> From Bucks Herald,
> ROCK BAND'S YOUNG FANS
> Schoolchildren meet Marillion to record new version of the band's hit song
> Beautiful
> "Rock band Marillion, one of Aylesbury's most famous exports, proved they
> had more staying power than the Spice Girls.
> A class of primary school children raised on the likes of Sporty and Posh
> and the band Steps proved that the 80s band, famous for their hit 'Kayleigh'
> were far from past it, by becoming their latest fans.
> Marillion threw off their rock star image and were on their best behaviour
> when they recorded a special track with 32 children at their studios just
> outside Aylesbury. The unusual session was the result of a competition the
> band set up last Christmas. Instead of sending out 'seasons greetings'
> cards, Marillion sent a CD to fan club members which included some of their
> most popular tracks without the lyrics, and fans were asked to singalong,
> karaoke style.
> Long-time fan, teacher Anne Bond from Dudley, in the West Midlands, had her
> class write out the lyrics in their handwriting class, and then they sang
> their words and sent their version to Marillion. The band were so impressed
> they invited them to record the karaoke version of the track, which will be
> released at Christmas. Steve Hogarth, singer and lyricist who composed and
> sang Beautiful, said: "It brought tears to my eyes when I heard the children
> singing it."
> The band were just back from Paris after an hour long special for
> French-style MTV, and took time out from rehearsing for an upcoming tour to
> give the children a taste of fame. Headteacher Janeen Slack said: "This is a
> fantastic opportunity for the children, they are so excited and they have
> all worked so hard practising."
> Father-of-two Steve got a little misty-eyed once again as the children
> launched into 'Beautiful' and gave a special meaning to the words: 'Heaven
> only knows we live in a world where what we call beautiful is just something
> on sale; people laughing behind their hands while the fragile and the
> sensitive are given no chance.'
> Bass player Pete Trewavas, still limping slightly from his bicycle accident
> which landed him in intensive care in January, said: "When we had the idea
> it hadn't entered my head that a class of schoolchildren might enter.
> There's something very poignant about them singing this particular song."
> Guitarist Steve Rotherby (sic) said: "It's quite a surreal experience, but
> there is an instant charm about children singing these lyrics."
> Steve was a big hit with the girls (I think they mean H here, sorry
> Rothers!). Ten-year-old Annie Foxhall said: "They're really friendly, and
> good at singing. Steve is really good looking and I would definitely go and
> see him in concert." Her best friend Stacey Nash (10) thought the band was
> 'wicked' and admitted that she thought Steve was 'very nice'. But Josh
> Spencer (10) was less taken with the day: "It's too much hard work having to
> practice all the time and keep singing it over and over again" he said.
> Marillion's new album, marillion.com will be released on October 18, and
> there is a warm-up show at the Zodiac Club in Oxford on October 14 (so we
> missed it then!) before their November tour.
> --
> M@urice
> ICQ: 42857735 ~ http://home.kabelfoon.nl/~mdielem/ ~
> Cp: Marillion.com
