Fish Article

01.08.2018 Fish

Wacken Open Air XXIX

Wacken (Germany)

(Pentax K-5 with Sigma AF 70-200mm 2.8 EX DC APO HSM II)

After the quite loud sounds of An Theos there were a little bit later more quiet and contemplative sounds of the Scottish multi talent Fish to be heard. The slight higher age of the artist (at least already 60) and additionally the fact that he is on stage already since the 80ies seemed to be the reason for having also the audience a little bit more on the older side in average.
This was his first show at Wacken and he was not only singer of the band Marillion from 1981 till 1988, but also after the separation of them in 1988 quite active as a solo artist. This gig was part of his “Clutching At Straws” 30th Anniversary tour and so nearly only songs of the most successful album of Marillion were performed. Nevertheless, two of his own songs also found its way into the setlist. The whole thing was from musical style point of view more situated at the moderate rock area and the softer sounds were prevailing. Also Derek William Dick what he is called by his real name seemed to be not 100% word-perfect anymore as a songbook was standing on stage as insurance against failures.
Overall a quite coherent gig that took one wonderfully away. Also, the mood was somehow unusual for the Wacken. It was loudly sung along but otherwise the audience was simply standing still listening to the sounds of Fish. I liked it quite well and am looking forward to Nazareth getting the whole thing back to the livelier side.

Setlist:

  • The Voyeur (I Like To Watch)
  • Hotel Hobbies (Marillion)
  • Warm Wet Circles (Marillion)
  • That Time Of The Night (The Short Straw) (Marillion)
  • State Of Mind
  • Sugar Mice (Marillion)
  • White Feather (Marillion)
  • The Last Straw (Marillion)
  • Torch Song (Marillion)
  • Incommunicado (Marillion)

 

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