September 1994. Mexico City.

What with opening an exhibition, climbing a pyramid and celeb-watching last week was quite a support-slot.

But that's all it was, a warm-up before the headline act hit the stage and it was show-time. So prepare yourself for the main event, or should I say main events, as the Mexico trip came to a head with back-to-back sold out shows.

And what a couple of shows, both pretty unique and slightly unusual...but we will get to that in due course.

And of course, there is the little matter of a silver market and a very special girl with pigtails.

Fantastico lugar.

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September 1994. Mexico City.

And after quite numerous diary extracts, and quite a lot of misplacing of possessions, the Brave Tour finally comes to an end. And what a way to finish.

Mexico had made a real impression on me the first time around, so I was really looking forward to this trip and for once I captured it in some detail. So let's relive the first part of what turned out to be quite an event-packed few days. Packed with boxers, bangles, painters and "Bono-moments".

And a word to the wise, always consider the possible implications before you decide to climb a pyramid when you're already 2250m above sea-level on a show-day...

It was Aztecs.

Toodle Pip,

h

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How do you celebrate the first birthday of a podcast...?

As it happened it all came together quite nicely, a livestream of the recording session, my birthday shirt, honeyed tequila and everybody's favourite drummer.

So cue a celebratory episode of TCD, with a bunch of your questions thrown in for good measure.

It really has become a very special little project, and both Ant & I thank you for your warmth and support.

love'n'toothpaste,

h

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And they’re back....

It seems you are all loving our Gilly & our Sue, which is kind of fortunate bearing in mind they are back for a second bite of the apple.

This week we get onto the ‘rockstar’ years and what life is like when your brother is jetting off all over the place. And taking himself VERY seriously. And sending postcards.

Also stay tuned for news of the special plans in place to make one whole year of TCD a bit of an event.

Gosh.

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Now this is something pretty special.

Ant was finally able to arrange the long-talked-of chat with my sisters. So, please give a nice big TCD welcome to 'our Gilly & our Sue'.

Of course I had no idea what had been said, so you can imagine my reaction to the tales of mischief perpetrated by my younger shelf. Needless to say I have no recollection of the curious incident of the dog in the garden.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy three members of the Hogarth clan in the single episode. And if you do, then you will be pleased to know there is more to come in TCD 51.

Lord preserve us.

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And that brings us around to 'the difficult second album'.

There is no doubt that up until we began writing what would become Holidays In Eden, the honeymoon period for band & new singer had held together pretty well.

As we headed back down to Brighton, and the slightly posher surroundings of Stanbridge Farm, the sun was (literally) shining both for us...and on us.

Of course when we finally left there was snow on the ground. We thought we had written three nailed-on hit singles, I had discovered that rice tastes good but FEELS better and that light occasionally goes a bit goo-ey and tastes of oranges.

But we will get to all of that in due course...

Love'n' Kit-Kats

h

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And so it began. Those first few shows with Marillion, and me thrust into the limelight - literally front and centre.

To finish off the story of 1989 means talking about life on stage, from the now infamous Crooked Billet to a ‘slightly less than planned for’ start in France.

As you will hear I really enjoyed the Seasons End tour, and the unique journey that each one of the shows afforded me and the boys.

Oh, and if you happened to stumble on a bin liner full of Paul Smith linen suits, could you let me know?

Much obliged.

h

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1989.

However you look at it, it was quite a year.

As a band, we got through quite a lot, even without the complication of a change in personnel. So strap in as we continue with my early impressions of Marillion, which this week means the recording of Seasons End at Hook End Manor and the joys of recording promo videos.

Whatever happens, by the time you get through the next 1:04:01 (hours/mins/secs) of Chapter 47 you are going to know;

1. how to deal with a barn fire
2. the most fun you can have with some birthday candles and a dry-cleaning bag
3. the first thing to do when the police turn up with a writ

Whoever said that TCD wasn't educational as well as entertaining.

Lord Bryon sends regards,

h

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For quite a lot of people, this part of the story has been a long time coming.

Those early months of 1989 have been the subject of many questions, as what would become the next thirty years of my life, began to be mapped out.

It's a tale that involves the son of a Shadow, a school friend of Pete's and my old drinking-buddy Darryl Way, along with a car that may (or may not) have been stolen and a first meeting that was never meant to be alfresco.

What I still can't fathom (as you will hear) is when I actually became the lead singer of Marillion.

Love'n'allergies

h

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Mmm, strange title, I hear you thinking.

Well I could have gone with 'Why ever would you call a child Muff?' or even 'Why does Pharrell never return my calls?' but in the end I decided a reminder to be decent & polite was most appropriate.

Of course you are now wondering what has any of this got to do with TCD Chapter 45? Well today we pick the How We Live story back up and follow it all the way through until the season finale.

Anyway, boy does it end on a bit of a cliffhanger. No spoilers though - you are just going to have to wait until next week to find out how it all plays out...

Love & suspense,

h

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