Fish (singer)

Derek William Dick (stage name Fish), born 25 April 1958, is a Scottish progressive rock singer, lyric writer and occasional actor. After a patchy career as a gardener and forestry worker, he came to public attention in 1981 with the group Marillion, which he left in 1988.

He is sometimes compared to Peter Gabriel. He has a similar voice (not outstanding in terms of technical competence, but interesting, with a sinister edge). Both singers spent six or seven years with a prominent British progressive rock group, wearing full make-up and costume on stage, then left the group to pursue a solo career. In both cases, many fans of the groups consider the period in which the singer was present to represent a golden age in the group's history. One difference is that Gabriel has achieved greater critical and commercial success as a solo performer.

Perhaps Fish's greatest talent lies in his lyric writing. His introspective lyrics, often dealing with his own personal problems and addictions, can in many cases be considered fine poetry, regardless of the music. Many of his later works contain lengthy spoken word passages with the music simply acting as background. Shorter examples of such passages can be found in his Marillion works.

Fish established Dick Bros Records in 1993 after battles with his two former record companies, EMI and Polydor, but shut it down again later.

Album sleeve artwork for his four Marillion albums and most of his solo albums has been done by Mark Wilkinson.

Discography (studio albums, post-Marillion):

1990 Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors
1991 Internal Exile
1993 Songs from the Mirror (covers of other artists' work)
1994 Suits
1995 Yin (compilation of reinterpreted earlier material)
1995 Yang (compilation of reinterpreted earlier material)
1996 Fish Head Curry (limited edition live album, 5000 copies only)
1997 Sunsets on Empire
1998 Kettle of Fish (compilation)
1999 The Complete BBC Sessions
1999 Raingods with Zippos
2001 Fellini Days
2003 Field of Crows

External links:

Fish is not to be confused with Phish.