The name Marillion comes with the cult status that the band achieved over the years. They put forth a kind of progressive rock art that was heralded by many as one of the most unique and enduring sounds to emerge out of the era of the 1980s. The group first formed in England in 1979 and got their original name, Silmarillion, from the title of a well-known J.R.R. Tolkien book. The line up started with Steve Rothery, Doug Irvin, Brian Jelliman and drummer Mick Pointer. They underwent a few changes to the band members before releasing their debut album, Script for a Jester's Tear, in 1983.

Their first album turned out to be a success, showcasing intricacy and a level of complexity while also demonstrating a tone of theatrics. It was the perfect introduction for the band, and the record spawned singles like "Script for a Jester's Tear," "Garden Party" and "Chelsea Monday." Many fans still cite this record as one of their favorites from the progressive rock group. They went on an ambitious touring schedule and followed up their first recorded effort with 1984's Fugazi, which spawned the British hits "Assassin" and "Punch and Judy." Only a year later they released Misplaced Childhood, which granted them what is perhaps their greatest success to date, "Kayleigh," an intimate ballad that reached the number two position on the U.K. charts.

The band began to crumble when group member Fish developed alcohol problems, and he soon left Marillion to pursue his own solo career. The remaining band members soldiered on releasing albums that included Clutching at Straws, Season's End and Holidays in Eden. One of the most successful records that the group dropped after Fish's departure was Afraid of Sunlight. The album contained the hit tracks "Out of This World," "Afraid of Sunlight" and "King." Although the band members still tour occasionally today, the height of their success was surely throughout the 1980s.