Ed’s Letter
Hello, and welcome to the new issue of Prog. This afternoon I spent a very enjoyable hour or so chatting with cover star Fish about his final album, Weltschmerz, his impending retirement and his plans post-making music. Towards the end it struck me that for the best part of the last 40 years, he’s been a constant in my musical enjoyment, given that Marillion’s
Market Square Heroes was my gateway to progressive music. Over the years we’ve had more than our fair share of laughs, and while I totally understand his reasons for calling time on an impressive career, and certainly don’t begrudge that decision, I couldn’t help feeling a tinge of sadness.
Johnny Sharp delves far deeper into Weltschmerz, those reasons and the ups and downs of the big man’s career in his excellent cover story. It’s a fitting tribute for what is, amazingly, the very first time we’ve actually featured Fish as a solo artist on the cover of Prog (although only releasing one album since the magazine launched kind of explains that).
By the time you read this, it will have been five months since lockdown began here in the UK. We remain a world beset with unknowns and the fear of a second wave, as well as a seemingly interminable wait to discover when live music may became part of our lives again. It’s not been easy for anyone, and quite possibly may remain so for a while longer yet.
Once again I’d like to thank you for supporting the magazine throughout this time. And to remind you, as if I needed to, to remember to continue to try to support not just your favourite bands, but endeavours to help road crew and venues suffering during this period of uncertainty.
Because one thing is certain: we are still all in this together. Stay safe, and prog on!