Marillion- Grendel (REACTION//DISCUSSION)

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Song Link: • Grendel - Marillion (l...

[@MattLathrum]

Fish is a poet - his lyrics are complex and thought-provoking, and his delivery can mesmerize.

[@progperljungman8218]

When this hit the market it was the salvation for many of us undernourished prog fans 😁

[@mutantplants1]

You're so right. The 80's was a dismal time for prog.

[@grahamkey8496]

Marillion were the saviours of progressive rock in the 80s. At a time when originators like Yes and Genesis were adapting in a pop direction to survive, Marillion unashamedly turned the prog up to 11! Sure there were other new prog bands at the time in the UK like Pallas, IQ and Pendragon, but Marillion were the ones to get the crossover appeal and to have singles topping the charts in the UK and Europe.

[@olemartinsen9733]

This is among the best prog epics in my opinion. Fabulous storytelling from Fish. I dont care if it sounds a bit like Suppers Ready! It stands firmly on its own feet!

[@steeleye2112]

Agree totally, whatever you feel about the song, the fact that it was one of the first songs they wrote is remarkable. And yes all us Genesis fans at the time took the piss about the similarities to Suppers Ready but who cares - more Suppers Ready type stuff is never a bad thing.

[@davidbarker77]

Wow. Long time since I listened to this. Musically all over the place but in a fun way. Fish at his theatrical best. It stands toe to toe with Script For A Jester’s Tears. Thanks for reviving this for me.

[@HeavyMetalTones]

This is one of the greatest Prog epics of them all have been a fish era Marillion fan since 1985.

[@jimhardiman3836]

Steve Rothery has such a cool style and tone. I saw Marillion on the Clutching At Straws tour. My favorite album.

[@merlinscat]

A shout out to Steve Rothery who I think is a very underrated guitarist, Marillion still going of course and Steve is even better than ever

[@cjh0751]

Absolutely

[@carterlink]

I recall being at fairly recent Fish gigs and people in the crowd would still be screaming out requests for Grendel, though largely in jest. Usually met with expletives and derision from Fish, though they did actually play it on one occasion!😆 Good times.

[@cadanrichards2615]

One of progs underrated long epics. Should continue with Script of the jesters tear album. Marillion have alot of great songs worth to check out. Grendel was a B side, and on Market street heroes EP. The battle sort of sounding section in the song is based off Suppers Ready Apocalypse 9/8.

[@llothar68]

It was B side only because they new no radio show had the timeslot to play it so they could not make it the selling song.

[@alexhamilton4084]

Excellent! I listen to this regularly. I was lucky enough to see Marillion perform this live at Reading festival in the 1980s. Wonderful stuff. 👍🏻

[@MrSinnerBOFH]

Grendel, purely epic, monsterly and earthy. I always loved the lyrics, criticizing him and and priests, that kill and take spoils and themselves considered brave and Pius, while sons of Mother Nature (monsters!) who just answer the call from hunger are called monsters. Who is the monster, I say? JP, thank you for giving Grendel a chance, the other coin of Beowulf epic. I’ve been listening and enjoying this piece since the 80’s, and even though it’s no perfection, it’s amazing for what it was one of their very early pieces. Wonderful live piece from their early days. Let the blood let the blood let the blood let the blood flow…

[@glennthompson1173]

If you do Fish era, do misplaced childhood and clutching at straws they're both great albums.

[@broadsword6650]

Great reaction, JP - a superb song. This was released as an EP before Script… and was a huge fan favourite, so much so that the band quickly got tired of hearing the demanding shouts of “Grendel!!!” throughout every gig, and they stopped playing it, sadly. Yes, there are obvious influences of Genesis (and of Dire Straits) but that’s what music does, it draws from the best of what has gone before, learns from it and develops. Fish (and probably the others) was a huge Genesis fan and saw them live many times. Lyrically, Grendel is fabulous and the twist on the monster versus humans is surprising and bold. The imagery is absolutely clear and startling. Musically it’s remarkably mature, constantly changing yet, as you said, not totally original at times. But I’d not heard Supper’s Ready at the time so to me then it was all fresh and exciting. It still is.

[@billtbodger]

I still recall the first time I heard Grendel, Reading 1982 a then unsigned Marillion took the stage and opened with this epic song and quite simply blew the audience away. I still love this song, Fish telling stories as he always does so well.

[@jonibz1456]

yeah that was wicked, i have it on tape somewhere

[@aurexyb]

I've always considered Grendel to be Marillion's Supper's Ready. Certain passages have great similarities, but Obviously, it's not as brilliant. Still quite a piece of work.

[@jordansbeard]

It’s a great stand alone track but there’s so much other interesting music on script. You have to remember that this band sold out the Hammersmith Odeon in London on an single released EP.

[@eikeharnischeh]

Marillions Bassist Pete Trewavas is also part of Transatlantic, featuring also Roine Stolt, Mike Portnoy and Neal Morse. You should immediately try them. Stranger in your soul !!!

[@cedricmilford5254]

Love this song! Rothery plays as guest on Hackett’s Live at Hammersmith. Hackett is one of his heroes, and there’s a visible glint of excitement in his eyes. So cool!

[@wagnerribeirodesantana1651]

I love the live version that was recorded at Hammersmith Odeon in '83.🎸🎶🔥

[@_Jester_]

Oh yes, that one is awesome!

[@angelaburrow8114]

I came to the comments to say exactly this. 🙂

[@bigjapi1]

Fantastic song, but without any doubt my favorite Marillion album continues to be "Misplaced Childhood", where everything flows perfectly from start to finish and the production and mixing of this album is wonderful. Fish's voice also sounds much more polished than on previous albums.

[@TheGungunnerson]

I would call that section "Apocalypse in 1980s"

[@JustJP]

LOL!

[@jonsmith9518]

Man am I happy to see you hitting up some Marillion. Please don’t stop!

[@jpirard]

The recorded version of the song is 17:40 long, while the live versions regularly ran to over 20 minutes. Often when it was played live, Fish, wearing a tattered cloak and Anglo-Saxon mask, would during the climax pull a member of the audience onto the stage and mime out his dismemberment. This was captured on the video EP featuring "Grendel" and "The Web." The song has not been played live since the band opened with it at the 1983 Reading Festival (recorded by Radio 1 and available on various bootlegs)

[@johnwatson13]

Fish played Grendel live at the 2012 fan convention in Leamington Spa.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

A young band... enthralled by Genesis... write their own version of "Supper's Ready"... This is pure star-eyed band members doing this... On reflection, I'm sure they see that as a bit embarrassing... but I totally get it. I have that single, and when I first heard it I loved it. I was over the moon for early Genesis and anybody that shared that passion was okay in my book. Looking back, I never listen to that any more. Tough to listen to. But, yeah... the talent level was great. (My favorite part of that song was Fish singing "Let the blood flow!" echoing throughout.) Their best work was obviously yet to come: "Misplaced Childhood," and "Clutching At Straws"... both worth checking out.

[@cjh0751]

I saw them on every tour. They were incredible. In fact i walked 12 miles back from a gig to my home. I wouldn't change it for the world.

[@dingdong6069]

I love Grendel. I genuinely elevate it to a level of 'greatness'. But, hey, that's just me. Maybe its cos I heard this song when it was first released as a 13 year old it impacted so much as music you hear at that age tends to stick with you. I'm sure that people who heard Supper's Ready at around that age prefer it to Grendel but I find Genesis's the weaker of the two pieces. Again just my opinion while acknowledging Genesis was first. The one thing I will add (something Fish himself touched on in one of his 'Fish on Friday' Facebook shows recently) is that the studio versions of material particularly in the '82 to '83 era does sound considerably 'weaker' to the rockier and 'beefier' live versions. This is none more evident than with Grendel itself. Some may like to check out the live version from the Reading Festival back in 1983 for absolute proof. It is truly epic sounding.

[@sidecardog5244]

It’s too early in the morning (7:30 am Texas time) to truly appreciate this properly. I’ll listen to it tonight with some “enhancement” Ps, I do like your long song Saturday series. Please try The Great Nothing by Spock’s Beard. It’s their Suppers Ready. And it sounds nothing like Genesis.

[@gog583]

Spock's Beard's song "Falling for Forever" is probably the most 70's prog sounding song I've heard. I've only heard the live version from the album "Snow Live" though.

[@cedricmilford5254]

Love this song! Rothery plays as guest on Hackett’s Live at Hammersmith. Hackett is one of his heroes, and there’s a visible glint of excitement in Rothery’s eyes. So cool!

[@TheRealRedAce]

One of the greatest prog rock classics. :) I had the pleasure of seeing them live in the 80s.

[@steeleye2112]

By 84/85 Fish used to get genuinely irritated at audiences shouting for Grendel. One concert I was at he just shouted out between songs "We are not doing F***kn Grendel" - So funny.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

I TOTALLY get that. They were Genesis-worshippers at the time they created this... but it's a tad bit embarrassing as they found their own footing later.

[@cjh0751]

Love your channel brother. Looking forward to seeing your content.

[@JustJP]

Appreciate that CJ!

[@Lwize]

Peter Gabriel changed his name to Fish is the early 80's to secretly return to Genesisy-prog.

[@silgen]

Good fun, I particularly like the Grendal's stalking riff (probably because it was ripped of from Apocalypse in 9/8 as you say) and the great line "Screams are it's music, Lightning it's guide". Marillion improved every album until Fish left. That's a Scottish burr in Fish's voice.

[@silgen]

Also, any chance of some more Wishbone Ash, Justin, or have you given up on them?

[@peterichards3261]

Nice JP. Grendel is a great track. I think that realistically it was left off the debut album because of it's length. The album B-Sides Themselves has all the early tracks which didn't appear on the albums. Worth getting hold of

[@jordansbeard]

I wish you found the album cover for the market square heroes EP.

[@IanBrains]

I was thinking the same

[@jimhardiman3836]

I had the poster on my wall for years. Disturbing.

[@MattLathrum]

I found smog at the end of my rainbow

[@KilroyWasHere83]

This was recorded before Script. It was the B-side of their Market Square Heroes EP, which was from the year before Script

[@kben036]

Saw Marillion on their Clutching at Straws tour. Had my picture taken with Fish even! I had the same thought about the end of Grendel and Apocalypse in 9/8. But who cares? We all needed some old prog in our lives. We forgive them!

[@vdggmouse9512]

Everyone knew then - at that time - that this new band Marillion were to attempt to continue in the prog tradition and Genesis was if not their prime influence - certainly a noticeable one. Many of us (me for sure) - still smarting from the pop turn by Genesis were eager to see/hear if Marillion had 'the chops' to fill the shoes that Genesis had vacated. I knew/heard of the album 'Script For A Jester's Tear' first - before I had heard the songs on the 'Market Square Heroes' EP. Marillion had already won me over before I ever heard 'Grendel.' Due to Grendel's similarity to 'Supper's Ready' - had it been the other way - had I heard 'Grendel' before 'Script' I might have discarded Marillion then and there for being a plagiarist pseudo Genesis 'cover band.' Much the same way that I did to the band 'Starcastle' for their blatant Yes rip off music. Whereas Starcastle never rescued their reputation (with me) - Marillion continued to progress to the point that their musical output stands proudly as a post Peter Gabriel Genesis - continuing on in that vein without crossing the line into being a carbon copy or a non-original entity. They had successfully taken that Genesis template and added on to it or progressed with it and made their mark with their songs and their arrangements. 'Grendel' would have made that progression a bit more difficult as it was just too much like Genesis. They wisely left it off the first album and now - it stands as more of a tribute to Genesis rather than Marillion takes the exact Genesis mold and goes from there. Marillion put together 4 outstanding original albums until they lost their way (sorry Christian) with the Hogarth era. Too bad JP didn't say this was another 'fantastic' song like the other recent songs by XTC and Talking Heads.

[@David-iv6je]

Yeah, I remember when this came out. I always found it intriguing. And yet it seems to fall short. Why? OK, the clear Genesis derivation is a little disappointing. But the difference between good and great can be subtle. Originality, virtuosity, dynamics etc all play into it. Grendel is certainly a great idea for a song.

[@arongatt]

Lost there way ? Seriously ….. they are still putting out outstanding prog music🤷‍♂️

[@vdggmouse9512]

@@arongatt Hi Aron - I wish I felt as you do. But Fish wrote in my wavelength. His charisma and their songs then is what I craved. When Fish left - Marillion wasn't the same - were they? That was my band. They were my new Genesis. I was gutted. Fish was irreplaceable and the new Marillion lost me. They didn't lose you - and that's great - but just like Genesis lost me when Gabriel left - Marillion lost me when Fish left. I know you understand that.

[@arongatt]

@@vdggmouse9512 sure I can understand that the genesis style but that was mainly in the first few years and I don’t consider Misplaced childhood & clutching at straws a Genesis style/continuation ,but lost there way mmm seems a bit harsh IMO. Albums like Brave , fear and marbles are just fantastic, plus albums like seasons end , afraid of sunlight and this strange engine and also sounds that can be made, display there Amazing prog capability and how much this band have to offer after all these years. If you give them there time and look at them not as you said (the genesis lost) then you’ll be in for a prog treat buddy 🙂

[@jareczek1980]

F*****ing punk. Marillion They gave us hope. Without them you won't be tool or dream or porcupine. That is sure.

[@jenniferlenfestey5335]

When I first received Grendel it was on the B-side to the pre-Script for a Jester's Tear album and on the A-side was Market Square Heroes and Three Boats Down from the Candy.

[@jenniferlenfestey5335]

or vice-versa

[@direnova6284]

This was a recording that predated their first album. It's obvious that they were Genesis fans who were trying to recreate the music that they loved and felt was disappearing. I remember seeing Fish say at a show that "yes, Grendel is Supper's Ready, we know, you don't have to shout it at us at every show" this was of course said in good humour. When they got a new drummer, who used to play for Steve Hackett, their sound was elevated into "A" list territory.

[@cutthr0atjake]

I love Grendel. Its not perfect, but is fun and was great live. Complaining it sounds like Genesis (There were those in the 80's who did) is like complaining Whiter Shade Of Pale sounds like Bach.

[@silgen]

Good one.

[@markjohnson4217]

Except in this case it is not simply a chordal arrangement, it is the whole package right from lyrical content, right on through the instrumentation, delivery, arrangement, and vocal melodrama. But I can think of worse training wheels for young Scottish rockers to take lessons from than such a unique legend. But I appreciated Marillion more as they developed after their debut, it was actually nice to have them around in that horrid plastic vid-pop era of the 80s!!

[@daveking9393]

Went in completely blind... name familiar but no recollection. I enjoyed it. Thanks. Just read the comments and I completely agree sounds similar to Genesis with a few dragging sections.

[@angelaburrow8114]

This is my favourite Marillion song & it's brilliant live.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

That was gripping. Rearranged my mind this AM. Great reaction. Thanks sorry to hear some of your wonderful reaction vids have been blocked.

[@JustJP]

Ty Hartlor, glad you enjoyed this one :D

[@richey4287]

Great review and spot on in my view. Musicianship is great and Fish's delivery is nicely dramatic and brings the lyrics to life.

[@JustJP]

Ty Richey!

[@arturotorres6638]

Marillion's Best with Fish: Misplaced Childhood Clutching... Fugazi Best with Hogarth: Marbles Brave Afraid of sunlight

[@olabergvall3154]

Marillion were never shy about being influenced by Gabriel-era Genesis. They even did a cover of "I know what I like", and may have done others, I don't know

[@dannymcgovern40]

Clutching at Straws is my favourite album In fact the first 4 are great

[@StephenCaudillPhoto]

Same here. Likely the best lyrics he ever penned. "Uzis on a street corner..."

[@_Jester_]

It's a close call with Misplaced, but yes, Clutching is my No 1 as well. 🤟 "If you maintain this lifestyle you won't reach 30..."

[@NmDPlm31]

Regarding the song being from Grendel’s point of view, you can go back to 1971. Author John Gardner wrote the book called Grendel which told the story of Beowulf from the point of view of the creature. In the book, Gardner does not portray Grendel as a monster or as an evil being but almost as an anti-hero and one just doing what is in his nature. It’s a brilliant work and I recommend it. As for comparisons to Supper’s Ready’s AI9/8 section, Fish once said “We actually signed to Charisma and Tony Smith, the Genesis manager, came to us. We became friends. About two years after we actually signed he said ‘If I’d known you’d written that song and I’d heard it before we signed you, I would have sued you.’” To be fair to Marillion, although the bass is clearly reminiscent of AI9/8, the section itself is in fact in 8/8, so it’s not exactly the same. :)

[@sicko_the_ew]

It's difficult for a band starting from the premise that "There's not enough X in the world", because the most die-hard of X fans agree, but want _precisely_ more X. There's going to be some resistance from those most capable of finding some love for the music, then - probably the people you least want to alienate. That said, if your premise is "There's not enough Bach in this world", and you Yngwie it well enough, you'll just be "neoclassical" (maybe because there's been enough Bach in this world over the centuries for variants to be more accepted? - also there are no "canonical recordings", because Bach's record company appears to have burnt the master tapes.) There are some really great bands that pretty much explicitly began with "There's not enough Pink Floyd in the world (and I'm running out of patience waiting for more to just appear)" - Porcupine Tree, RPWL, ... and more. Anyway, enough of that. If you want a less known (but more than competent) artist's take on the original Beowulf tale, that is accompanied by hurdy gurdy and theremin, you might like this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWWlhp6Fn92okNE (His Theremin part is especially nice and spooky.)

[@derekmeade6350]

I think it’s a piece that improves with continued listening. Really impressive given how new the band were when recording this.

[@rienvandijk2288]

Thanks for reminding listening to this in my room at my parents house. My father brought the EP Market Square Heroes for me from London and I enjoyed it turn after turn, being fourteen or so. But after this you should do the entire Fish-area. My personal favourite would be Fugazi.

[@henriks.6190]

What a Materpiece ❤️

[@brettnorris1428]

I loved the song back in the 1980s (first heard it when B'Sides Themselves was released) and still do. I found Script to be quite a depressing album and this song was less so. I perhaps also had the advantage of hearing it 4-5 years before I heard Suppers Ready so it sounded fresh to my ears.

[@PIGFRAN]

You should try "Jigsaw" my favorite of Marillion or Forgotten Sons (live version)...

[@Richard_Jones]

I remember this from back in the day. I actually enjoy it more now than I did then. I think I appreciate the attempt at a sophisticated epic, if the execution doesn't quite match up. This was early stuff, they became much better writers/musicians later.

[@WalkingUK]

When Genesis went 'pop' this band were a breath of fresh air and revitalised Prog Rock . Saw them countless times at The Marquee Club London . An important part of the Progressive Rock jigsaw puzzle. If it's another epic you seek please check out Hawk ( Joburghawk ) with African Day Suite from the album 'Africa She Too Can Cry'. A South African rock masterpiece.

[@lemming9984]

Yeah, the only time I ever went to the Marquee was to see Marillion (Howard Jones support !!). A friend I went with knew Steve Rothery, who let us go backstage to see the famous graffitti'd room.

[@WalkingUK]

@@lemming9984 yep.i was at that gig.Howard Jones very different and quite good to watch.

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

This was my introduction to Marillion,and I think the band was just discovering their way as a unit! Later works with Hogarth's songwriting sensibilities really shine! 'An Accidental Man' would 'Neverland' there! But I feel you might. Peace from ' An Invisible Man'.

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

@@Katehowe3010 Thanks,what I have heard from the upcoming album is really good, they are still as good as ever! Peace ✌️

[@MrSinnerBOFH]

I”m always inside an Ocean Cloud whileI go around like a Strange Engine, descending into Montreal, among the Leavers. 😉

[@stephanevilleneuve9450]

Fish is the highlight with his dramatic singing. Rothery final solo is my favorite music moment of the song. Lot of good ideas, but the Script album is better by far. Good analysis JP. Don’t hesitate to try later songs of the Fish era of their catalogue.

[@prognerd395]

Completely agree, and they just kept improving through those first four albums. (Later Marillion and solo Fish are fine too, but for me Clutching at Straws was easily their peak.)

[@-davidolivares]

Love those falsetto bands of yore, Stylistics, Delfonics, Eddie Holman, Bloodstone, Temptations, Impressions, and of course, the Miracles. Earth Wind and Fire too.

[@maruad7577]

You forgot to mention Tiny Tim.

[@-davidolivares]

@@maruad7577 Keyword: bands besides TT is on a planet of his own with maybe Klaus Nomi.

[@maruad7577]

@@-davidolivares lol

[@jpirard]

This started out as a 21-minute instrumental piece called "The Tower." When Fish joined Marillion, he was presented with the current set and asked to provide lyrics. At the time, he had been reading a book called Grendel by John Gardner, which examined the Beowulf legend from the monsters point of view. As the lyric took shape, they began to reflect Fish's views on what he calls "The hypocrisy of religion in dealing with murder and war."

[@MrSinnerBOFH]

Which Marillion and Fish continue complaining about priests in both “Forgotten Songs” and “Marquet Square Heroes”.

[@-davidolivares]

When in college, John Gardner visited and I’m not sure anymore why or how, was shown artwork that students had done of his books. I did one from Dragon Dragon and other tales. I still have mine, and pen and ink of a meek knight before a peeking dragon inside the mouth of a cave. My profs said he liked it and that I’d be famous someday. Well, I’m not, that’s ok. Good memory though.

[@sbsummit]

I'm so glad you're doing some Fish-era Marillion! They really don't get the credit they deserve. And this is a great 80's style prog anthem from them. Yes, there are similarities to other well-known bands from a few years earlier ;-) but I see this as flattery, not plagiarism. Definitely on my playlist. And they just kept getting better while Fish was still with them, so keep 'em coming!

[@noddynewbold]

I saw Marillion many times, 1st time supporting Budgie in St Albans 1981, still wearing the sack cloth eye outfits. They’ve come a long way since then!

[@garri5108]

This song is one of the slowest to like. I probably listened to the song about 10 times to replace it from "Good" to "Great". Thanks for the content. I hope someday you'll listen to "Sadako e le mille gru di carta" by Logos. It's worth listening to.

[@Sussudio70]

I have the same experience with many songs of Fish-Era-Marillion.

[@dannymcgovern40]

Love Marillion

[@boodoolu]

You should visit his Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors solo work😎

[@dromedario2732]

Masterpiece!

[@spazimdam]

I've never heard of Marillion, but it sounds pretty awesome. It reminds me of Klaatu, and the singer reminds me strongly of both Peter Gabriel and David Bowie. Very interesting.

[@olabergvall3154]

You don't hear much about Klaatu these days, but I think maybe Justin did a reaction to them some time ago. If memory serves (which it might not)

[@spazimdam]

@@olabergvall3154 Yeah I think he did also, but I'm not sure.

[@olabergvall3154]

Maybe you used to listen to Nektar aswell?

[@spazimdam]

@@olabergvall3154 It's been a long time, but I remember the name Nektar. I think I heard an album by them but it wasn't my cup of tea so to speak.

[@cjh0751]

I think they left Grendal of the album because they could sell it on an EP with Market Square Heroes. Which is also a great song.

[@Rita1970]

At the time of this masterpiece I was 13 ..brilliant

[@Parmigiano502]

Good day for me on the good ship JP Discovery...first ABC, now proper Marillon and Grendal...think you nailed this one mate, this track was all about the band's potential, the Genesis comparisons were always going to be inevitable, but should you ever reach Fugazi on your travels, I think they can then be seen as a great band in their own right....calm down Hogarth fans, I like that Marillion too, not just as much as I do Fish. Let civil war ensue!!! Cheers Justin

[@JustJP]

Thanks Mario!

[@cjh0751]

You just got yourself a subscription fella

[@blackcatcentralmusic]

It comes off as a love letter to "Supper's Ready" mainly due to the "Apocalypse" section and starting off the song with a similar acoustic section. By the way, that section in "Grendel" is not in 9/8. They change the rhythmic accents from "Apocalypse " but the pattern is 8 notes, not 9. The rest of the song, lyrically and musically, is different. I think it was left off the album due to the length constraints of vinyl, and, Marillion had plenty of songs that were better. Fish sounds more like Peter Hammill than Peter Gabriel. It would be interesting to hear Ian Mosley play drums on this song.

[@darrylbirt6049]

As a hard core all time favourite band Marillion fan bro, I have to agree with you. This is not the greatest song they ever done but shit, it still rates! Wether it's Fish or H, just pure gold!

[@maruad7577]

Decent song with some really good bits. Surprisingly the section I liked least was the bit that was most Genesis like. Up here, having windows that seal properly is so important that we replaced every old window in our house when we bought it over a 1/4 century ago. We had factored the cost in the price we were willing to pay. Never regretted it.

[@steeleye2112]

I agree with Fish that it's probably overrated but sections such as "Hounds freeze in silence" are genuinely great.

[@RubesGoodBrainCoffee]

@ 27:06 -- Uh oh, it's Grendel trying to get in.

[@JustJP]

Sure seemed like it!

[@gphill3954]

Saw them do this and many of the "Script" Songs at The Marquee Club in London before the "Script" album had even been recorded. Great raw magic!

[@larrycable1827]

First Marrillion song I heard was Garden Party and as I was just coming off my post punk leanings the first thing that pleased me was their similarity to Genesis . Loved them at this stage.

[@Alexander..........]

Epic💯

[@Alexander..........]

Grendel >>>> Masterclass

[@HeavyMetalTones]

Grendel has been written sometime before and Fish came in and put the lyric over it once he joined after coming down from Scotland

[@gog583]

"Very loud. Very....Marillion". A line from a movie with a very well known actress. Anyone?

[@gerald112b]

I love how the song is set up like a bardic tale from the dark ages especially the lyrical performance. Really sets up the imagination. A nod to the original Beowulf. Don't think it would have fitted in well thematically on Script for a Jester's Tear being more about the dark side of London/UK in the early 80's. Still a great song despite its Genesis influence. More great music to come from these guys however.

[@askforme67]

Masterpiece...100%

[@damonramirez]

Marillion is really really good, but one day you got to check out SAGA!! They were contemporaries of Marillion but with more originality.

[@StephenCaudillPhoto]

If you can find the extended version of Lady Nina... the imagery in Fish's lyrics will wreck you. The man can paint an emotional picture with his words. Got to meet the Big Man at a solo concert in Ohio years ago. I flew from Atlanta just to catch the show. EPIC.

[@prognerd395]

Yeah, I like Grendel, but it’s not quite the mature sound that they would eventually find (and Supper’s Ready references abound, for better or worse). IMO they consistently improved over those first four albums, and Clutching at Straws is the masterpiece. (As an aside, if you do check out Clutching at Straws, you should listen to the first three songs together as one suite since they flow directly into each other.)

[@TheRealRedAce]

Right about the Genesis influence. Fish's voice even sounds like Peter Gabriel.

[@alaingass1714]

Marillion, what a great band, in studio and even better live....Grendel as a B side phenomenal - great progressive band.....Fish a unique Scottish singer with a strong and unique voice.....

[@333wheeler]

Unlike "Suppers Ready" there is no happy ending... Being outcast , Anger , Revenge all on Grendel's hit list and he delivers. Fish is good at those anger vocals.. lol.

[@MrSinnerBOFH]

It’s a happy ending for Grendel, as he satisfies his hunger while cleaning Mother Nature of beastly humans that kill their neighbors for cold gold.

[@333wheeler]

@@MrSinnerBOFH Yep Grendel gets to enjoy his Supper at the villagers expense!

[@markjohnson4217]

This was an early theatrical cornerstone and an obvious early Genesis tribute. We can hear influences from The Knife, Musical box and Supper's Ready. despite this, I would have loved to see them perform this in Edinburgh or Glasgow in 1981 and I am fascinated by the creature Grendel, so I can sit through it and enjoy. But it was wise of them to not include it on their debut, they might have faced lawsuits and I would have recoiled from the Genesis parroting even more than I did. It was Fugazi, their second and the subsequent albums that pulled me in. Fish was riveting and hammered out some great lyrical bars.

[@O_Towne_Bear]

The one that started it all. They sent Fish the music and he sent back these lyrics. They dropped the "Sil-" from the name and Marillion was born.

[@Thomas.deNorth]

I never get tired of this song. 😄 Btw, this comment section is amusing.........."I´m not too keen on this song because it sounds so much like suppers ready, which I love...."

[@bebiduncho]

Another "Genesiesque" moment of Marillion is on Incommunicado keyboards which sound quite similar to what you can listen in Genesis' Inside and Out from the "Spot the Pigeon" EP in 1977.

[@jpirard]

Actually it is not in 9/8 but there is a small similarity but they used it in a different context.

[@patrickwouters6568]

Fish himself explains that he's been influenced a lot by Genesis and Peter Gabriel. As a teenager, he spent hours in his father's car, the only place he could listen to the eight-track "Selling England By The Pound" he bought in 1973. Fish is a performer with vocal possibilities as varied as they are exceptional. In addition to his qualities as a singer, Fish is also recognized for his lyrics. These are extremely rich. He very often develops a very precise theme, by introducing a great number of references (historical, social or even mythological), rhymes that are sometimes quite complex and endlessly sought-after arrangements, thus accentuating the originality and richness of his songs. You should listen to his latest solo album "Weltschmertz" (2020) including one of his nicest track "Waverley Steps"

[@cjh0751]

Let the blood flow😊