Afraid of Sunlight (album)

Afraid of Sunlight is Marillion's eighth studio album, released in 1995. It would be their last for EMI Records.

Related Topics:
Marillion - EMI Records

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While not a concept album as such, Afraid of Sunlight examines the destructive side of celebrity. In particular, "Afraid of Sunlight" relates to the likes of James Dean, while "Out Of This World" is about world land and water speed record holder Donald Campbell, killed in 1967. "King" refers to Elvis Presley, and, the band has hinted, to Michael Jackson. The song "Beyond You" is reminiscent of Phil Spector's Wall of Sound productions, and is recorded monaurally, rather than in stereo.

Related Topics:
Concept album - James Dean - Donald Campbell - 1967 - Michael Jackson - Phil Spector - Wall of Sound - Monaural - Stereo

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The first half of the album has a more satirical tone. "Gazpacho" lampoons the Hollywood lifestyle; "Cannibal Surf Babe" is a Beach Boys pastiche; and "Beautiful"'s utopian lyrics may be written from the perspective of an unmoored celebrity.

Related Topics:
Hollywood - Beach Boys

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Steve Hogarth named the 1980 Martin Scorsese film Raging Bull, about a boxer's inability to deal with fame, as a strong influence on the album. Hogarth also cited OJ Simpson, on trial for murder at the time the album was recorded, as another influence on its theme.

Related Topics:
Steve Hogarth - 1980 - Martin Scorsese - Raging Bull - OJ Simpson

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The wreckage of Donald Campbell's Bluebird K7 and Campbell's remains were not recovered until May 28, 2001 when diver Bill Smith was inspired to look for the wreck after hearing "Out Of This World". Both Steve Hogarth and Steve Rothery were present at the raising.

Related Topics:
May 28 - 2001 - Bill Smith

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