Within the one hundredth version of Prog, printed in 2019, we requested a variety of distinguished style artists to speak about their influences. Pendragon guitarist-vocalist Nick Barrett selected Mick Pointer, who co-founded Marillion and gave the impression on their Marketplace Sq. Heroes EP and Script For A Jester’s Tear. After being fired in 1983 he went directly to shape Enviornment with Barrett’s colleague Clive Nolan – however Barrett argued Pointer’s achievements went a ways past neo-prog.
“Some high-profile musicians are thought to be geniuses and massively influential – however there also are those that virtually pass beneath the radar and not get a lot consideration. For me, Mick Pointer is this type of. He’s been extra accountable than other people know in creating a dent at the scene.
Mick began Marillion at a time when it gave the impression of prog had run its route. The massive bands from the 70s gave the impression to have come to the top in their existence cycle, and there was once not anything coming thru to fly the flag for modern song.
In 1982, Pendragon’s supervisor placed on a gig with Marillion headlining and ourselves as enhance. I take note Mick getting into our dressing room and asking if we’d love to enhance Marillion on the prestigious Marquee Membership in London. We jumped on the be offering, however didn’t be expecting to listen to the rest extra. Two weeks later Marillion’s supervisor John Arnison referred to as.
I will be able to’t emphasise sufficient what it supposed for us to get into the Marquee. At the again of it, different bands like IQ, 12th Evening and Solstice were given dates there as neatly. It kickstarted what become the second one wave of prog – and it was once all all the way down to Mick. We would have liked anyone to mild the blue touch-paper and set issues in movement.
Steven Wilson and Dream Theater cite Marillion as an inspiration. With out Mick, this complete house of song may have died
He was once at all times so keen about the song, and that rubbed off on the remainder of us. He additionally inspired bands like Pendragon at each and every alternative.
Let’s now not fail to remember that the likes of Steven Wilson and Dream Theater become vital to the next 3rd wave of prog, they usually cite Marillion as an inspiration. Once more, Mick must be given credit score; with out him, this complete house of song may neatly have died on the finish of the 70s.
Mick may be anyone who works very onerous. He’s, in fact, the person who based Enviornment with Clive Nolan, they usually’re one of the most few bands in the market who nonetheless do 35-date excursions. This present day, when such a lot of others accept doing only a few displays, they pass far and wide.
It typifies Mick’s determination and underlines that he nonetheless cares concerning the song. For him it’s now not about earning profits, however loving what he does.”
