Only a few weeks to go before we embark on the world tour that kicks off in June in Canada and the USA. I can't wait to be back there and I speak for the rest of the band when I say we are looking forward to getting back out on the road and playing live. We hope to include a couple of new numbers to the ever increasing choice of material available. We met up earlier this week to put the set lists together. As we are playing some cities two nights in a row, we have two different sets made up of yours and our favourites. There are a couple of places in each set list where it simply says NEW SONG!
We are all busy working away on the overdubs to the enthusiastically awaited new album Sounds That Can't Be Made. As we are keenly aware, time is becoming short, so this time round we are taking a slightly new approach by working in our home studios. Mike is busy working on the album and getting people in to do what needs to be recorded in The Racket Club while at the same time the rest of us carry on recording at home and send the files to him. For example, while lead vocals are being recorded in the studio, Mark can be recording keyboards at home, Steve Rothery will be recording guitar parts in his studio etc etc. This actually frees up lots more time for us all, and as long as Mike doesn't fall over from exhaustion it means we should get this thing finished in it's allotted time frame. A couple of weeks ago we recorded the bass guitars and I am now mostly at home coming up with harmonies or the odd keyboard or guitar line - whatever comes to mind as a good idea to compliment the music.
We will be back rehearsing for the tour in a few days and at that point will choose which songs to debut from the album. So thank you for being so patient and see you on tour somewhere.
PETE
A hectic few weeks for me. In between recording guitar tracks for the Marillion album I've been finishing off some ideas for the soundtrack to a documentary about Bullying for PBS in the States with my friend Jason Hausman. I recently gave a British Guitar Academy Masterclass at the university in Paris with the extraordinary Dave Foster then last weekend flew to Italy to take part in the Italian fan club's annual get together in Cervia, where I gave a guitar clinic and guested on a couple of songs (Cinderella Search and Asylum satellite) with the excellent Italian band Ranestrane. I'm off to Chester this Sunday the 20th May for another British Guitar Academy Masterclass with Dave Foster and Matt Prior. This takes place at the Red Door venue and starts at 8.30 pm. I'll also have a few prints of some of my photographs for sale, all proceeds from the photos and the event tickets go to the Hope House Childrens hospice, a very worthy cause. Tickets are limited so if you're interested call Dawsons Music on 01925 582420.
Ok, back in the studio to record some more guitar! Steve R
In Other News:
Marillion Weekend Holland 2013 - Due to overwhelming demand, we are suspending new bookings temporarily, in order to process existing bookings. This will allow us to assess the accommodation availability. Thank you for your patience. The booking system should be back online from Monday. If you want a place you can and should book then! www.marillionweekend.com
Although you can pre-order Sounds That Can't Be Made right up until the release date, please remember that you only have until June 1st to pre-order and be entered into our prize draws to win some fantastic money can't buy prizes! www.marillion.com/ preorder/index.htm