LIVE REVIEW
FISH
THE ROAD TO THE ISLES - FAREWELL TOUR
NEWCASTLE O2 CITY HALL - 6TH OF MARCH 2025
Photos and review: David Weddle
After some forty-plus years in the music industry, Scottish singer and rock legend Fish has taken the decision to retire. Having rocked music fans originally as the frontman of neo-prog rock band Marillion, helping to shape the genre, and later stepping out on his own with his incredibly successful solo career, Fish has dedicated his life to his art and his fans.
Having spent the latter part of 2024 touring Europe, Fish has embarked on the final leg of his farewell tour, with The Road To The Isles tour hitting the UK for one last hurrah. We were lucky enough to catch his final-ever live show in England at Newcastle's O2 City Hall, a venue with an equally rich musical history.
Having spent the latter part of 2024 touring Europe, Fish has embarked on the final leg of his farewell tour, with The Road To The Isles tour hitting the UK for one last hurrah. We were lucky enough to catch his final-ever live show in England at Newcastle's O2 City Hall, a venue with an equally rich musical history.
The fans were in for a real treat, as the show was set to be a real celebration of Fish's music from across the decades, and with no support band opening up, it was straight down to business as the band strode on stage to 'The Thieving Magpie' playing through the PA as smoke filled the stage against a wash of purple lights, very atmospheric.
As the man himself walked on to huge cheers and applause, the first song of this epic night was always going to be 'Vigil', and the fans were ready and waiting to get involved with cheers as the Fish sang the lyrics "just a voice in the crowd, in the crowd". The whole place was buzzing with emotions that the audience knew they had to get out of their system, and this was the last chance to do it.
The energy was high as song two kicked in, fan favourite 'Credo' built on the crowd's willingness to get involved, a theme that continued through the evening. There is a genuine connection between the fans and the artist that can't be faked, a connection from decades of shared love of great music.
As the man himself walked on to huge cheers and applause, the first song of this epic night was always going to be 'Vigil', and the fans were ready and waiting to get involved with cheers as the Fish sang the lyrics "just a voice in the crowd, in the crowd". The whole place was buzzing with emotions that the audience knew they had to get out of their system, and this was the last chance to do it.
The energy was high as song two kicked in, fan favourite 'Credo' built on the crowd's willingness to get involved, a theme that continued through the evening. There is a genuine connection between the fans and the artist that can't be faked, a connection from decades of shared love of great music.
Fish's sense of humour made an early appearance as the shouts from the crowd for the epic Marillion track 'Grendel' (a track that is nearly 20 minutes long) resounded around the auditorium just after the band finished a rather raucous performance of 'Big Wedge'. Fish held aloft a cup he was drinking from and introduced it as "the goblet of shame", offering anyone who wanted to shout Grendel to come and drink from it and collect their "free W**ker t-shirt from the box office."
Reminiscing on the venue itself When planning the tour Fish specifically chose City Hall, Fish spoke about his first visit to Newcastle City Hall, driving down in his green mini 850 from Dalkeith, to see Lindisfarne's Christmas Eve gig, a legendary Newcastle staple in the Geordie musical calendar even to this day.
With a back catalogue as long as your arm, there were plenty of songs to choose from; Fish knew what the crowd wanted to hear, and he definitely didn't disappoint. As well as tracks like 'Cliché' and 'Just Good Friends', fans were treated to all 6 parts of 'Plague of Ghosts', a truly magical experience. Fish had saved a good chunk of Marillion songs for a triumphant encore or two... or three. Blasting out 'Kayleigh', 'Lavender' and 'Heart of Lothian' before returning to play 'Fugazi' and then a final encore and a fond farewell with 'The Company', topping off a stunning, emotionally charged evening that will stay in the hearts and minds of the lucky ones who witnessed it.
As Fish steps away from the music industry, he leaves behind a legacy of incredible music that resonated with so many and will continue to enlighten, entertain and influence music lovers for many years to come.
Farewell, Fish, thank you for the music and the memories.
Reminiscing on the venue itself When planning the tour Fish specifically chose City Hall, Fish spoke about his first visit to Newcastle City Hall, driving down in his green mini 850 from Dalkeith, to see Lindisfarne's Christmas Eve gig, a legendary Newcastle staple in the Geordie musical calendar even to this day.
With a back catalogue as long as your arm, there were plenty of songs to choose from; Fish knew what the crowd wanted to hear, and he definitely didn't disappoint. As well as tracks like 'Cliché' and 'Just Good Friends', fans were treated to all 6 parts of 'Plague of Ghosts', a truly magical experience. Fish had saved a good chunk of Marillion songs for a triumphant encore or two... or three. Blasting out 'Kayleigh', 'Lavender' and 'Heart of Lothian' before returning to play 'Fugazi' and then a final encore and a fond farewell with 'The Company', topping off a stunning, emotionally charged evening that will stay in the hearts and minds of the lucky ones who witnessed it.
As Fish steps away from the music industry, he leaves behind a legacy of incredible music that resonated with so many and will continue to enlighten, entertain and influence music lovers for many years to come.
Farewell, Fish, thank you for the music and the memories.
