A review from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson.
Photography by Dod Morrison Photography: http://www.dodmorrison.com/
Unfortunately this was the first time I ever saw Fish in concert, and it is his Farewell Tour, as he heads off to the islands to retire. Indeed I was not really aware of his solo material, although grew up hearing the Marillion songs. Waiting until someone’s farewell tour to become a fan is not the best idea, but I am glad I had the opportunity to experience the wonder before it was too late.
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Unusually this event had no support act – but then everyone was there to see the main man himself and he treated his audience to a set of over two hours long! His vocals are just stunning, with a unique mix of spoken prose and ornate lyrics that leave you wondering what goes on in his head.
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Fish, or Derek as he will soon be called, was accompanied by a fabulous band consisting of: Robin Boult on guitar, Steve Vantsis on bass guitar, Mickey Simmonds on keyboards, Gavin Griffiths on drums and Elisabeth Troy Antwi on backing vocals. Combined they make some amazing sounds – at one point it sounded like a piper had joined them but it must have been Mickey’s musical magic! It is obvious from watching them all that they enjoy playing together as well, it really is a pleasure to watch.
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In between the songs Fish told us some stories, like using a new fangled toilet that morning that kept sensing there was someone there and flushing, when he just wanted a peaceful wee seat. We were also told about the time in Tiree when he was performing some new materials and his eyes met with that of a lady in the audience who obviously really got the lyrics of the song and had tears rolling down her face. It was Family Business, which is just one of the songs from last night that had people a bit emotional.
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My favourite was A Gentleman’s Excuse Me, although Plague of Ghosts, Part 4: Waving at Stars came a close second. It was totally nostalgic hearing the trio of Marillion songs towards the end: Kayleigh, Lavender and Heart of Lothian. This one means more to me as my Dad is from Edinburgh and I lived there for about 7 years between finishing university and coming back to Aberdeen where I studied. In fact I worked on the Royal Mile as referenced in the lyrics.
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One of the encores was another Marillion song which was met with great excitement although I have to admit not knowing it. When the night ends the applause is tremendous, the sold out hall is jam packed with people who know and love these songs, many of whom this is not their first concert – a few of whom it is not their last. After Aberdeen there are only two Fish concerts left, in Glasgow, and he was careful to warn us he is not like some other bands that change their minds and have a reunion. This is “Fish” completely finished with his “fishy side”, fitting then that one of the last concerts was close to Fochabers where he gained his stage name.
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After Glasgow any remaining merchandise will be destroyed with his online shop closing earlier in the week. When we bothered him at the back door for a photo and autograph he was like a giddy school boy talking about meeting someone to do with crofting inside and told us about the sheep he is going to get. If he sings as he herds them they will be very lucky sheep. I know Derek is a book lover like myself so I hope he will excuse me from ending this with a sentiment, if not the original context, which I believe many of his fans will agree with: So long, and thanks for all the fish!
Further information: https://fishmusic.scot/
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Maria Robertson is the Chief Music & Theatre Writer for the 5D Pop Culture Website and provides reviews & coverage of local Aberdeen music & theatre gigs. She’s an experienced writer for numerous sources and is a self-confessed live gig addict ever since seeing The Counting Crows at the Barrowlands in 1994.
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