Originally published by The Birmingham Mail. June 2004.

Marillion are one of the most under-rated bands of the past 20 years and they had the crowd at the almost sold out Civic Hall still with anticipation and longing.

During the first hour of the set, which revolved around the current album Marbles, they played the moody and atmospheric Invisible Man, their recent  top ten single You’re Gone and the next release Don’t Hurt Yourself.

After a short break they wowed the audience by playing selected classics from Anoraknaphobia and Season’s End, including the seminal Uninvited Guest. Singer Steve Hogarth was on top form as he and the rest of the band had a spring in their step that made them seem 15 years younger.

An incredible evening was rounded off with two encores which included Cover My Eyes.

Ian D. Hall