This retrospective looks back at how Steve Hogarth's live debut with Marillion in 1989 helped him win over sceptical fans following the departure of iconic frontman Fish. Fish's flamboyant persona and lyrical style had defined Marillion for six years, making his replacement an unenviable task, but the band avoided seeking a like-for-like substitute and instead chose the more understated, pop-influenced Hogarth, whose individual stage presence and voice proved distinct from his predecessor's.

Despite a positively received debut album, Seasons End, with lower sales than Fish-era records, the real test came on tour, where Hogarth admitted to being "frankly terrified" and bassist Pete Trewavas described the band as "fighting for our survival". At a show in Bradford, the band appeared visibly reenergised compared with the subdued mood of the previous Clutching At Straws tour, with guitarist Steve Rothery notably more animated. Hogarth, given free choice over which Fish-era songs to perform, delivered nervous but convincing renditions of tracks including Slainte Mhath, Kayleigh and Heart Of Lothian, signalling to fans that the band could thrive beyond Fish.