March 2016 the for me unknown Marillion tribute band Mr. Punch did a performance at 't Blok in Nieuwerkerk a/d IJssel (see review). What those Italian musicians presented on a small stage in the Netherlands was pretty amazing. They perfectly brought back the time when the Scottish singer Fish fronted this progressive rock band back in the eighties. A couple of new concerts were announced in our country for 2017. With the memory of the bands early concert in my mind I had no doubts seeing them again. The Pul in Uden was for our team the perfect location to see and hear if they once again could relive the Fish years.
 

L to R: Alessandro Corvaglia, Daniele Fuligni and Marcella Arganese

Just like Marillion in the eighties, the band started their concert with a version of La Gazza Ladra coming from a tape. Marillion would most of the time follow this classical piece of music with a live rendition of Slàinte Mhath. But Mr. Punch came up with something else. First the intro of Emerald Lies, which was shortly followed by a complete version of Script For A Jester's Tears. Lead singer Alessandro Corvaglia was wearing a white shirt and a trouser with Scottish diamond patterns on it. Of course with his moves and gestures he was Derek W. Dick all over the place. Ripping out his heart and throwing it into the audience was a perfect way to end the first complete song performed. Of course a version of Punch And Judy could not been missed, after all the band was named after this tune which once was released as a single. Next was a song mentioned as a B-side of a single. For a lot of people Cinderella Search is probably an even better progressive rock tune than Assassing. The A-side of the mentioned single. Next up was the song on which female guitar player Marcella Arganese could shine all the way. Because, as most fans do know, Chelsea Monday does contain

Guglielmo Mariotti

an amazing guitar solo. Just like on the following track. After Incubus was done Marcella and bassist Guglielmo Mariotti walked towards each other and for fun put their heads together as a special kind of stage act. While this was done Guglielmo got an electric shock and went dizzy and felt on the floor backstage. This happened while the band made themselves ready to do a complete version of Marillion's 1985 concept album Misplaced Childhood. Alessandro put on his Kayleigh jacket, which was given to him by a diehard Marillion fan.

New keyboard player Daniele Fuligni played the first part of the legendary album. After Pseudo Silk kimono was done it was time for the two hit singles Kayleigh and Lavender. Whilst the whole album was performed you could tell that the crowd loved it all the way. Lots of people were singing the lyrics and memories of old days must have gone by while hearing this fabulous progressive rock music. After this concept album two more compositions could be enjoyed before the musicians left the stage. The earlier mentioned Assassing and the title track of Marillion's second album (Fugazi, 1984) were done perfectly and therefore the band could not escape from doing an encore. However only one song could be done. Roberto Leoni's snare drum was damaged too much and therefore only The Last Straw from Clutching At Straws (1987) was done and Market Square Heroes (1982) was skipped. However even without that song performed everybody had a blast and are already looking forward to the bands next tour of Marillion classics from the Fish days. This will probably be a tour focused on the earlier mentioned Clutching At Straws album.

Live rehearsals

The next day our team could visit a special arranged rehearsal at the Honig Complex in Nijmegen. The band was jamming and practicing a tune which was written on the spot. For our team the band was willing to do a couple of Marillion compositions as well. First up was the encore done one day earlier. Namely The Last Straw. It was played as strong as I had heard it one day earlier. After that a song, which was done one year earlier. Well who could ask for more after enjoying a perfect live version of Forgotten Sons. Just before leaving, the band came up with a real surprise and gave each of us a bottle of Italian wine. Of course very much appreciated and a perfect way to say ciao to our Italian friends!

Henri Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen)