Incommunicado (Live 1988)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the vibrant live track Incommunicado (Live 1988) by Marillion from their double live album The Thieving Magpie (La Gazza Ladra), and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this energetic neo-prog anthem. This song, originally from the 1987 album Clutching at Straws, captures Marillion at their peak during the Fish-era, with the live version recorded at Edinburgh Playhouse showcasing frontman Fish’s commanding stage presence. One piece of trivia about Incommunicado is its lyrical inspiration—Fish wrote it as a satirical take on the fleeting nature of fame and the chaotic lifestyle of a rock star, drawing from his own experiences in the music industry. The song’s driving rhythm and layered synths, paired with Fish’s emotive delivery, make it a standout, with the live outro described as particularly captivating by fans on platforms like ProgArchives. A post on X from user @MaxxGhe in April 2025 highlighted Incommunicado among key Fish-era hits, linking to a YouTube video and noting its enduring popularity among fans.

Another interesting story comes from fan discussions on MusicMeter.nl, where a user shared how Incommunicado was one of the first Marillion tracks that hooked them in the late 1980s. This fan recounted copying The Thieving Magpie onto a cassette, playing it until it wore out, and eventually buying the CD, which became a nostalgic soundtrack of their youth. The live version on The Thieving Magpie is often praised for sounding more dynamic than the studio cut, with drummer Ian Mosley’s performance elevating the song’s intensity, as noted in a MusicMeter thread. The album itself, released shortly after Fish’s departure in 1988, was a deliberate effort to document the band’s Fish years, and Incommunicado stands out as a fan favorite, often cited in reviews for its raw emotion and tight instrumentation.

Marillion began in Aylesbury, England, in 1979, originally named Silmarillion after J.R.R. Tolkien’s book. The band was founded by drummer Mick Pointer, bassist Doug Irvine, guitarist Steve Rothery, and keyboardist Brian Jelliman, with Fish (born Derek William Dick) joining as vocalist in 1981 after answering a music magazine ad. Fish’s poetic lyrics and theatrical stage presence, inspired by prog rock giants like Genesis and Pink Floyd, shaped Marillion’s early sound. Their debut single, Market Square Heroes, released in 1982, gained traction in the UK’s neo-progressive rock scene, and their 1983 album Script for a Jester’s Tear established them as leaders in the genre. By the time Misplaced Childhood hit number one in the UK in 1985, Marillion had refined their blend of intricate instrumentation and emotionally charged storytelling, setting the stage for tracks like Incommunicado. After Fish’s exit in 1988, Steve Hogarth took over as vocalist, and the band continued to evolve, maintaining a loyal fanbase.

Fans can connect with Marillion through their official website, where they offer updates on tours, music, and merchandise, including details on The Thieving Magpie remastered editions. Their Facebook page is active with posts about recent performances and fan interactions, while their Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes photos and concert highlights. On X, the band engages with fans, sharing news and responding to posts about classics like Incommunicado. For deeper fan engagement, the Marillion – The Web UK Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks can discuss the Fish era and beyond. Another fan hub, The Company, offers a wealth of band history, discographies, and fan-driven content, making it a go-to for those obsessed with Marillion’s legacy.