Marillion MIDI Files: A Unique Story of Fan Engagement

When Marillion agreed to let fan Jeff Woods propose to his girlfriend over their public address system at a concert, it marked the beginning of an extraordinary story. Woods had written to Kelly to ask a favor in 1996 - would they allow him to propose to his then-fiancée Michelle during one of their London shows? The band agreed, and Woods' girlfriend was surprised when she heard her boyfriend's proposal over the PA system.

This summer, Marillion's online fan club, Freaks, suddenly evolved into something more than just a group of enthusiasts sharing music. A combination of music and email created a market-defying force that touched the lives of Kelly, Woods, and Bittar in different ways. Cesar Bittar, a teenager from Venezuela who had only recently been alive for as long as Marillion had existed, was thrilled to be part of the group.

The fans are equally enthusiastic about the band's online presence, with Kelly stating that it's 'such a good thing' to be actively involved like this. As an active member of Freaks, Kelly gets to connect with fans virtually and without the awkwardness that often accompanies physical contact. It took just a computer keyboard for Woods to become something of a legend.

With nine albums and over a decade and a half of live performances under their belt, Mark Kelly has made his living playing keyboards for British rock band Marillion. His story is one of fan engagement at its finest, showing how music can bring people together in unexpected ways.

Marillion midi files