Title : Marillion in Words and Pictures Author : Carol Clerk Published by : Bobcat Books London, 1985 ISBN : 0.7119.0768 Order No : OP 43512 Other : Softcover, 48 pages Approx. price: US$5.95 Exclusive distributors: Book sales Limited 8/9 Frith St. London W1V 5TZ, UK - out of print -

 

This book is mostly color and black and white photos of the band, especially Fish, in concert and just hanging out. But it also gives a good overview of the band's history from the early days through the release of Misplaced Childhood. Some of its highlights are the recipe for Grendels, an explanation of the Fish/Derek conflict, and some insights into "The Web" and Misplaced Childhood.

 

Title : The Script: An illustrated biography Author : Clive Gifford Publisher : Omnibus Press, London, 1987 ISBN : 0.7119.1113.4 Order No : OP 44304 Other : Softcover 96 pages Price : Approx. US$10.95 Exclusive distributors: Book Sale Limited 8/9 Frith St. London W1V 5TZ, UK - out of print -

 

The Script is an illustrated bio of the group by Clive Gifford. It's only 96 pages (with a lot of pictures), so it is not as extensive as "Market Square Heroes". This book was written after the release of "Misplaced Childhood," but before "Clutching at Straws." It has a complete discography of all of Marillion's singles, albums, videos, demos, bootlegs, promos, etc. with descriptions of distinctive features of the work (i.e. picture disk).

Short Marillion biography with a lot of photos and a complete discography, covering the band's history through 1986.

 

Title : Market Square Heroes: The Authorized Story of Marillion Author : Mick Wall (foreword by Fish) Publisher : Sidgwick and Jackson Limited ISBN : 0-283-99426-6 Other : 310 pages Cover art by Mark Wilkinson. Address: 1 Tavistock Chambers, Bloomsbury Way London WC1A 2SG Great Britain Date Of Publication:November, 1987 - out of print -

 

This is the official story of the rise of British progressive rock group, Marillion, as told by the band to noted rock and roll journalist, Mick Wall. It provides fans of the band with a unique behind-the-scenes view of one of the most prominent rock bands of the 1980's. Written with the band's full cooperation, Mick Wall delves into the depths of what drew three Englishmen,one Irishman and a Scot into sounding out their collective muse.

Mick Wall is currently the editor of Classic Rock magazine and has published other authorized biographies about other bands. Most notably, Iron maiden, Bon Jovi and Guns & Roses. His perspective on these bands is unique, in that he is granted access that very few people outside the band's inner circle seldom obtain. One would think he was a member of the band he writes about and many members of these band's consider him a friend and confidante.

 

Market Square Heroes: The Authorized Story of Marillion is probably the most informative of the Marillion books I've seen. It has the least amount of pictures, but those they have are of a historical nature. I'd say it is the most honest of the various books -- it's a real biography, not just a cheap attempt to raise money off of the fans. After reading the book, I felt I knew Fish, Steve Rothery, Pete, Ian, and Mark. The book is tailored for the fan however -- Mick Wall's appreciation of the band and the songs are quite in evidence. It has on the back cover that "The main reason the band and I [Fish] wanted this book to be written, was because there's never been anything published that truly got to grips with the real story of Marillion."

I'd agree. If you are looking for facts on Marillion through the release of Clutching at Straws, I'd recommend Market Square Heroes -- if you want pictures of Fish and the band, go somewhere else . . .

 

Title : Marillion. L'ère du poisson (The Season of the Fish) Author : Jacqueline Chekroun Foreword by Philippe Arnaud & Philippe Gnana Publisher : Nice (Serre) Date Of Publication: Cagnes-sur-Mer October 1994. ISBN: 2-9508781-0-5. Other : 110 pages Cover art by: Paul Puvilland Jacqueline Chekroun, 99, Vallon Des Vaux, 06800 Cagnes Sur Mer IN FRENCH

The Story of Marillion told by a big fan with photos and articles and personal views on the lyrics of each album from Script till Clutching

 

 

Titel: Marillion: Separated out. The complete history 1979-2002 Author: Jon Collins Paperback - 288 pages (14 November, 2002) Limited edition of 1,000 numbered hardcover (Via Racket Records Only) Non-numbered Hardcover also available from the publishers. Helter Skelter Publishing; ISBN: 1900924498

 

 

From Marillion’s current line-up with Steve Hogarth right back to its first players, Marillion have fashioned a career as an original, accomplished and enduring rock band.
Originally fronted by the charismatic singer Fish, with 1983’s Script for A Jester’s Tear Marillion ushered in a post-punk progressive rock renaissance. Starting with early pub gigs and regular spots at Aylesbury Friars, through the pioneering days of "Market Square Heroes", to the chart topping "Kayleigh"-era and on to the Steve Hogarth incarnation in 1989, Marillion have continued to make groundbreaking and innovative music and retain a furiously loyal and dedicated following, who have even gone so far as to directly bankroll a US tour and the making of an entire album.
Separated Out is not only the most extensively researched, comprehensive and factual history of the band since their earliest days. It also captures, as a series of anecdotes and memories, what Marillion continues to stand for in the hearts and minds of its fans and supporters: the tens of thousands of people who know, despite what others may think, that they are a part of something greater than just a band and its music