Date posted:
11/05/2003

Correspondent:
John Swan

Jedburgh jumps as Fish leaps

Sheepishly toying with the wing curtain, the legendary Fish made his first appearance in the Borders for over 20 years as part of his Scottish tour.

Although the comical entrance brought laughter and cheers from the “Fishheads” in the audience there was nothing sheepish or comical about his on stage performance as he prowled the diminutive stage like an encaged lion desperate to be released from his shackles. The power of his music reverberating with such force rocked the foundations of the small venue with immense energy.

The 45-year-old former Selkirk goalkeeper and Bowhill estate worker, real name Derek Dick, brought shades of the old Marillion sound coupled with the large arena experience normally associated with massive bands like Simple Minds and U2 and flooded the town hall, yet this was the unique character of Fish live.

Immersed in his undiluted passion for his music; Fish’s energetic appearance was akin to that of Joe Cocker where the music liberated the soul of the encaged lion.

Fans that travelled far and wide, appreciative of Fish and his music rejoiced to hear the second ever playing of his new song “Zoo” as well as the favourites “Kayleigh”, “Lavender” and the powerful performance of “Credo” as well as a broad spectrum of tracks from his “Fellini Days” album were certainly not disappointed after a long journey.

Fish, despite his reluctance to return to mainstream commercial music is still to be considered a potent force in the rock music industry. This was certainly Fish at his best, live and in touch with his many loyal fans. Such is the bond with his fans that during the set he dropped off the stage to dance with the audience, interacting in the party atmosphere.

After a two-hour session on stage where he exuded so much energy and to rapturous applause he took to the stage for his encore. His exit from the stage left his fans screaming for more.