Live report MARILLION, 45 Hertz Open Air, Hamburg – July 8th, 2026

It had been quite a while since Marillion last performed in Hamburg. Their previous appearance dates back to 2018, when the British progressive rock legends took the stage at the Mehr! Theater am Großmarkt. Now, after a long absence, the band has finally returned to the Hanseatic city.

This time, Marillion is part of the lineup for the 45Hertz Open Air Festival. Held in the heart of Hamburg, the festival embraces a wide range of musical styles, bringing together artists from different genres. Marillion adds a progressive rock flavor to the event, much to the delight of the band’s loyal fans, who have been eagerly awaiting the chance to see them perform live once again.

Marillion underwent a major transformation in 1987 when their iconic frontman, Fish, left the band. During this first chapter of their career, it was especially the landmark album Misplaced Childhood that established them as one of the leading names in progressive rock.

What could easily have marked the end of Marillion instead became the beginning of a remarkable second chapter. With Steve Hogarth stepping in as lead vocalist, the band reinvented itself while staying true to its musical identity. Beginning with Season’s End, Marillion embarked on a highly successful new era that continues to this day. Tonight’s performance in Hamburg is yet another reminder of why the band remains one of progressive rock’s most enduring and respected acts.

After a bit of hassle with public transportation, I arrive at the venue just in time. Since it’s my first visit to the 45Hertz Open Air, I take the opportunity to explore the grounds before the show begins. The venue is a fantastic setting with music clearly taking center stage. Food trucks, a handful of bars, and a view at the impressiveHamburg TV Tower create a relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for Marillion’s music.

At 7:45 p.m., Steve Hogarth is the first to step onto the stage, opening the evening with an a cappella rendition of “Splintering Heart.” Before long, the rest of the band joins him one by one, launching into a two-hour set that perfectly showcases the enduring brilliance of progressive rock.

Tonight marks the fourth show of the band’s summer festival tour, and Marillion clearly seem to be enjoying life on the road. Frontman Steve Hogarth is the undeniable focal point throughout the performance. Not only is he an outstanding vocalist, but he also brings every song to life through expressive gestures and facial expressions, turning each performance into a captivating piece of musical theater.

Alongside Hogarth, guitarist Steve Rothery delivers another masterclass. His precise, elegant, and deeply emotional playing is a joy to listen to, holding the audience spellbound from beginning to end. Whether navigating delicate, atmospheric passages or unleashing powerful solos, Rothery appears completely at one with his guitar.

The rest of the band matches that same level of excellence. Pete Trewavas and Ian Mosley provide the heartbeat of the performance with their rock-solid rhythm section, while Mark Kelly adds the rich keyboard textures that have become an essential part of Marillion’s unmistakable sound.

The setlist focuses primarily on the Hogarth era, with songs from An Hour Before It’s Dark serving as the evening’s centerpiece. It feels especially fitting as the sun slowly sets behind the stage, creating a beautiful backdrop for the band’s latest material. The songs from the album almost become the soundtrack to the sunset, adding another layer to an already magical atmosphere. Judging by the countless smiling faces in the crowd, the audience is enjoying every minute of it. It is hard to remember seeing so many genuinely happy concertgoers at a single show.

Throughout the evening, the music remains the clear focus, with stage speeches are kept to a minimum. The songs speak for themselves, although Hogarth takes a moment to introduce the band and welcomes the audience shortly after “Splintering Heart.” His brief but heartfelt words, including a small motivational message, are warmly received by the appreciative Hamburg crowd.

Marillion close their regular set with “Man of a Thousand Faces” before returning for the first encore. The audience is then treated to a second encore, beginning with “Wave,” which is greeted enthusiastically by the fans. “The Great Escape” brings the evening to a magnificent close before an outro by The Beatles accompanies the audience on their walk back to the train station.

More than four decades into their career, Marillion remain as compelling as ever. Tonight’s performance is both powerful and refined, combining remarkable musicianship with outstanding entertainment value. It is a concert where intricate craftsmanship meets genuine emotion, making the two-hour set fly by and leaving the audience with an unforgettable experience.