Marillion: Separated Out ... Redux

Jon Collins did a wonderful job capturing the essence of a band not only from an author's perspective, but also as a keeper of the process. He discusses how the music was put together, what the tours were like and in many cases the meaning behind the lyrics. As I read this book, I found myself going back and listening to the cds with a new ear. I have no music background, so music is something that I simply like or do not like, or the lyrics tell a story I can relate to. Jon's work allows the reader (like me) to dig a little deeper and say, "I never noticed that before." I highly recommend this book for any Marillion fan, any fan of music.

I have the original edition of this book which was issued in 2002 (you can find my contribution towards the last pages of the book) and read it in almost one sit, so good it was (at least for me). When I found out about this "Redux" edition, I didn't hesitate and bought a copy immediately. I used to talk a lot with the author back on the Yahoo Messenger days (marillion_power); however, with the arrival of Gmail and the social networks, we kinda lost track, so I am happy to see that he is in good form and continues to be a Marillion fan. I can only say, thank you Jon for giving us this book to help preserve Marillion's legacy for years to come.

I didn't read the first edition of this book because I'm relatively new to the Marillion scene. This is a story of uncompromising artists and perhaps the most dedicated fan base outside of The Dead, Rush, and Dream Theater. Collins' book filled in many of the gaps that I had with respect to the band. I particularly enjoyed the quotes from fans. A few minor quibbles: Some of the English must be UK-specific. Also, I don't know why the design had a full inch at the top of each page. I would have enjoyed more photos and an index. Strange. Also, why there wasn't a bit more background on the guys pre-Marillion is a bit beyond me. Still, this is the definitive book on one of my very favorite bands. There's no other book that comes close.

The book is a must if you are Marillion fan simply because this is the only Marillion biography. The author provides a lot of facts and details, which is a pros. The cons are I personally not crazy about his style, that is kinda dry and soemtimes boring, but hey, I don't expect him being Iain M. Banks! My major complain is the chapter that suppose to tell us about Fish breaking up with Marillion is very short and lack details I expected. I read much more details about what happened and why in interviews! I understand that there were some politics involved that the author tried to not take sides, etc., but still...

Good update on the history of the band

Da tempo esaurito, il testo di Collins, unico nel suo genere in lingua inglese, è tornato con capitoli aggiuntivi che coprono i dieci anni passati dalla prima edizione. Spartano nella grafica, il libro è ricco di testimonianze e aneddoti, come si conviene per una biografia quasi ufficiale destinata ai fans dei Marillion, maestri del rock progressivo anni '80 e precursori delle nuove tendenze del rock britannico fino a oggi.

A good read although , the author should have taken a bit more time to look into the last decade of the band's history. Feels a bit rushed through. But deffo a recommendation.

Always as expected.

updated meanderings about the best band in the cosmos. The snippets presented between the pages never fail to entertain and quite possibly might help when it comes to the Marillion quiz at the conventions. For all Marillos out there this is an essential book not only for the book shelf but the coffee table too.

I had been waiting on the reissue of the book for quite a while. Was very happy to learn at the Montreal convention that the book was available. others have opined that the author gushes a little too effusively. That is a fair point, however I tend to agree with his opinion. :-) As good a book as you're ever likely to read on the Marillos, if you're interested, this is your chance!