You can be forgiven for thinking this sounds like one of those episodes that was recorded late in the evening, after we had both taken a drink.

'Possibly because this is one of those chapters of TCD that didn't quite go to plan. To start with the sketchy bit of research Ant had done proved to be of no great worth, so we ended up waffling and giggling.

Then we lost the zoom feed, and we didn't manage to re-connect until three days later.

Now of course we are ever the professionals (as you know) so we may have put a good shine on it. But just in case we didn't (there are some things you famously can't polish) I am putting my cards on the table. Ah - a straight flush!

Love'n'Rasputin (wasn't HE deaf in one ear?)

h

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As one door closes.

We have covered the end of the Brave tour over the last few episodes, and that means it's time we started talking about what happened next - the process that would lead to Afraid of Sunlight.

With a bit of prompting from Ant, I stiffened my sinews, girded my loins and persuaded the creaking cabbage in my head to throw up a few insights about the writing & recording of AOS. I did quite well as it goes, and recalled far more than I expected.

In diary news this week I am off to New York, to see Tommy (again) on Broadway and meet with the Director. You may recall that I was being put forward to play the title role when the show opened in Germany, and this was supposed to be the next stage of that journey. Supposed to be.

Love'n'Beethoven

h

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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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