For the last couple of weeks I've been listening to parts of Marillion's post-Fish era catalogue, and I can only say that it's great stuff. For a long time I had the 'Fish Syndrome' with me (Let no shadow be cast over Fish), having a hard time embracing the albums the band put out after his departure in 1988, but today I can really appreciate the fact that they moved on and started to create a different kind of music.
One track that has really made an impact on me is 'Out Of This World' from the brilliant 'Afraid Of Sunlight' album released in 1995. The song depicts the story of British speed record breaker Donald Campbell, who in 1964 managed to set both the world land and water speed record, to this day remaining the only person to have done so. Tragically, on January 4th 1967, while trying to beat his own record in Coniston, England, Campbell's Bluebird K7 lifted from the surface of the lake and crashed at a speed of approximately 480 km/h, killing him instantly.
Inspired by the Marillion song, diver Bill Smith began searching for the wreck many years later, and on March 8th 2001 a large portion of the hull was raised, with Marillion members Steve Rothery and Steve Hogarth being present. Two months later, on May 28th, Campbell's body was recovered, and on September 12th his coffin was carried around the lake one last time before being interred in Coniston cemetery, with Steve Hogarth performing a solo rendition of 'Out Of This World'.
It's both a tragic and fascinating story, beautifully remembered in the song. I suggest you have a listen to it.
Donald Malcolm Campbell, 1921-1967
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