In early September Steven Rothery braved convoys curb crawling West German Autobahns to arrive in Köln with his band and some guests for a couple of very memorable gigs...

> by Chris Jones > photos by Bodo Kubatzki

Possibly on the basis that I went them once more. I really wanted to my wedding listening to Fugazi, to see Ghosts performed again, my lovely and long suffering since I last saw SRB in Manchester wife, Kerry, does not totally just after the release and share my affection for all that knew it would be even more is the family. So it was polished now. Having been at with a little nervous trepidation, Port Zélande in March, I was that I took her via trains, planes also looking forward to seeing and automobiles, from rural Riccardo Romano and Jennifer Normandy, via Paris, Dusseldorf, Rothery perform B612. Mrs. Jones and eventually Cologne, to meet did not share this enthusiasm, up with my best mate, Dan and but was sold on the billed playing son, Joe for the Steven Rothery of and Band weekend at Die Kantine. , especially as we had seen Martin Jakubski I was keen to go for a number of and Stillmarillion perform in a reasons. Firstly, we occasionally little pub, in the snow, in Bolton like a road trip to a city we have with about two hundred other never been to. Last time we saw sardines, and we knew how well Marillion together, it was at Burg he and the band work together. Wertheim, near Wurtzburg, and we loved the German audience, Die Kantine is a great venue, a bit so were glad to meet up with like a small ,> xx > The Web UK Magazine > Autumn/Winter 2019 Autumn/Winter 2019 < The Web UK Magazine < xx which is my favourite venue for Misplaced Childhood was Irene Schillaci. The band were a Marillion December show. Die awesome, with great in all sections, just right for Kantine, easy to get to, is well having the professionalism to stop the material they so obviously serviced with bar and Bratwurst it before Lavender due to a sound enjoy sharing. For me, it was stall. We arrived on Friday to a malfunction, then pick up right simply magnificent and whilst packed and hot hall, to listen to where they left off. The whole off-stage, Riccardo is quiet and The Dave Foster Band. set, followed by Cinderella Search, almost reserved, on stage he is Waiting to Happen, Freaks and a dramatic performer whether They were polished, enthusiastic, Fugazi, was simply amazing. Tight, in role, as in B612, or simply as a and well received, playing about moving, emotional, brilliantly member of Steven’s band. forty minutes of their current played, it was hugely well received catalogue. Led by Dave’s guitar by a vocal and enthusiastic crowd The Steve Rothery Band then and Dinet Poortman’s strong who sang, cried, yelled, clapped took the stage for night two and voice, they started the weekend and gesticulated, just as at any treated us to the remainder of off with a great set whilst also Marillion gig. the Ghosts album, moving on to introducing us to band members Clutching At Straws, again with playing as part of the other groups Martin singing. If anything, this on during the weekend. was better than the previous night. So much passion from all Steve and his band then took performers, and the crowd! stage and led with tracks from Highlights were That Time of the The Ghosts of Pripyat. Someone If anything, this Night, Incommunicado, during said back in Manchester, “Well, which the crowd simply went I suppose we’ll find out if you was better than the wild, the emotional and reflective can listen to too much of Steve Sugar Mice, during which Steve’s Rothery”. The answer is still a previous night. So guitar solo rendered me a resounding, No! The Old Man of total wreck, and The Last Straw, the Sea was a special highlight much passion from all which saw an amazing vocal for me, representing the best performance from Martin. of an eyes closed, meditative the performers and experience, which getting lost After a short breather, we were in the music of this album the crowd! then treated to Tux On which I always gifts me with. There are haven’t heard live, for over twenty quiet reflective sections, subtly years, then Three Boats Down communicated and rocky raucous From The Candy and the ever elements, rocked out with obvious requested Grendel, which were enjoyment by the whole band. great but for me, have not really Night two continued in the same stood the test of time as has some Dave Foster grinned all through vein. It began with Jennifer of the other early material, such the weekend, Steve smiled and Rothery singing her SYLF material, as the fantastic and rip roaring laughed, Riccardo shook so much which she did beautifully, and with finale of Garden Party and Market I thought his keyboards would fall more composure and confidence Square Heroes. off stage! Then onto the Marillion than at Port Zélande. This led into set, when the band was joined by Riccardo Romano’s Little Prince Altogether, an amazing weekend the very talented Martin Jakubski. B612 set. The book is a beautiful of fantastic music, a joy to share I love Martin. Vocally he is strong, story, as is the animated film, but with fans from all over Europe really strong, and you can tell the Riccardo’s interpretation of it is who had made their way to music has been part of his own simply sublime. Germany, and musicians who all life, as it has with many fans in obviously enjoyed their craft, and the family. He is so well respected They began with the very lovely their performance. For anyone by his band colleagues and loved Invisible To The Eyes with its who likes the old and the new by the audience, yet he still looks captivating piano loop, then Marillion, who appreciates their like he can’t quite believe he is up moved into the rocky Compass support of other musicians and there performing with Steve and Rose, through quieter moments their work, and wants to share the guys. from Jennifer, the almost creepy this with like-minded enthusiasts, Lamplighter, the rocking King the Steve Rothery Band weekend My hopes for the weekend were sung by Martin, to the finale was truly a life affirming easily fulfilled on that first night. of Sandcastles, during which experience. Mrs. Jones loved it. ● members of the audience surprised the band by waving ‘Little Prince’ yellow scarves, and roses, organised by the lovely

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