join the PM team as they meet Andy Rotherham, whose long history as a Marillo fan includes, over 20 years as a member of the Web UK team, being the catalyst for of Marillion weekends, curating the Marillion Museum at Marillion weekends and, in more recent times, becoming the bands Luthier.

This lively chat also includes the excitement of being a fan working in Germany at the height of the bands popularity during the Fish years, Andy's work with the Aylesbury food bank and as an Autism trainer.

Join Mezza & Craig, along with Mikie Kay, James Levey and Grae (not Grace!) Tennick as they conclude their in depth look at the Afraid of Sunlight album.

Part 2 discussion includes, the sleeve artwork, the Warners reissue boxsets, the making of, the AOS tour and the welcome return of the "Just for the Record" slot!

Add in some listener comments from our Planet Marzipan Facebook group and you've got another slice of Planet Marzipan gold!

Joining Craig & Mezza to discuss the mighty Afraid of Sunlight album are Mikie Kay, Grae Tennick and James Levey. There is a lot of love for the final album of the original EMI contracts and that is reflected in the conversation here.

Chat includes the origins of the Racket Club, the dilemma of following up the "Brave" album and EMI losing faith with the band. This crucial period for Marillion, sees the seeds of the current set up for the band being sown, H's lyrics taking on a more personal angle, Rothers moving away from his trademark sound, the spilt from John Arnison and leaving EMI.

Look out for Part 2 next week.

Mezza & Craig meet Sharon & Martin aka Candacraig to discuss their love for Marillion and their upcoming special gigs as a 5 piece band featuring a retelling of Marillion's Brave album.

Chat also includes the history of Candacraig, their 2 albums, the origins of their name and lots more besides, all with the usual PM level of irreverence !

For more details on Candacraig visit https://candacraig.net

For tickets for their gigs visit https://candacraig.net/tour-dates/

For this Fish Shop update, join Craig & Mezza along with Mikie Kay and Grae Tennick as they take a look at the gorgeous new versions of Fish's first 2 albums, Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors and Internal Exile.

Talk includes all 3 formats, the double vinyl, 3cd and 5cd boxes, the remixes, track listings, the documentaries, the surround mixes, the streaming versions and lots more.....

Join Mezza & Craig as they chat to Mark Kennedy about his role in the Racket team, the origins of his fandom, his wedding at Port Zelande, Marillo merchandise designs - the good, bad and ugly, and lots more besides.

This mini Cakey Boys reunion is a lively hour of chat, informative and irreverent, just as you would expect!

Mezza and Craig are joined by Nathan Page & James Levey to take an affectionate look at Pete T's side hustle, Transatlantic.

In a lively hour, chat includes, the origins of the band, a full discography review, gig memories, live album reviews and much more besides. All of this features in an episode that is shorter than "The Whirlwind" album! :-) Not surprisingly this is a Craigopedia free episode!

(Apologies for Craigs audio in this episode - He was wrestling with a new laptop and sounds like Metal Mickey once or twice in this episode!).

Mezza & Craig are joined by Lucy Jordache and Mikie Kay to discuss the 3rd single from "Misplaced Childhood", "Heart of Lothian".

Chat includes release information, chart performance, cover art, the promo video, b-side, lyrics and memories of the time.

Mezza & Craig get together with Lucy Jordache and Mikie Kay to discuss the single "Lavender" from the "Misplaced Childhood" album.

Chat includes release information, formats, B-sides, TV performances, the promo video, sleeve and a very unique rendition of the lyrics... :-)

For the latest episode in the "Charting the Single" mini-pod series, join Craig & Mezza as they discuss Marillions biggest single release, so far, with Lucy Jordache and Mikey Kay.

Chat includes release information, memories of TV performances, formats, b-sides, lyrics and the legacy of this iconic single from the 80's.

For their 50th episode, join Mezza & Craig along with Mark Owens as they chat with Steve Rothery.

Talk includes Marillion's legacy, Steves approach to writing music (then and now), the six (!) upcoming albums he is currently working on, his home studio, Fish's farewell tour, the Steve Rothery Band gigs and lots more besides.

Email us at [email protected]

Mezza & Craig are joined by Georgina Wistow, Fraser Marshall & James Levey to discuss the Anorak tour, The Remixomatosis album, the Anorak in the UK Live album and much more besides.

This completes our 3 episode dive into this exciting time in Marillion history.

Email us at [email protected]

Craig and Mezza are joined by Georgina Wistow, James Levey and pod newby, Fraser Marshall, from the Web UK team, to discuss the Anoraknophobia album.

Chat includes track by track analysis (including the origins of the tracks), the end of the Castle deal and the return to EMI, the pre-order and the return of "Just for the Record".

Listen out for Part 3, next week, covering the Anorak tour and the "Anorak in the UK" live album.

The PM team are on the road again, joined by Mark Owens, they head off to Manchester for a weekend with The Steve Rothery Band, at the Band on the Wall!

Listen in for reviews of both SRB gigs, interviews with Leon Parr, Martin Jakubski and Steve Rothery from the SRB and a chat with Mike Barton, on merch duties for the weekend.

Mezza & Craig are joined by Lucy Jordache to talk about how she came to work for Marillion and the fun and games around the lead up to the Anoraknophobia album.

Chat includes the first pre-order campaign, the UK university tour, the BOGOF single campaign, re-signing with EMI, what a communications manager actually does and lots more besides.

Later on in the chat, Ian Mosley joins the discussion to share his memories and recollections of this exciting time in the bands history.

Listen out for parts 2 & 3 covering the album, tour and Anorak in the UK live album, soon.

The PM team travel to Gateshead's Three Tuns pub to catch the Cillirion (UK based Marillion tribute) boys, live, for the first time. As it's another PM on the road episode..expect an in depth review of the the gig, along with some interesting interviews of varying audio quality! :-)

Mark, Les, Ady, John and Mike talk to the PM guys about how they became a Marillo tribute band and their love for the bands music.

The band have UK dates booked for the rest of 2024. All details are on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cillirion

Join Mezza & Craig as they chat to Mark McCormac and Claude Micallef Attard from the Marko's Marillion Museum Facebook page. Mark and Claude tell the PM boys about how the MMM team came together. Hear about the origins of this vast collection of music, memorabilia and much more!

Talk includes the origins of the boys fandom, some of the rare items in the collection and an exclusive audio clip of the Stone Dome Band (including Fish & Diz Minnitt) from 1980.

Craig & Mezza are joined by James Levey & Dave Dobbie to discuss the final album of the deal with Castle Communications, Marillion.com! Chat includes the origins of the album, the trials of mixing the album, a track by track review of the album and talk of the Marillion.com tour.

Also hear Craigs story of Ron Smallwood - guaranteed to make you smile!

The PM team meet Georgina Wistow - aka the Port Zelande Merch Queen and author of the Ian Mosley book "Do I Owe you Money?". In a lively chat listen in as George tells us about how Marillion have made a huge impact on her life, meeting her best friend, Marillion Manager, Lucy Jordache, how she came to work for Marillion and her double life ! :-)

George also tells us which merch ideas worked and which were, erm, less than succesful ! Is your favourite item in the list?

Does she give away any of Lucy's secrets? Listen in to find out!

Join Mezza & Craig as they chat to Andrew Wild about his new book focussing on the early 80s wave of prog rock and centering around the Marquee club in London - "A Mirror of Dreams - The Progressive Rock Revival 1981 - 1983".

Gregory Spawton from Kingmaker Publishing (and Big Big Train) is also on hand to give some first hand tales of the time as well as the story behind the genesis of the book.

As well as lots of stories from the time the book features some wonderful photos (many previously unseen) of the origins of Marillion, Pallas, I.Q. , Twelfth Night, Solstice & Pendragon.

The book is available to order at Burning Shed https://burningshed.com/andrew-wild_a-mirror-of-dreams_book

Neil Cockles band, referred to in this episode, is The Mighty Bard. https://themightybard.bandcamp.com

Join Mezza, Andrew Barnsley Wood, Mark Owens, Vicky Dudman & Nathan Page as they tell Craig all about the weekend he missed, watching StillMarillion play 2 gigs in one day at the Y Theatre - One h era, and one Fish era. Barnsley & Vicky also caught Splintering Heart live the night before at the Musician, in Leicester.

The first 30 minutes include soundcheck and interviews with Mark Mitchell and Martin Jakubski from StillMarillion. From 30 minutes in a roundtable discussion of the weekend and the setlists of all 3 gigs are reviewed.

Email us at [email protected]

Photo credits - Gary Kirrage, Tracy Kirrage, Mike Barton, Chris Hobbs, Andrew Latham and Robert Stuart-Jack.

Join Craig & Mezza as they chat to the Web UK's Anne Bond. Chat includes Annes stories about first hearing the band, meeting her husband to be through a Marillion link, Web UK tales and how she ended up on a Marillion CD!

Join The Web UK via this link https://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/webuk.htm

Mezza & Craig are joined by James Levey, Mike Barton, Tim Sidwell & Nathan Page to look at the live side of the Somewhere Else album. Talk includes the SE tour, gig memories and Tims recollections on filming the fantastic "Somewhere in London" shows.

The PM team are joined by James Levey, Mike Barton, Tim Sidwell & Nathan Page to take an in depth look at the Somewhere Else album. Talk includes, the genesis of the album, the proposed E.P. follow up to Marbles, track by track analysis and much more.

Look out for part 2 next week.

Join Craig & Mezza as they chat to Ian Mosley. A very relaxed chat includes Cruise to the Edge, Ian's musician heroes, tour stories, Hackett memories, Ian's plans for the rest of this year and why he is not quite ready to run for president....yet.

Ian's wife, Lucy Jordache, joins the conversation later on for that perennial question...."are Supertramp prog?".

The PM team welcome back Gary Foalle and Edwin Ammerlaan to take an in-depth look at Fish's "Suits" album.

Hear tales of the "Toile", "Outpatients" and "Suits" tours, from the albums inception in 1992 through to the 1994 release. Along the way chat includes the split from Polydor records, the ill fated supergroup and the formation of Dick Brothers Records.

Not to mention a track by track review and the return of "Just for the Record"!

Do you remember the first time?

Mezza & Craig are joined by Stephanie Bradley, Lucy Jordache and Andrew Barnsley Wood to reminisce about the first Port Zelande Marillion Weekend way back in 2007!

Chat includes: How the band decided on Port Zelande for a location, What is it like to attend a PZ weekend? and Can Barnsley actually remember the weekend?

The "Friends", "Family" & "This Strange Engine - Live at Port Zelande" live albums are also discussed in depth. As well as support bands & other events that weekend.

Please visit our Facebook group Planet Marzipan - A Marillion & Fish Podcast at https://www.facebook.com/groups/238339422155058

to let us know your favourite convention setlist.

Mezza & Craig are joined by Stephen Wicks, Tim Sidwell & Graham Tennick for a Mini-Pod discussing the second single from the Fugazi album, Assassing.

Chat includes tales of TV appearances, chart performance, sleeve design, track by track analysis and much more.

If you would like to join us for a future episode of "Charting the Single" email us at [email protected] and let us know what your first Marillion or Fish single was.

Mezza & Craig are joined by Stephen Wicks, Tim Sidwell and Graham Tennick for a "Charting the Single" mini pod looking at the first single from the Fugazi album, "Punch & Judy".

A lively chat includes memories of picking up the single, track listings, picture discs, videos, TV appearances and much more besides.

If you would be interested in joining us for a future "Charting the Single" - please email us at [email protected] - and let us know what your first Marillion or Fish single was.

Join Craig & Mezza as they chat to the lead singer of both StillMarillion and the Steve Rothery Band, Martin Jakubski!

Martin talks about the origins of StillMarillion and how he became the singer in the Rothery band. Martin also discusses his love of all eras of Marillion and Fish's solo catalogue.

Mezza and Craig are joined by Graham Tennick and Mike Barton to put Fish's "Raingods with Zippos" album under the spotlight. A lively hour of chat covers the tour dates, live releases, a track by track review of the album and much more besides.

Where does this album rank in Fish's catalogue for you? Email us at [email protected]

Join Craig & Mezza as they chat with Stephanie Bradley, the bands Convention Co-ordinator, Merch Queen and problem solver!

Stephanie talks about how she first began working for the band, the complexities of convention planning, tales from the tour bus and lots more.

Hear about Stephanies love of steam trains shared with her friend Martin Orford (Former keyboard player for IQ) - for further info take a look at this blog:

ttps://www.railwayblogger.com/steam-locomotive-80150/?fbclid=IwAR2Fq-2t2KZtYPymkdQrxT-YkfBljc9EzW2gKWJguCE90exJ74JZo9KUZk0

And to help out restore the engine they have a just giving campaign:

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/watercressline-80150?share=eyJvZ0Rlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiSGVscCB1cyByZXN0b3JlIEJSIFN0YW5kYXJkIGNsYXNzIDQgVGFuayAtIDgwMTUwIC0gSnVzdEdpdmluZyJ9&fbclid=IwAR3G8TT-5uqRHMIwBHXaHV1nD1Em1pt4BFs_iaKZEmdjX5oRW6m-IeH-hBM

Join Mezza & Craig as they chat to the band's archivist, James Levey.

Chat includes how James first got access to the bands vault of writing demos and live recordings. James also gives an insight into how the "making of" albums are assembled as well as the selection of the bonus material for the remix/reissues.

James also teases us with his list of the best Marillion songs you've never heard! :-)

Craig & Mezza are joined by Felicity Pryke to talk about more fan reaction to the Brave album. Hear why it's a very special album to Felicity. Chat also includes some listener emails and comments. How would Brave be if it was limited to a single LP?

Join Mezza & Craig as they discuss the Brave album. Joining the PM team again are Gary Foalle, Scott Evans & Gary Page. Talk includes the music, the live recordings, the Steven Wilson remix, the 5.1 mix and the vinyl versions.

Look out for a special bonus episode later this week with fan feedback about this landmark album.

Mezza & Craig are joined by Scott Evans, Gary Page & Gary Foalle to discuss events leading up to the Brave album. Talk includes EMI records, Dave Meegan, Mike Hunter and the origins of the concept of Brave. Recording sessions at Chateau de Marouatte and Liverpool's Parr Street studios are also covered.

Look out for part 2 in our next episode.

In the latest "Planet Marzipan meets..." Mezza & Craig chat to the man who makes the band look great - video producer and director, Tim Sidwell. Tim has been filming Marillion since 2004. His work has expanded to include all the promos and making of films, alongside the majority of the documentaries on the warners deluxe versions.

Tim talks about his escapades filming our heroes and other bands too, including Steps!

Update - The Stockholm h Natural show that Tim mentions in this episode was released as the bonus DVD with Friends, Romans. Thanks to Mark Kennedy for putting us straight on that! :-)

Mezza & Craig chat with Steve H about all things h, Ice Cream Genius, The H Band, Live Spirit/Live Body, Marillion, Trevor Horn, Friends Romans, The Corona Diaries and much more besides!

In an action packed hour hear Steve talk about "The Unseen Hand" and possible plans for the next Marillion release!

Thanks to Steve Hogarth for his time and generosity.

Please let us know your thoughts about this or any of our episodes via email at [email protected].

Craig & Mezza are joined by Stephanie Bradley, from the Marillion team, and Mike Barton for the third in the "Charting the Single" series of mini-pods.

Across this series the PM team take a look at the Marillion and Fish singles in detail, in chronological order.

In this episode the team look at Marillion's third single, the great cucumber massacre AKA 'Garden Party'.

Please email your thoughts or comments to [email protected]

Craig & Mezza are joined by Stephanie Bradley, from the Marillion team, and Mike Barton, for the second in the "Charting the Single" series of mini-pods.

Across this series the PM team take a look at the Marillion and Fish singles, in detail, in chronological order.

In this episode the team take a look at Marillion's second single 'He Knows You Know'.

Email your thoughts or comments to [email protected]

Craig & Mezza are joined by Stephanie Bradley, from the Marillion team, and Mike Barton, for the first in the "Charting the Single" series of mini-pods.

Across this series the PM team take a look at the Marillion and Fish singles in detail, in chronological order.

This episode the team look at where it all began, with Marillion's first release, the 'Market Square Heroes' EP.

Email us at [email protected]

Mezza & Craig are joined by Mikie, Dave & Mark K to review the Seasons End album and tour. Chat includes gig memories, the contentious 2023 "remix" of the album sleeve and much more besides.

Please email your thoughts on any or all of this to [email protected]

Join Craig & Mezza as they welcome the rest of the Cakeyboys, Mark Kennedy, Mikie Kay and Dave Dobbie, to talk about the road to the Seasons End album.

Chat includes the spilt with Fish, the audition process for a new singer and the arrival of the "New Boy", Steve Hogarth.

Part 2 follows next week!

Email us at [email protected]

Mezza & Craig are joined by Gary, Barnsley, Mike & Mark to complete their review of 2023. July - December includes talk of more solo gigs, Fish's 13th Star remix deluxe edition, A tour before it's Christmas, AHBID live from PZ Blu-ray and the Web Christmas 2023 CD.

What an action packed year! :-)

2023? What a year to be a Marillion and Fish fan! Mezza & Craig have gathered a few friends around to discuss a whole year of Fishy & Marillo music & events. Lucy Jordache, Gary Page, Mike Barton, Andrew "Barnsley" Wood & Mark Kennedy join the PM team to chat about the year just ending.

Listen out for part 2 next week.

Contact us at [email protected]

Join Craig, Mezza and Mark Kennedy for a festive look at both the Web Christmas 2023 and the Extended Collection of Recycled Gifts CDs.

This track by track review includes the origins of the songs and much more besides. So pour a glass of your favourite tipple and dive on in....

Craig & Mezza are joined by Edwin Ammerlaan to discuss his new book " The Marillion & Fish Files - 30 Uncut and Uncensored Interviews". Talk covers Edwin's career in music journalism and his long history with Marillion and Fish. The book is a treasure trove of information, including previously unseen stories and information.

You can order Edwins book from Amazon or BOL.com.

Please email us at [email protected]

Mezza & Craig take a look (and listen) at the latest release from the band, An Hour Before It's Dark - Live in Port Zelande 2023 - on BluRay, CD and DVD. Talk includes memories of the 2023 PZ weekend and we compare the new release to the mighty All One Tonight BluRay - But which is best? There is only one way to find out..... :-)

This release is currently (as of December 2023) exclusively available at Marillion.com/shop

Please email your thoughts to [email protected]

Here is a bonus episode, recorded on our "Lost Weekend" in Wolverhampton and London in November 2023. Craig and Mezza are joined by lots of fellow fans to give you a flavour of what it's like to catch the band at peak of it's powers.

Mark Owens and David Ibbott join the pod in Wolverhampton. Andrew "Barnsley" Wood is our roving reporter in the pub in Camden, London.

Chat includes thoughts on both UK gigs and captures the excitement of the weekend.

Please email us at [email protected]

Craig and Mezza welcome legendary illustrator Mark Wilkinson for the second "Planet Marzipan Meets” episode.

Talk includes Mark’s work with Marillion, Fish, Iron Maiden and Kylie! From the iconic Market Square Heroes sleeve right up to Mark’s current projects - covering as much of a life’s work as possible in around an hour!

Check out his website at www.mark-wilkinson.co.uk

Please email us at [email protected]

Mezza & Craig discuss the final Fish studio album, Weltschmerz. From the first ideas of this wonderful final instalment through to the completed double album, talk includes, the deluxe set, the tours and in "Just for the Record", the vinyl version.

Is this really the last album from the big man? Does he go out on a high note? All is revealed!

Please email us at [email protected]

Craig & Mezza are joined by Mark Kennedy from Marillion's Racket team, to discuss the bands 10th album, Radiation. This album heralded a real change in the sound of the band. Talk includes memories from the tour, including the album launch gig at Londons Jazz Cafe.

There is a bonus audio treat at the end of the episode!

Email us at [email protected]

This week the PM team are joined by fellow fan, Scott, to look at all things Fugazi! Talk includes the revolving drum stool, gigs, rumours and truths from 1984 and the "difficult second album"!

Also included ...the results of the first Planet Marzipan poll...and much more!

Please email us at [email protected]

We are pleased to welcome Lucy Jordache, Marillion's manager, for the first of our "Planet Marzipan meets.." episodes. Join us for a lively chat about all things Marillion including some exclusive scoops. Later on we are joined by Lucy's husband, Ian Mosley!

Spotify listeners - don't forget to answer our poll question for this episode - "Are Supertramp prog?"

Please email us at [email protected]

Join Craig & Mezza as they discuss the EMI 10th anniversary compilation - Including the singles, "Sympathy" and the re-release of "No One Can". Gig talk includes the 10th anniversary Web show at the Borderline in London, live releases from the 1992 tour and much more.

Make sure you listen right to the end of the episode for an added bonus surprise.

Email us with your memories of this era and your views on the podcast at [email protected]

Join Craig & Mezza as they examine Fish's third solo album, Songs From the Mirror. Listen in as they discuss the cover versions album, originally released by Polydor, back in 1993. The chat includes memories of a busy touring year for Fish, the live album Sushi, the E.P. Never Mind the Bullocks and the later re-issues released via Roadrunner and Chocolate Frog.

The Chocolate Frog remastered album is still currently available from fishmusic.eu

Email us with your comments on the pod or your views on the music at [email protected]

Your hosts Mezza and Craig are joined this week by good friend Michael 'Mikie' Kay for a visit back to 1991. We look at Steve Hogarth's second album with Marillion which is considered the 'commercial' album that divided the fans at the time, the tour, the singles, some live releases and the Warner's deluxe reissue.

Email us with your comments on the pod or your views on the music at [email protected]

Listen in as Craig & Mezza are joined by a special guest, Mark Kennedy, from Marillion's Racket Team, to share memories of the Clutching era gigs and look at the Warners box set in detail.

Email us with your comments on the pod or your views on the music at [email protected]

Join Craig & Mezza as they discuss Fish's 13th Star album. More talk and banter around memories of the Clutching at Stars tour, Hobble on the Cobbles, the 2023 Remix and the contents of the new deluxe box set. Craig also announces the winner of his award for his least favourite Fish album ! (It's NOT 13th Star BTW!).

Email us with your thoughts on the music and the podcast at [email protected]

Join us as we take a look at the mighty Misplaced Childhood - focusing on the Warners box sets - including the bonus tracks and live concert from the Misplaced tour. Mezza & Craig also discuss memories of gigs from the 84-86 era. This episode features the first sighting of our regular feature "Just for the Record"!

Email us with your thoughts or recollections from this tour at [email protected]

Where are the prophets? Where are the visionaries? Who was Interior Lulu? Have you seen the Invisible Man? All reasonable questions. Which may, or may not, get answered in the course of our podcast. This brief introduction to the world of Planet Marzipan is a taster for what's to come.

Warning - Watch out for Craig dropping the F bomb at the beginning of this episode!