Prog & Progeny

This week we answer your questions. If you have a question for inclusion on a future episode ask it on our Patreon "Questions questions" chat.

This week we speak with manager Lucy Jordache about her 30-plus-year journey, from a teenage Marillion fan to EMI catalogue manager, band manager, and Ian Mosley’s wife. Along the way, she discusses taking a pay cut to get into the music industry, a rocky first meeting with Fish, and how she and Ian got together. Plus, a frank conversation about what the future might hold for Marillion

This time we discuss how Marillion took a leap nobody else had dared, and accidentally changed the music industry. Lucy Jordache’s evolving role, and why the band chose not to capitalise on their invention. How sharing everything brought Marillion closer together. Mixing stress and why risk has always been Mark’s default setting. Also: Noel Gallagher delivers a deadpan insult, Mark bets on tripe, and Tallulah arrives with twelve names.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

This week we chat with Erik Nielsen. He was a 22-year-old help desk worker in Cleveland, Ohio when a woman he was seeing dragged him to a Marillion gig and changed his life. He ended up as Marillion's keyboard tech, moved into Mark's spare room, got deported, and — almost by accident — helped invent a model of direct-to-fan music commerce that the whole industry now takes for granted. Hear the inside story of the Freaks mailing list, the [email protected] inbox, the Guinness logo rip-off, and why Erik eventually swapped the Marillion kebab hut for working for Elton John.

This week we cover Marillion's short stint with Rod Smallwood (Iron Maiden's manager) and the Sanctuary empire, how Mark met Tallulah's mum and the origin of the song Rich. Also, the birth of music crowdfunding: how a single post on the Freaks mailing list led to fans raising $60,000 to fund a US tour. Also featuring: Neil Armstrong at a soundcheck, a phone call from the International Space Station, and a Delta Airlines domain name dispute. Next week: Eric Nielsen joins to share his memories of his time working with Marillion.

This week, Mark and Tallulah answer some listener questions. Covering everything from the choices they might have made differently in life to a fight that almost broke up the band.

This week Mark and Tallulah talk through a difficult chapter in the band’s past: being dropped by EMI, ongoing money problems, Mark nearly ending up homeless, and the lack of support from their manager who suggested day jobs for the band might be the way forward. The conversation stays surprisingly light, including stories from Mark’s tumultuous love life.

In this episode Mark and Tallulah sit down with producer Dave Meegan to explore the making of Brave.Dave takes us inside the long nights, impossible standards, and creative tension that shaped one of Marillion’s most ambitious albums — from a French château to Liverpool over more than 7 months.We talk about why Brave took so long, the danger of rushing creativity, and the fragile moments where everything finally locks into place.An honest look at what it really costs to make something that lasts.

In this episode Mark and Tallulah dive deep into the making of Brave— Marillion’s most ambitious and uncompromising album. They discuss creative freedom, financial uncertainty, and the quiet decisions that laid the groundwork for the band’s independence.

In this episode Mark & Tallulah chat with Smick, Ian's drum tech from the mid 1980s and later the crew boss. Smick recounts how he started working in music and his first meeting with Marillion - and the cool reception from Ian. He also describes the chaotic management style of John Arnison, including when he buried the band's takings in bin bags and forgot where he buried it. 

This week Mark and Tallulah dive into the writing and recording of Holidays in Eden. They get into how much a producer can steer an album, as Marillion discovered with pop-tastic Chris Neil. They talk through Marillion’s move to Hit & Run Management and the promises that never materialised. They also get into the origins of the Racket Club. Tune in for plenty of laughs and a few exciting announcements for Patreons.Tallulah's video that we talked about in this episode -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYaBINqTvVESimon's Car - the How We Live song that became Cover My Eyeshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhZ2ZiwiDqg

Enter H and Sea-son's End (see what I did there?)In this week’s episode Mark and Tallulah look at Chapter 13 - A Man for All Seasons. They explore one of the most pivotal points in Marillion’s history—when Steve Hogarth stepped in to replace Fish. Mark recalls the race to finish Season’s End before Fish released his solo album and Fish’s attempt to throw a spanner in the works with an injunction delivered poolside, their surreal debut gig as The Low-Fat Yoghurts in a village pub, and how a homemade hot air balloon nearly caused a fire.They also discuss AI in music, with Tallulah offering an unfiltered verdict on Mark’s recent experimental track.Also Mark reads Chapter 13 of his Autobiography

In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah chat with Marillion’s lead singer Steve Hogarth. They talk about his career before joining the band and what it was like stepping in to replace Fish. After initially not being keen to join - having decided to give up music altogether and become a milkman - H explains what eventually changed his mind.Mark and H look back on recording their first album together, Seasons End, and how the chemistry and creative energy were there right from the start. They also discuss their very different working styles, with the band being far more laid-back than he was used to, as well as their shared passion for keyboards.It’s a funny, honest and upbeat chat, especially after the heavier conversations in previous episodes about the band’s more difficult times.Side note: Tallulah occasionally drops off in the episode due to poor internet connection.

Here's where we answer the questions you sent us.

This week, Mark and Tallulah catch up with Producer/Engineer Nick Davis to chat about his time working with Marillion. Full of hilarious stories, Nick talks about how he blagged his way into the music industry, his first time meeting and working with Marillion, and what came after — producing albums and singles for the likes of Genesis and XTC.It’s a funny one, with chats about everything from the mechanics of a successful homemade hot air balloon, to music-related (and not-so-music-related) injuries, and touches on a key period when the band transitioned from Fish to h.

This is the audio version which includes Mark reading Chapter 11 of his autobiography.In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah work through a turbulent chapter as the band edges toward breaking point. Steve is driving most of the ideas for the next album while Mark struggles with writer’s block. Behind the scenes, the crew is kept on payroll without work, John pushes EMI for more money, and drugs and late nights creep back into the picture.They discuss the growing divide as Fish drifts further from the band. As well as stories of injuries, excess, and surreal moments — from a dislocated shoulder and an ill-advised birthday stripper to gigs in Poland, a lightning strike in Italy, and meeting Prince Edward with Iron Maiden’s Nicko. Amid missed family time, mounting debts, and choices that would ultimately bring a big change to Marillion.

In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah work through a turbulent chapter as the band edges toward breaking point. Steve is driving most of the ideas for the next album while Mark struggles with writer’s block. Behind the scenes, the crew is kept on payroll without work, John pushes EMI for more money, and drugs and late nights creep back into the picture.They discuss the growing divide as Fish drifts further from the band. As well as stories of injuries, excess, and surreal moments — from a dislocated shoulder and an ill-advised birthday stripper to gigs in Poland, a lightning strike in Italy, and meeting Prince Edward with Iron Maiden’s Nicko. Amid missed family time, mounting debts, and choices that would ultimately bring a big change to Marillion.

In this episode, Mark and Tallulah talk about the chaos of oversold venues in the manager's pursuit of profit, and surreal tour moments - from playing in Japan to the crew starting fires on planes. They delve into Marillion’s time playing with both Rush and Queen, including a bizarre party at Kensington Roof Gardens. Beyond the fun and surreal moments, Mark reflects on the harder realities: financial strain, increasing reliance on EMI, personal doubts, and the rifts that marked the beginning of the end of Marillion with Fish

In this episode, Mark and Tallulah talk about the chaos of oversold venues in the manager's pursuit of profit, and surreal tour moments - from playing in Japan to the crew starting fires on planes. They delve into Marillion’s time playing with both Rush and Queen, including a bizarre party at Kensington Roof Gardens. Beyond the fun and surreal moments, Mark reflects on the harder realities: financial strain, increasing reliance on EMI, personal doubts, and the rifts that marked the beginning of the end of Marillion with Fish.

In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah continue through chapter 9, exploring the writing and recording of Misplaced Childhood in Berlin. They talk about the unexpected success of “Kayleigh,” the challenges of creating a concept album despite the record company’s doubts, and the many people who helped shape Marillion’s third record. Along the way, there are the usual discussions of pranks and silly drunken moments, balanced with a genuine look at what remains a pivotal point in Marillion’s career.

I originally wrote this piece as an intro for the song Twenty Fifty One on the Marathon album. I sent it over to my nephew Conal, who added guitar, bass, and a modern drum track—thanks, Conal!As the song took shape, I realised this intro didn’t really fit, so it ended up gathering digital dust on a hard drive for a few years. Early this year, while hunting for a theme for this podcast, I stumbled across it again and decided to give it a new life. What you’ll hear now is an updated recording with some fresh parts added replacing most of the original recording but keeping Conal's picking guitar.I know it’s not the proggiest theme for a podcast called Prog and Progeny, but I hope you enjoy it all the same.

In this episode Mark has a rambling conversation with Ian remembering his early days in Marillion and their time in Berlin recording Misplaced Childhood. 

This week, Mark and Tallulah are joined by Simon Hanhart, recording engineer on  the Script for a Jester’s Tear, Fugazi and Real to Reel albums.Simon shares his memories of working with Marillion during a pivotal time in both his and their careers - covering the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From relentless studio exhaustion to gold discs and unexpected sound design tricks, this episode is a candid, nostalgic, and often hilarious look behind the scenes of Marillion's early recording adventures.

In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah discuss the short but notable tenure of drummer Jonathan Mover, the circumstances around his departure, and the arrival of Ian Mosley as his replacement. They also get into a few side stories, including a fire extinguisher prank gone wrong and some slightly obsessive behavior from Producer Nick. The conversation takes a few detours, including the differences between UK and American rock, the importance of band chemistry, and even Mark’s hair care routine.

In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah reflect on the writing of Marillion’s second album in Wales, and the pressure of creating new material on a tight deadline. They talk through the challenges that came with that process, both creatively and personally.They also look back on the band’s first U.S. tour - Mark’s first time traveling abroad - including early encounters with American food, the potency of Long Island Iced Teas, and the start of drummer Andy’s fast decline.

In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah continue their look at the making of Marillion’s first album and the band’s growing momentum. They share stories about playing the Marquee Club under fake names - leading to an unexpected run-in with a German airline - and performing Garden Party on Top of the Pops. The conversation also touches on the difficult decision to part ways with drummer Mick and bring in Andy Ward from Camel. Finally, they discuss the often tricky subject of how money gets divided in bands, and what fairness really means in that context.A quick note: We’re now moving all subscriptions over to Patreon. Tune in to hear what new benefits come with the switch, and how you can make the move if you’re already one of our subscribers. Cheers!Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly musichttps://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membershipBuy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons athttps://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htmemail your questions to us at [email protected]

This week Mark and Tallulah talk about managers — the good, the bad, and everything in between. They introduce John Arnison and reflect on Marillion’s first record deal with EMI, discussing what it was like to sign for the first time and the process of putting together their debut single.Mark also shares what it was like to start a family young, and how that overlapped with the early days of the band — and the pressure that came with trying to navigate both.Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly musichttps://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membershipBuy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons athttps://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htmemail your questions to us at [email protected]

In this episode we answer some more of your questionsBecome a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly musichttps://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membershipBuy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons athttps://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htmemail your questions to us at [email protected]

In this episode, Mark and Tallulah cover the second half of Chapter 5, All Change. They talk through the painful process of firing former guest on the podcast and ex-Marillion member Diz Minnitt, the arrival of current bassist Pete Trewavas, and the short-lived involvement of manager David Stopps - part of what’s starting to feel like a revolving door.Pete joins them in the second half to share his early memories of the band, including his first gig - featuring Fish on acid. An unconventional welcome, even by Marillion standards. They also reflect on the growing buzz during their Scottish tour, which, by the end, had them playing to noticeably bigger crowds, and, for the first time, success started to feel within reach.Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly musichttps://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membershipBuy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons athttps://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htmemail your questions to us at [email protected]

This week, Mark and Tallulah wade into the first half of Chapter 5, All Change. It features the band's first time playing at the Marquee Club and a few tales from the dressing room that are probably best left off the official record (but naturally, aren’t).The chapter captures that awkward in-between phase: gaining momentum, drawing crowds, but still broke enough to survive on potatoes and whatever resembled meat in the back of the fridge.Mark looks back with a mix of affection and amusement—proof that even when things were falling apart, it still somehow felt like progress.Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly musichttps://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membershipBuy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons athttps://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htmemail your questions to us at [email protected]

This is a bonus episode with some of your questions answered by Tallulah and Mark.Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly musichttps://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membershipBuy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons athttps://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htmemail your questions to us at [email protected]

In this episode, Tallulah and Mark are joined by original Marillion bassist Diz Minnitt and his daughter, Alissimon. They chat about the early days of Marillion—life on the road, grafting for gigs, and travelling in their beloved (but extremely unsafe) van, Margaret. Diz and Mark reflect on Diz’s departure from the band, with Mark offering an apology for his part in it. They discuss the wider dynamics between bandmates and the tricky balance between the cutthroat nature of the music industry and the genuine friendships that somehow survive it.The conversation also turns to working with family, as Diz and Alissimon talk about their collaboration with his current band, Pride of Passion. Alissimon shares her own journey pursuing a career in music, and the episode ends with a taste of her incredible talent, so tune in to hear one of her tracks at the end.Links for this episode:Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly musichttps://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membershipBuy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons athttps://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htmemail your questions to us at [email protected] of Passion - Legions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VctRe29kwPw Alissimon - Carousel https://alissimon.bandcamp.com/track/carousel

In this episode Mark and Tallulah dive into Mark’s communist upbringing—where his grand plan to improve poor working conditions didn’t exactly spark a revolution. They also revisit his early days in music with Chemical Alice (spoiler: the chemicals were very much in attendance). Tallulah gives their music a listen and… well, let’s just say she won’t be starting a fan club anytime soon. And finally, Marillion make an appearance—supporting Chemical Alice at a gig. Next time, OG Marillion member Diz Minnitt and his daughter Alissimon join Tallulah and Mark.Links for this episode:Chemical Alice - Henry the King https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03esiCXkzPUBecome a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly musichttps://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membershipBuy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons athttps://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htmemail your questions to us at [email protected]

This week, we dive deeper into Mark’s insatiable appetite for stealing—covering everything from identity theft to piracy (the digital kind, not the eyepatch kind).In our second blind-react segment, Tallulah gives her unfiltered reaction to a Marillion song she’s never heard before and faces off against a drunken AI.Plus, Mark shares a questionable but effective method for making your organ portable.Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly musichttps://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membershipBuy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons athttps://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htmemail your questions to us at [email protected]

In our very first episode, we introduce the podcast and co-host Tallulah before diving into the first chapter of Marillion, Misadventures & Marathons. Mark reflects on his youth growing up in Ireland and Essex - complete with stories of theft, pyromania, and run-ins with the police.We also explore the latest in music news, specifically the future of AI in music. This feels particularly topical with the recent silent album protest against AI copyright laws, which has seen over 1,000 artists—including Marillion—adding their names in support. Plus, in our first-ever blind react segment, Tallulah picks a modern track for Mark to hear for the first time, sparking a discussion on the state of contemporary music.A mix of personal stories, music insights, and plenty of opinions—welcome to the podcast!Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly musichttps://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membershipBuy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons athttps://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htmemail your questions to us at [email protected]