First off, news from the Marillion camp. New frontman, STEVE HOGARTH, has a bit of a murky past behind him. It seems that he used to play keyboards in that 'wonderful' heavy metal band 'Europe'. That's right kids, those 'Parp Parp'ing keyboards on the cheesie 'Final Countdown' and other such hits as 'Carrie' and 'Rock The Night' were played by none other than Mr Fish's erstwhile replacement. Shame on you, Mr Hogarth. Still, with TWO keyboard players in the band now, in bodes well for a squiddly diddley future for Marillion.

I also hear that they're going to do a special show just for fan club members at the Astoria later this year, so get your subs money sent to The Web before it's too late! 

I've heard that not all is well in the Jadis camp at the moment. If I heard right, and I usually do, drummer Mark Law has stormed out of their shared house. For what reason, I hear you ask. Musical differences? Personal reasons? Loud grunting noises from certain bedrooms? No, none of the above. Apparently, Gary Ghandler swipped a couple of bags of muffins from his bread factory, and ate them all before Mark got out of the bath! He was so furious that he packed his bags and left, there and then.

Also storming out is guitarist Des de Mona from Satanic pub proggers 'A Company Of Wolves' just hours before their headline at the Dunstable Wheatsheaf. A clash of faiths is thought to be to blame. I just wish the buggers had told me BEFORE I drove 300 miles to see them. 

Best gig of the year so far must be the well under-rated Queensryche. They performed their magnicifcent opus 'Operation Mindcrime' infront on hoards of screaming PROG-metal kids. Second must be God-proggers Kings X supporting metalthrashingmad thrashers Anthrax at the Brixton Academy (with Elixir and Ark in Milton Keynes a cruel third, so far).

Well, that's me done for. I'll see you all next issue.

THE THIRD MAN