Tux On

The song Tux On by Marillion from their 1987 album Clutching at Straws is a fascinating track with layers of meaning and history. Originally released as the B-side to the single Warm Wet Circles, it was recorded during the Clutching at Straws sessions and later included on the 1999 remastered edition of the album as a bonus track. The song’s lyrics, penned by frontman Fish, explore themes of fleeting fame, addiction, and the hollow allure of success. It tells the story of a character who rises from humble beginnings—winning at bingo, buying a guitar, and achieving stardom—only to spiral into self-destruction, symbolized by the recurring image of a tuxedo. The line “You got a tux on, nothing’s changed, you got a tux on” underscores the idea that external success doesn’t alter one’s inner struggles. Fans on Reddit have praised the song’s emotional depth, with one user highlighting the “guitar solo” as a standout moment, noting its raw energy and connection to the band’s progressive rock roots.

In interviews, Fish has described Clutching at Straws as a deeply personal album, and Tux On reflects the band’s tumultuous state during its creation. The album, produced by Chris Kimsey, captured Marillion at a breaking point, with tensions between Fish and the other members—Steve Rothery (guitar), Mark Kelly (keyboards), Pete Trewavas (bass), and Ian Mosley (drums)—foreshadowing Fish’s departure in 1988. A 2017 feature on Great Music Stories included archive clips where Fish and Kelly reflected on the album’s dark tone, with Fish calling it “very honest, very open.” The song’s narrative of a character “crowding into toilets with a host of new-found friends” mirrors the hedonistic lifestyle Fish observed during the band’s intense touring schedule. The Clutching at Straws deluxe edition, released in 2018, further spotlighted Tux On by including it alongside demos and live recordings, cementing its status as a fan favorite among The Web Italy fan club members.

Marillion began in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England, in 1979, initially under the name Silmarillion, inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel. Founded by drummer Mick Pointer and bassist Doug Irvine, the band soon welcomed guitarist Steve Rothery and keyboardist Brian Jelliman. Fish (born Derek William Dick) joined as vocalist in 1981, bringing his theatrical stage presence and poetic lyrics, which defined their early sound. Their debut single, Market Square Heroes (1982), and first album, Script for a Jester’s Tear (1983), established them as leaders in the neo-progressive rock movement, drawing comparisons to Genesis but carving their own niche. Fish’s departure in 1988 marked a turning point, with Steve Hogarth taking over as vocalist in 1989, leading to a new era of commercial and critical success. Over four decades, Marillion has released 20 studio albums, with hits like Kayleigh (1985) reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.

Marillion’s official online presence includes their website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates on tours, releases, and fan events like the Marillion Weekend. Fans can also connect through The Web Italy, the official Italian fan club, and Facebook groups like the Marillion Fan Club, which boast thousands of members discussing everything from vinyl reissues to live performances. The band’s official site also links to ten international fan clubs, offering exclusive content in eight languages, fostering a global community of “Zoo Freaks” who’d vibe with Tux On’s raw emotion.