British Steel

I have been following Marillion since the mud filled trenchs that was Reading Festival in 1982/3. Back then the blend of poetry and musicianship had no equal in my eyes. 4 albums in and the lead singer Fish left the band in a waft of smoke, whisky and sugar mice.
Then along came Steve Hogarth and despite a largly skeptical fan base, swept all before him. The poetry was still there but thankfully all the anal self examination was gone. A further 10 albums later and Marillion are stronger than ever. There next album "Somewhere Else" is released next March. I for one am fair weting myself in anticipation.
Find out more at the website www.marillion.com. Free sample downloads are available from the site. You shaaaant regret it.

Stalwarts of the UK Midlands rock club scene. Magnum have beeb hugly prolific over the last 20+ tears. There classic album "On a Storytellers night" had its 20th anniversary last year and the band played some special gigis to celebrate it. they had some great Rodney Mathews covers and OASTN was the best.
The core of the band is vocalist Bob Catley and guitarist and original "cat with the hat" Tony Clarkin. Clarkin remains one of Britains most under rated guitarists and song writing talents.
They tour the UK in December and any rock fan should be there.