On October 6, Steve Hogarth (Marillion's singer) did a solo performance in Cervia, Italy in his "H Natural - solo voice and piano" series. This event was extra special because it was simultaneously broadcast in Second Life, allowing his fans from all over the world to virtually attend the gig.
Just as in real life, Steve's virtual counterpart stepped onto the stage and sat at the grand piano, which was lit by candlelight. The virtual fans were able to hear Hogarth's entire performance live, as it was broadcast into Second Life using an audio stream.
The event was a great succes. The fans in Second Life almost beat the real life fans in cheering, clapping, and shouting for songs. Many people said the concert in Second Life was "bizarre but brilliant".
The virtual concert goers had the opportunity to have their picture taken with Steve's avatar right after the concert. "It was just a big party, I made a lot of new Marillion friends here", one of the fans said.
A brand new online Marillion fanclub entitled "Second Web" was also formed in Second Life. Membership of the fan club is free, and comes with a complimentary "H Natural" t-shirt.
Marillion will play live in December, as they embark on their short "Snow-Where Else Tour" throughout the UK, Holland, France and Germany.
Setlist:
- Hollow Man
- Better Dreams
- The Last Thing
- Beyond You
- The Evening Shadows
- Waiting To Happen
- When I Meet God
- Ocean Cloud
- Rocket Man
- Fantastic Place
- Famous Blue Raincoat
- Out Of This World
- Cage
- The Party
- No One Can
- Imagine
- Number One
- The Space
- Neverland
- Three Minute Boy
- Cover My Eyes
- Afraid Of Sunlight
- Life On Mars
- Faith
- Easter
- This Is The 21st Century
Pictures by Valentina Woolley and Thom Lunasea.
