Well, because of the snow, we actually started our post Christmas writing a little later than planned. However the good news is we have been busy writing away and recording anything that sounds like music to a nifty little device designed just for that purpose.

 

This Friday gone we started listening back to what we have so far and although it is very early days we we're all pleasantly surprised with how well it is going. A few interesting musical moments and a couple of good starting points for songs, is an encouraging and positive start to the year.

Hell let's say the decade.

 

Pete

 

 

In a moment of madness, I decided to enter the Brighton marathon with old Marillion chum Jon Collins (author of Separated Out ) on April 18th. As is the custom when attempting such foolishness, people normally endeavour to raise some cash for charity. Our chosen charity is Water Aid. They have a pretty straightforward remit - access to clean, safe water should be a right, not a privilege. If you feel like sponsoring Jon and myself pop over to http://original.justgiving.com/madjack

 

If you live in Brighton, come along and cheer us on. Don't forget to bring a stretcher.

 

Cheers,

Mark

 

The Wishing Tree album is on AOL's new releases this week see http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/ for more details. There's just a few tickets left for my guitar clinic (and the evening jam session & social gathering) at the Dog Ear Tavern in New York on Saturday, email rotheryusaclinic@gmail.com if you'd like to come along. I'm also doing a songwriting/production workshop at the Apple centre in Soho at 7 pm on Monday the 1st February see http://www.apple.com/retail/soho/ for details on this.

I will also be doing a guitar clinic in Greece in March, more details will follow soon.

 

Steve R

 

Racket Records News

 

The band are starting to announce some gigs for this year - see www.marillion.com/tour/index for full details.

 

A lot of you have started asking about the conventions in 2011. We should have more details for you in April. Keep an eye on www.marillionweekend.com

 

It Bites have re-recorded 'Calling All the Heroes' with some special guests including Francis Dunnery,John Wetton,Geoff Downes,Adam Perry,Jem Godfrey, Pete Trewavas and Steve Hogarth with all profits going to the 'Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund'. 

 

The charity single and video will be available from the band's website www.itbites.com and i-tunes.

A special concert will take place at the Carnegie Theatre in Workington, a town hit very hard by the disaster on Friday, 26 February 2010 www.carnegietheatre.co.uk. Pete and Steve H will be playing a couple of songs.

 

On the subject of 'charity' we are auctioning off an exclusive 'Marbles' Vinyl album signed by the band. This copy is number 9 from the original print run of 500 and we are hoping to raise lots of money to help the relief effort in Haiti. You can find this item and several other Marillion rarities over at our ebay shop, click on the link below.

http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/Marillions-Official-Racket-Records__W0QQ_armrsZ1