In this episode Mark & Tallulah chat with Smick, Ian's drum tech from the mid 1980s and later the crew boss. Smick recounts how he started working in music and his first meeting with Marillion - and the cool reception from Ian.

He also describes the chaotic management style of John Arnison, including when he buried the band's takings in bin bags and forgot where he buried it.

This week Mark and Tallulah dive into the writing and recording of Holidays in Eden. They get into how much a producer can steer an album, as Marillion discovered with pop-tastic Chris Neil. They talk through Marillion’s move to Hit & Run Management and the promises that never materialised. They also get into the origins of the Racket Club. Tune in for plenty of laughs and a few exciting announcements for Patreons.

Tallulah's video that we talked about in this episode -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYaBINqTvVE

Simon's Car - the How We Live song that became Cover My Eyes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhZ2ZiwiDqg

Enter H and Sea-son's End (see what I did there?)

In this week’s episode Mark and Tallulah look at Chapter 13 - A Man for All Seasons. They explore one of the most pivotal points in Marillion’s history—when Steve Hogarth stepped in to replace Fish. Mark recalls the race to finish Season’s End before Fish released his solo album and Fish’s attempt to throw a spanner in the works with an injunction delivered poolside, their surreal debut gig as The Low-Fat Yoghurts in a village pub, and how a homemade hot air balloon nearly caused a fire.

They also discuss AI in music, with Tallulah offering an unfiltered verdict on Mark’s recent experimental track.

Also Mark reads Chapter 13 of his Autobiography

In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah chat with Marillion’s lead singer Steve Hogarth. They talk about his career before joining the band and what it was like stepping in to replace Fish. After initially not being keen to join - having decided to give up music altogether and become a milkman - H explains what eventually changed his mind.

Mark and H look back on recording their first album together, Seasons End, and how the chemistry and creative energy were there right from the start. They also discuss their very different working styles, with the band being far more laid-back than he was used to, as well as their shared passion for keyboards.

It’s a funny, honest and upbeat chat, especially after the heavier conversations in previous episodes about the band’s more difficult times.

Side note: Tallulah occasionally drops off in the episode due to poor internet connection.

Here's where we answer the questions you sent us.

This week, Mark and Talllah catch up with Producer/Engineer Nick Davis to chat about his time working with Marillion. Full of hilarious stories, Nick talks about how he blagged his way into the music industry, his first time meeting and working with Marillion, and what came after — producing albums and singles for the likes of Genesis and XTC.

It’s a funny one, with chats about everything from the mechanics of a successful homemade hot air balloon, to music-related (and not-so-music-related) injuries, and touches on a key period when the band transitioned from Fish to h.

This is the audio version which includes Mark reading Chapter 11 of his autobiography.

In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah work through a turbulent chapter as the band edges toward breaking point. Steve is driving most of the ideas for the next album while Mark struggles with writer’s block. Behind the scenes, the crew is kept on payroll without work, John pushes EMI for more money, and drugs and late nights creep back into the picture.

They discuss the growing divide as Fish drifts further from the band. As well as stories of injuries, excess, and surreal moments — from a dislocated shoulder and an ill-advised birthday stripper to gigs in Poland, a lightning strike in Italy, and meeting Prince Edward with Iron Maiden’s Nicko. Amid missed family time, mounting debts, and choices that would ultimately bring a big change to Marillion.

In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah work through a turbulent chapter as the band edges toward breaking point. Steve is driving most of the ideas for the next album while Mark struggles with writer’s block. Behind the scenes, the crew is kept on payroll without work, John pushes EMI for more money, and drugs and late nights creep back into the picture.

They discuss the growing divide as Fish drifts further from the band. As well as stories of injuries, excess, and surreal moments — from a dislocated shoulder and an ill-advised birthday stripper to gigs in Poland, a lightning strike in Italy, and meeting Prince Edward with Iron Maiden’s Nicko. Amid missed family time, mounting debts, and choices that would ultimately bring a big change to Marillion.