This Friday, The Underworld in Camden will host Mr Punch, the best Fish-era Marillion tribute band there is. This has been an annual pilgrimage for the MetalTalk team in recent years to experience the band focus on an album per tour, with other greatest hits thrown in.
“This year we’ve decided to take the opportunity of ‘freedom’ from official anniversaries,” Marco Vincini told MetalTalk, “and we’re building a dynamic setlist. The show covers all the Fish-Era with tracks we haven’t played in quite a long time.”
The addition of keyboard player Licia Missori, who made her London debut with Mr Punch last year, has added a fine sprinkle of Marillin magic to the lineup. When the band covered Misplaced Childhood last year, she filled stage left with grace, style and big smiles.
Drummer Marco Fabbri will be there once again, resplendent in his kilt, as you expect, with Luca Cristofaro and his bass underpinning the Pete Trewavas bass parts.
I have written before how Fish is not only an unbelievable lyricist, but his delivery is unique. One of the key successes of Mr Punch is Marco’s phrasing. It is this attention to detail that makes these evenings special.
Of course, with guitarist Marcella Arganese, you have the icing on the cake as she delivers the Steve Rothery guitar parts wonderfully.
Mr Punch play The International on 18 April and The 1865 in Southampton on 19 April as part of the annual UK trip. If you have not seen them before, below is some footage from last year’s show at Poppodium Boerderij in Zoetermeer.
If you are a fan of Fish-era Marillion, then this is a must-see. You will hear Grendel, and you will love it.
“We can’t wait to be back in Camden Town,” Marco Vincini said. “It is one of the most joyful events of the year, every year.”
Tickets are available from mrpunch.net.
