Marillion - The Most Fascinating Facts Anywhere

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1. Marillion began life as Silmarillion

The band formed in Aylesbury in 1979 and took its first name from Tolkien's The Silmarillion. They shortened it to Marillion in 1981, partly to avoid problems over the book's name.

2. Fish got his name from his bathing habits

Scottish singer Derek Dick joined in 1981 and became Fish because he reportedly spent so long in the bath. He was recruited after the band placed a search for a new vocalist.

3. Grendel was a 17-minute B-side

The 12-inch version of the 1982 debut single Market Square Heroes carried Grendel, an epic of around 17 minutes inspired by the Beowulf monster. It became a fan favourite despite never being a single in its own right.

4. Kayleigh may have helped popularise a girl's name

The 1985 hit, which reached number two in the UK, was said to have been written about a former girlfriend of Fish. The name Kayleigh is widely credited with becoming far more common among British babies in the following years.

5. Misplaced Childhood was made in Berlin

The 1985 concept album was recorded at Hansa studios in West Berlin with producer Chris Kimsey. It reached number one in the UK and was designed to be heard as one continuous piece.

6. Drummers changed in the early years

Mick Pointer, the original drummer, left in 1983 and later formed Arena. Ian Mosley joined in 1984 and has been with the band ever since.

7. Steve Hogarth came from How We Live

After Fish left in 1988, the band recruited Hogarth, previously of the group How We Live. Their first album together, Season's End, appeared in 1989.

8. Fans funded a US tour in 1997

After hearing that the band could not afford to tour America, fans organised an online appeal and raised enough money to pay for the trip. It is often cited as an early example of internet fan funding.

9. Anoraknophobia was paid for by pre-orders

For the 2001 album, fans ordered copies in advance, which covered recording costs without a record label. Marillion repeated the method for later albums, including Marbles.

10. Brave was based on a real news story

The 1994 concept album was inspired by a young woman found wandering near the Severn Bridge with no memory of who she was. Director Richard Stanley later made a film of it.

11. You're Gone reached the UK top ten in 2004

The single from Marbles entered the chart at number seven after fans bought several different formats during its first week. The band used the tactic to gain wider attention without a major label.

12. Marillion Weekends are fan conventions

Since the 1990s the band has run weekend events where fans can attend multiple concerts, often with different setlists each night. Venues have included holiday parks in the Netherlands.

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