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This podcast grew out of conversations we've had over the years — about music, life, and the strange overlap between the two when you're in a band. Each episode is loosely based on a chapter from Mark’s book Marillion, Misadventures & Marathons, but we often veer off course (intentionally).
Expect a mix of behind-the-scenes stories from the world of progressive rock, reflections on what it takes to “make it,” and the realities most people never see - the industry politics, the pressure, the internal dynamics, and how it all affects relationships, identity, and creativity.
We’ll also get into:
- How the music industry is changing (and who it’s failing)
- The ethics of being an artist in a commercial world
- The chaos and camaraderie of life on tour
- Partying, drug use, and the personal costs of success
Sometimes it’s serious, sometimes it’s not — but it’s always honest. Thanks for listening and supporting.
20 Episodes
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In Conversation With Steve Hogarth In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah chat with Marillion’s lead singer Steve Hogarth. They talk about his career before joining the band and what it was like stepping in to replace Fish. After initially not being keen to join, H explains what eventually changed his mind. Support the show Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly music https://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membership Buy Mark's Autobiography - Marilli...
In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah reach a major turning point in Marillion’s history - the departure of Fish from the band. They dive into the lead-up to the split, unpack the reasons behind the split, and explore Mark’s own reflections on a time that felt like both a peak and a low point in his career. The episode is honest, raw, and of course, laced with funny anecdotes and thoughtful reflections. Support the show Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark K...
This week, Mark and Talllah catch up with Producer/Engineer Nick Davis to chat about his time working with Marillion. Full of hilarious stories, Nick talks about how he blagged his way into the music industry, his first time meeting and working with Marillion, and what came after — producing albums and singles for the likes of Genesis and XTC. It’s a funny one, with chats about everything from the mechanics of a successful homemade hot air balloon, to music-related (and not-so-music-related) ...
In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah work through a turbulent chapter as the band edges toward breaking point. Steve is driving most of the ideas for the next album while Mark struggles with writer’s block. Behind the scenes, the crew is kept on payroll without work, John pushes EMI for more money, and drugs and late nights creep back into the picture. They discuss the growing divide as Fish drifts further from the band. As well as stories of injuries, excess, and surreal moments — from ...
In this episode, Mark and Tallulah talk about the chaos of oversold venues in the manager's pursuit of profit, and surreal tour moments - from playing in Japan to the crew starting fires on planes. They delve into Marillion’s time playing with both Rush and Queen, including a bizarre party at Kensington Roof Gardens. Beyond the fun and surreal moments, Mark reflects on the harder realities: financial strain, increasing reliance on EMI, personal doubts, and the rifts that marked the begi...
In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah continue through chapter 9, exploring the writing and recording of Misplaced Childhood in Berlin. They talk about the unexpected success of “Kayleigh,” the challenges of creating a concept album despite the record company’s doubts, and the many people who helped shape Marillion’s third record. Along the way, there are the usual discussions of pranks and silly drunken moments, balanced with a genuine look at what remains a pivotal point in Marillion’s ...
In this episode Mark has a rambling conversation with Ian remembering his early days in Marillion and their time in Berlin recording Misplaced Childhood. Support the show Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly music https://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membership Buy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons at https://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htm email your questions to us at progandprogeny@gmail.com
This week, Mark and Tallulah are joined by Simon Hanhart, recording engineer on the Script for a Jester’s Tear, Fugazi and Real to Reel albums. Simon shares his memories of working with Marillion during a pivotal time in both his and their careers - covering the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From relentless studio exhaustion to gold discs and unexpected sound design tricks, this episode is a candid, nostalgic, and often hilarious look behind the scenes of Marillion's early...
In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah discuss the short but notable tenure of drummer Jonathan Mover, the circumstances around his departure, and the arrival of Ian Mosley as his replacement. They also get into a few side stories, including a fire extinguisher prank gone wrong and some slightly obsessive behavior from Producer Nick. The conversation takes a few detours, including the differences between UK and American rock, the importance of band chemistry, and even Mark’s hair care rout...
In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah reflect on the writing of Marillion’s second album in Wales, and the pressure of creating new material on a tight deadline. They talk through the challenges that came with that process, both creatively and personally. They also look back on the band’s first U.S. tour - Mark’s first time traveling abroad - including early encounters with American food, the potency of Long Island Iced Teas, and the start of drummer Andy’s fast decline. Support the show ...
In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah continue their look at the making of Marillion’s first album and the band’s growing momentum. They share stories about playing the Marquee Club under fake names - leading to an unexpected run-in with a German airline - and performing Garden Party on Top of the Pops. The conversation also touches on the difficult decision to part ways with drummer Mick and bring in Andy Ward from Camel. Finally, they discuss the often tricky subject of how money gets d...
This week Mark and Tallulah talk about managers — the good, the bad, and everything in between. They introduce John Arnison and reflect on Marillion’s first record deal with EMI, discussing what it was like to sign for the first time and the process of putting together their debut single. Mark also shares what it was like to start a family young, and how that overlapped with the early days of the band — and the pressure that came with trying to navigate both. Become a member and get some gr...
In this episode we answer some more of your questions Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly music https://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membership Buy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons at https://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htm email your questions to us at progandprogeny@gmail.com
In this episode, Mark and Tallulah cover the second half of Chapter 5, All Change. They talk through the painful process of firing former guest on the podcast and ex-Marillion member Diz Minnitt, the arrival of current bassist Pete Trewavas, and the short-lived involvement of manager David Stopps - part of what’s starting to feel like a revolving door. Pete joins them in the second half to share his early memories of the band, including his first gig - featuring Fish on acid. An unconventiona...
This week, Mark and Tallulah wade into the first half of Chapter 5, All Change. It features the band's first time playing at the Marquee Club and a few tales from the dressing room that are probably best left off the official record (but naturally, aren’t). The chapter captures that awkward in-between phase: gaining momentum, drawing crowds, but still broke enough to survive on potatoes and whatever resembled meat in the back of the fridge. Mark looks back with a mix of affection and amusemen...
This is a bonus episode with some of your questions answered by Tallulah and Mark. Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly music https://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membership Buy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons at https://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htm email your questions to us at progandprogeny@gmail.com
In this episode, Tallulah and Mark are joined by original Marillion bassist Diz Minnitt and his daughter, Alissimon. They chat about the early days of Marillion—life on the road, grafting for gigs, and travelling in their beloved (but extremely unsafe) van, Margaret. Diz and Mark reflect on Diz’s departure from the band, with Mark offering an apology for his part in it. They discuss the wider dynamics between bandmates and the tricky balance between the cutthroat nature of the music industry ...
In this episode Mark and Tallulah dive into Mark’s communist upbringing—where his grand plan to improve poor working conditions didn’t exactly spark a revolution. They also revisit his early days in music with Chemical Alice (spoiler: the chemicals were very much in attendance). Tallulah gives their music a listen and… well, let’s just say she won’t be starting a fan club anytime soon. And finally, Marillion make an appearance—supporting Chemical Alice at a gig. Next time, OG Marillion ...
This week, we dive deeper into Mark’s insatiable appetite for stealing—covering everything from identity theft to piracy (the digital kind, not the eyepatch kind). In our second blind-react segment, Tallulah gives her unfiltered reaction to a Marillion song she’s never heard before and faces off against a drunken AI. Plus, Mark shares a questionable but effective method for making your organ portable. Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly music https://w...
In our very first episode, we introduce the podcast and co-host Tallulah before diving into the first chapter of Marillion, Misadventures & Marathons. Mark reflects on his youth growing up in Ireland and Essex - complete with stories of theft, pyromania, and run-ins with the police. We also explore the latest in music news, specifically the future of AI in music. This feels particularly topical with the recent silent album protest against AI copyright laws, which has seen over 1,000...
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