Since March 2016 the Dutch progressive rock audience is no longer a stranger to the Marillion tribute band Mr. Punch. Their first performance on a stage in the Netherlands was at 't Blok in Nieuwerkerk aan de IJssel (see review). This was the start of an impressive list of tribute shows. During those shows they brought us back to the Fish era of Marillion, complete with make-up and theatrics as the original band used to do.
Everyone who adores the neo progressive rock of the 80s could relive the fantastic music the band released on their first four albums. Therefore it wasn't that strange that (now for the fourth time already) the band climbed the stage again at the same cosy venue where they started their successful tribute shows. Again they entertained all the 'freaks' out there in the best possible way.
As always they gave their concert tour a special name. For this occasion they named their show "...a Flower? for a Jester" to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Marillion's debut album Script For A Jester's Tear. But this time around they had included some special musical surprises as well.
Anybody who is familiar with the music of Genesis from the seventies knows what to expect when they come up with a title such as "...a Flower? for a Jester". Indeed progressive rock from one of the bands that ruled during the progressive rock waves of the 70s. Therefore it came as no surprise that songs from that era were included on the setlist. Also it is probably not so strange that a Marillion tribute band performs the music from this band. After all Marillion copied in many ways the musical style and theatrics of this band at the start of their career. They relived the magical years of Genesis so to speak. Complete with make-up and costumes as well.
As usual the band split the songs performed over two sets.
The first set started with the songs that gave Marillion their first hit records during the Fish period. Namely the three compositions taken from their successful Misplaced Childhood album; Kayleigh, Lavender and Heart Of Lothian.
During those songs it was also for the first time that the Dutch audience could welcome the latest addition to the band. Well I guess the name of Marco Fabbri hardly needs any introductions. For many years he was together with Mr. Punch bassist Guglielmo Mariotti the rhythm section of The Watch. Wearing a Scottish kilt while playing the drums is well known to many progheads as well. It was probably only a matter of time before he would join the band and replace original Mr. Punch drummer Roberto Leoni. He has been friends with some of the other band members for many years already. It has to be said that he succeeded very well doing the early Marillion stuff. Bringing a little bit more groove to the songs that's for sure.
Of course the crowd was desperately waiting to hear the song taken from the anniversary album. However before that was going to happen they first enjoyed two other great songs. It is always nice to hear them doing one of the famous Marilion B-side tracks. The first song Cinderella Search is a fantastic composition which is too good to be on the flip side of a single. Therefore I am always glad when it is on the setlist. The other song Sugar Mice was introduced as one of the heaviest songs Marillion ever recorded. It got a rather fast introduction when they started the song.
Of course it was a joke because as we all know it is a ballad that does not really feature heavy guitar parts. However we must not forget to mention the excellent guitar solo done by Marcella Arganese. (more)
Henri Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen)