With 2014 marking the centenary of the start of The Great War it was fitting that the centre piece of Fish’s set was dedicated to telling the story of The Somme, a battle in which both of his grandfathers fought, in the 30 minute epic “High Wood Suite”.
Fish’s adept ability to conjure vivid images from his finely crafted lyrics combined with some stunning visual projections with stark images of the battlefields created a deeply moving and superbly portrayed account of a tragic event in history.
A couple of years ago Fish was at something of a crossroads in his career. A serious throat condition which necessitated two major operations almost called time on a three decade career yet an extensive low key acoustic tour re-energised the genial Scotsman giving him a surge in confidence that resulted in his latest Feast of Consequences album hailed by many as his best in years.
While most of the new album was played throughout the evening on his first ever appearance in Durham City, Fish dipped occasionally into his back catalogue with “Big Wedge”, an ode to corporate greed seeming more appropriate now than ever. His time as frontman in Marillion was not overlooked either and less obvious album cuts including “Incubus”, “Slainte Mhath” and a stirring “Heart of Lothian” were enthusiastically welcomed.
As an expert raconteur Fish had a fine line in banter and sharp witted anecdotes that suggest that a career on the comedy club circuit could be on the cards if he ever called a day on his musical life, yet on current form that alternative calling can be put on hold for some time yet.
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