Incommunicado

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a wild ride with Marillion's "Incommunicado," a track from their 1987 album Clutching at Straws, spinning now on THE ZOO! While the album title in your request, "Fishing Behind the Wall," seems to be a mix-up, we’re diving into the real deal with Clutching at Straws. This song, a high-energy neo-prog anthem, hit number six on the UK Singles Chart, marking Marillion's third top-ten hit. Fun fact: the band wasn’t thrilled about the song initially, feeling it echoed The Who too closely, with lyrics even nodding to The Rolling Stones’ "Sympathy for the Devil." But when producer Chris Kimsey heard a rough jam session, he saw its potential, and it became the lead single. Fish, the band’s former frontman, wrote lyrics reflecting the alienation of fame, drawing from his own experiences on the road. The music video, shot outside the iconic Marquee club, was a hit, though the band later cringed at the album cover, shot at Colchester’s Baker’s Arms, meant to depict a celestial bar filled with boozy legends but falling flat with a cheesy vibe.

Another tidbit for the Zoo Crew: "Incommunicado" was born from the band’s grueling tour life, with Fish penning lyrics about the chaos of celebrity and excess. One night, after a pub session, the band played a rough version for Kimsey and Hugh Stanley Clarke, who pushed for it despite the band’s doubts. The song’s B-side, "Going Under," offers a stark contrast—a slow, introspective track that later appeared as a bonus on the album’s CD version. Fans loved the single’s extended 12-inch version, which included extra sound effects and a slightly longer cut. Fish once shared in an interview that the song’s energy captured the band’s live wire spirit, though the relentless touring it described contributed to his eventual exit in 1988. The track also inspired keyboardist Adam Wakeman, who cited Mark Kelly’s solo as a key influence.

Marillion kicked off in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, in 1979, originally named Silmarillion after J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel. The early lineup solidified by 1982 with Fish (Derek William Dick) on vocals, Steve Rothery on guitar, Pete Trewavas on bass, Mark Kelly on keyboards, and Mick Pointer on drums. Fish, a towering Scottish frontman, brought theatrical flair, often compared to Peter Gabriel for his face paint and dramatic stage presence. The band’s neo-prog sound, blending punk’s edge with progressive rock’s grandeur, stood out in the post-punk era. They built a cult following through relentless gigging and clever press manipulation, with Fish hyping their “prog with attitude” ethos. Their debut single, "Market Square Heroes," dropped in 1982, followed by Script for a Jester’s Tear in 1983, which cracked the UK Top 10. After replacing Pointer with Ian Mosley, Marillion hit their stride with Misplaced Childhood, a 1985 chart-topping concept album spawning hits like "Kayleigh" and "Lavender."

Fish’s literary influences—Jack Kerouac, Dylan Thomas, and Joni Mitchell—shaped Marillion’s poetic lyrics, while their music drew from Genesis, Pink Floyd, and Yes. Fish joined in 1981 after answering a music press ad, his commanding voice and stage charisma defining the band’s early years. By 1987, Clutching at Straws explored darker themes of addiction and fame, reflecting Fish’s struggles, which led to his departure for a solo career. Steve Hogarth took over in 1989, steering Marillion into new territory while maintaining their fanbase. The band pioneered crowdfunding, with fans funding tours and albums like Anoraknophobia and Marbles, cementing their independence from major labels.

Connect with Marillion on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can also check out Fish’s official site for his solo work and tour updates. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the tribe, dive into fan communities like The Web UK - Marillion Fan Club on Facebook or visit The Web UK for exclusive content and membership details. These hubs keep the Marillion spirit alive, perfect for any hippie DJ or Zoo Freak vibing to "Incommunicado"!