We need band aid
FRONTMAN ON MARILLION’S NEW TOUR
TAKING your band on tour can cost a pretty penny.
Especially if you’re Marillion, who put on a hell of a show.
And right now it’s an extra-risky business.
The prog veterans are finally back on the road next month for their The Light At The End Of The Tunnel tour.
But as frontman Steve Hogarth explains: “There’s not an insurance company on Earth that’ll cover against one of us testing positive for Covid.”
It’s a problem every band faces right now. But while others opt to gamble, for Marillion that’s just not an option.
“Genesis had to call off their tour,” says Steve, “but then Genesis can probably find the money down the back of the sofa.
“It’s different for us. We’re not millionaire rock stars. We needed a way around it.”
And a way around it is what they’ve found, with a crowdfunding campaign called Lightsavers.
Marillion have crowdfunded for years, but it’s the first time they’ve insured a tour this way.
Fans can pledge whatever they can afford to help build a worst-casescenario back-up fund.
Assuming it’s not needed, they’ll get their money back, but either way they’re rewarded with various treats, from a mention in the programme to
a Zoom chat with Steve and co. “The response has been amazing,” he says. “We’re only touring the UK but we’ve had pledges from about 40 countries. One guy in Holland asked to pledge €1,000, even though the top sum is actually £250.
“It’s really humbling.”
Steve puts it down to the unique family bond Marillion have built with their fans over the years.
“The fact we’re not all over the radio and TV, it makes us a cult band,” is how he sees it. “To many, we’re a precious secret.”
●More about Lightsavers at marillion.com