Fish – Farewell Tour – Albert Halls, Manchester – 21/2/2025
Reviewed By: John A Gilman
Fish (born Derek William Dick on April 25, 1958) is a Scottish singer, songwriter, and actor best known as the former lead vocalist of the neo-prog rock band Marillion. He fronted the band from 1981 to 1988, contributing to iconic albums like Script for a Jester’s Tear and Misplaced Childhood, before embarking on a successful solo career.
As a long-time admirer of the first two Marillion albums—Script for a Jester’s Tear and Fugazi—one of my biggest musical regrets was never having had the chance to see the band perform live during Fish’s tenure. So when the Scottish prog rock bard announced his farewell tour, it felt like a now-or-never opportunity to experience at least some of those legendary tracks in a live setting. However, it was far from guaranteed—Fish made it clear from the outset, stating with a wry smile, “I pick the setlist,” after jovially dismissing the inevitable cries for Grendel.
With no support act to warm up the crowd, the anticipation was palpable as the Albert Hall filled with eager fans. It was, without a doubt, the longest queue I have ever seen for this venue. By 8 pm sharp, Fish took to the stage, punctual and poised, ready to deliver what would be a night of soaring nostalgia, stunning musicianship, and heartfelt storytelling. The setting itself couldn’t have been more perfect: the gothic architecture, the imposing stained-glass windows, and the towering church organ pipes all lent an almost sacred quality to the occasion. There was an unspoken understanding in the room that this was not just another gig—it was a goodbye.
Opening with Vigil, the sweeping and evocative title track from his 1990 debut solo album Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors, Fish immediately had the crowd on their feet. Though understandably not as physically animated as he was in the ‘80s, his voice was in fine form, filled with the same passion and drama that made him such a revered frontman. Then again, most of the audience had aged alongside him, a sea of fans who had been following his career for decades.
With such an expansive back catalogue to choose from, constructing a setlist must have been a daunting task, but the selections showcased both the breadth of his solo work and the deep emotional connection he has with his audience. The first half of the show leaned heavily on his post-Marillion career, and it was a testament to the strength of those albums that it took until the tenth song before the first Marillion classic made an appearance. When Incubus finally arrived, it was as powerful and relevant as ever, the haunting lyrics resonating just as deeply now as they did when they were first penned.
The band was in top form, effortlessly navigating the intricate arrangements, their chemistry unmistakable. Fish, ever the raconteur, took every opportunity to engage with the audience, spinning anecdotes of record industry rejections and the trials and tribulations of his career with his trademark blend of wit and candor. The camaraderie between performer and fans was tangible—especially when he jokingly brandished the “cup of shame” for anyone who dared to shout for Grendel, making it abundantly clear that the fan-favorite epic wouldn’t be making an appearance.
The main set reached its crescendo with Plague of Ghosts (Pts. 1-6), an emotional tour de force that built to a stunning climax as Raingods with Zippos echoed through the hall. One by one, the band members left the stage, leaving the audience chanting “We can make it happen,” their voices lingering in the dimmed lights, unwilling to let the moment end.
Then came the encore, and this was where the emotion in the room became almost overwhelming. Scottish fans—many of whom had been following the tour across the country—stood proudly as Fish delivered a heartfelt rendition of A Gentleman’s Excuse Me, its delicate melody striking a poignant chord. But for many of us, the highlight of the night came next: a three-song Marillion medley. Kayleighand Lavender flowed seamlessly into Heart of Lothian, with a giant Scottish flag emblazoned on the backdrop. It was impossible not to feel the weight of the occasion as fans sang every word with unbridled passion, knowing this was likely the last time they would ever experience these songs performed by the man who gave them life.
As the band took their final bow, the crowd refused to disperse, clinging to the hope of just one more song. And Fish, never one to disappoint, returned for a second encore—this time choosing The Company, a standout track from Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors. It was a fitting closer, a song that encapsulated everything Fish has always been about: storytelling, camaraderie, and an unyielding spirit.
This was more than just a farewell concert; it was a celebration of a singular career, a testament to a man who did things on his own terms from start to finish. Whether you were a die-hard Marillion purist or a devoted fan of his solo work, there was something in this set for everyone. And as Fish left the stage for the final time, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind—he had bid his farewell, after introducing the band, my name is Derek, good night and goodbye, exactly the way he wanted to. Not many artists get to do that.
Setlist;
- Vigil
- Credo
- Big Wedge
- Pipeline
- Shadowplay
- Weltschmerz
- A feast of consequences
- Just good friends
- Cliché
- Incubus (Marillion)
- Plague of ghost pt1
- Plague of ghosts pt2
- Plague of ghosts pt3
- Plague of ghosts pt4
- Plague of ghosts pt5
- Plague of ghosts pt6. Encore
- A gentleman’s excuse me
- Kayleigh (Marillion)
- Lavender (Marillion)
- Heart of Lothian (Marillion) Encore 2
- The Company