Prog & Progeny

Mark Kelly & Tallulah Kelly

Prog and Progeny is a podcast hosted by father-daughter duo Mark (keyboardist for Marillion) and Tallulah, exploring his life in music, the ups and downs of being in a band, and the personal stories in between.
Episodes loosely follow chapters from Mark’s memoir Marillion, Misadventures & Marathons, with space for honest conversations, the occasional guest, and plenty of tangents.

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42 episodes
Updated July 22
Explicit

Episodes42

Newest first

Oct 15, 2025 · 5 min
[PREVIEW] Questions 3
Here's where we answer the questions you sent us.
Oct 7, 2025 · 48 min
Episode 18
This week, Mark and Tallulah catch up with Producer/Engineer Nick Davis to chat about his time working with Marillion. Full of hilarious stories, Nick talks about how he blagged his way into the music industry, his first time meeting and working with Marillion, and what came after — producing albums and singles for the likes of Genesis and XTC. It’s a funny one, with chats about everything from the mechanics of a successful homemade hot air balloon, to music-related (and not-so-music-related) injuries, and touches on a key period when the band transitioned from Fish to h.
Sep 23, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
Going Under
This is the audio version which includes Mark reading Chapter 11 of his autobiography. In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah work through a turbulent chapter as the band edges toward breaking point. Steve is driving most of the ideas for the next album while Mark struggles with writer’s block. Behind the scenes, the crew is kept on payroll without work, John pushes EMI for more money, and drugs and late nights creep back into the picture. They discuss the growing divide as Fish drifts further from the band. As well as stories of injuries, excess, and surreal moments — from a dislocated shoulder and an ill-advised birthday stripper to gigs in Poland, a lightning strike in Italy, and meeting Prince Edward with Iron Maiden’s Nicko. Amid missed family time, mounting debts, and choices that would ultimately bring a big change to Marillion.
Sep 23, 2025 · 46 min
Going Under
In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah work through a turbulent chapter as the band edges toward breaking point. Steve is driving most of the ideas for the next album while Mark struggles with writer’s block. Behind the scenes, the crew is kept on payroll without work, John pushes EMI for more money, and drugs and late nights creep back into the picture. They discuss the growing divide as Fish drifts further from the band. As well as stories of injuries, excess, and surreal moments — from a dislocated shoulder and an ill-advised birthday stripper to gigs in Poland, a lightning strike in Italy, and meeting Prince Edward with Iron Maiden’s Nicko. Amid missed family time, mounting debts, and choices that would ultimately bring a big change to Marillion.
Sep 9, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Too Big to Fail (Including Book reading)
In this episode, Mark and Tallulah talk about the chaos of oversold venues in the manager's pursuit of profit, and surreal tour moments - from playing in Japan to the crew starting fires on planes. They delve into Marillion’s time playing with both Rush and Queen, including a bizarre party at Kensington Roof Gardens. Beyond the fun and surreal moments, Mark reflects on the harder realities: financial strain, increasing reliance on EMI, personal doubts, and the rifts that marked the beginning of the end of Marillion with Fish
Sep 9, 2025 · 42 min
Too Big to Fail
In this episode, Mark and Tallulah talk about the chaos of oversold venues in the manager's pursuit of profit, and surreal tour moments - from playing in Japan to the crew starting fires on planes. They delve into Marillion’s time playing with both Rush and Queen, including a bizarre party at Kensington Roof Gardens. Beyond the fun and surreal moments, Mark reflects on the harder realities: financial strain, increasing reliance on EMI, personal doubts, and the rifts that marked the beginning of the end of Marillion with Fish.
Aug 27, 2025 · 58 min
Do You Remember?
In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah continue through chapter 9, exploring the writing and recording of Misplaced Childhood in Berlin. They talk about the unexpected success of “Kayleigh,” the challenges of creating a concept album despite the record company’s doubts, and the many people who helped shape Marillion’s third record. Along the way, there are the usual discussions of pranks and silly drunken moments, balanced with a genuine look at what remains a pivotal point in Marillion’s career.
Aug 24, 2025 · 55 sec
[PREVIEW] Prog & Progeny Theme
I originally wrote this piece as an intro for the song Twenty Fifty One on the Marathon album. I sent it over to my nephew Conal, who added guitar, bass, and a modern drum track—thanks, Conal! As the song took shape, I realised this intro didn’t really fit, so it ended up gathering digital dust on a hard drive for a few years. Early this year, while hunting for a theme for this podcast, I stumbled across it again and decided to give it a new life. What you’ll hear now is an updated recording with some fresh parts added replacing most of the original recording but keeping Conal's picking guitar. I know it’s not the proggiest theme for a podcast called Prog and Progeny, but I hope you enjoy it all the same.
Aug 15, 2025 · 54 min
In conversation with Ian Mosley
In this episode Mark has a rambling conversation with Ian remembering his early days in Marillion and their time in Berlin recording Misplaced Childhood.
Jul 29, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
Interview with Simon Hanhart
This week, Mark and Tallulah are joined by Simon Hanhart, recording engineer on the Script for a Jester’s Tear, Fugazi and Real to Reel albums. Simon shares his memories of working with Marillion during a pivotal time in both his and their careers - covering the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From relentless studio exhaustion to gold discs and unexpected sound design tricks, this episode is a candid, nostalgic, and often hilarious look behind the scenes of Marillion's early recording adventures.
Jul 16, 2025 · 47 min
Kill The Pape (Part 2)
In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah discuss the short but notable tenure of drummer Jonathan Mover, the circumstances around his departure, and the arrival of Ian Mosley as his replacement. They also get into a few side stories, including a fire extinguisher prank gone wrong and some slightly obsessive behavior from Producer Nick. The conversation takes a few detours, including the differences between UK and American rock, the importance of band chemistry, and even Mark’s hair care routine.
Jul 1, 2025 · 39 min
Kill The Pape (Part 1)
In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah reflect on the writing of Marillion’s second album in Wales, and the pressure of creating new material on a tight deadline. They talk through the challenges that came with that process, both creatively and personally. They also look back on the band’s first U.S. tour - Mark’s first time traveling abroad - including early encounters with American food, the potency of Long Island Iced Teas, and the start of drummer Andy’s fast decline.
Jun 18, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
Charting The Singles
In this week’s episode, Mark and Tallulah continue their look at the making of Marillion’s first album and the band’s growing momentum. They share stories about playing the Marquee Club under fake names - leading to an unexpected run-in with a German airline - and performing Garden Party on Top of the Pops. The conversation also touches on the difficult decision to part ways with drummer Mick and bring in Andy Ward from Camel. Finally, they discuss the often tricky subject of how money gets divided in bands, and what fairness really means in that context. A quick note: We’re now moving all subscriptions over to Patreon. Tune in to hear what new benefits come with the switch, and how you can make the move if you’re already one of our subscribers. Cheers! Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly music https://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membership Buy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons at https://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htm email your questions to us at progandprogeny@gmail.com
Jun 3, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
Welcome to the Machine
This week Mark and Tallulah talk about managers — the good, the bad, and everything in between. They introduce John Arnison and reflect on Marillion’s first record deal with EMI, discussing what it was like to sign for the first time and the process of putting together their debut single. Mark also shares what it was like to start a family young, and how that overlapped with the early days of the band — and the pressure that came with trying to navigate both. Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly music https://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membership Buy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons at https://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htm email your questions to us at progandprogeny@gmail.com
May 21, 2025 · 33 min
Listener's Questions 2
In this episode we answer some more of your questions Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly music https://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membership Buy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons at https://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htm email your questions to us at progandprogeny@gmail.com
May 14, 2025 · 48 min
All Change (Part 2) with Pete Trewavas.
In this episode, Mark and Tallulah cover the second half of Chapter 5, All Change. They talk through the painful process of firing former guest on the podcast and ex-Marillion member Diz Minnitt, the arrival of current bassist Pete Trewavas, and the short-lived involvement of manager David Stopps - part of what’s starting to feel like a revolving door. Pete joins them in the second half to share his early memories of the band, including his first gig - featuring Fish on acid. An unconventional welcome, even by Marillion standards. They also reflect on the growing buzz during their Scottish tour, which, by the end, had them playing to noticeably bigger crowds, and, for the first time, success started to feel within reach. Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly music https://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membership Buy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons at https://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htm email your questions to us at progandprogeny@gmail.com
Apr 29, 2025 · 40 min
All Change (Part 1)
This week, Mark and Tallulah wade into the first half of Chapter 5, All Change. It features the band's first time playing at the Marquee Club and a few tales from the dressing room that are probably best left off the official record (but naturally, aren’t). The chapter captures that awkward in-between phase: gaining momentum, drawing crowds, but still broke enough to survive on potatoes and whatever resembled meat in the back of the fridge. Mark looks back with a mix of affection and amusement—proof that even when things were falling apart, it still somehow felt like progress. Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly music https://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membership Buy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons at https://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htm email your questions to us at progandprogeny@gmail.com
Apr 23, 2025 · 28 min
Listener's Questions
This is a bonus episode with some of your questions answered by Tallulah and Mark. Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly music https://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membership Buy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons at https://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htm email your questions to us at progandprogeny@gmail.com
Apr 15, 2025 · 59 min
Interview with Diz Minnitt
In this episode, Tallulah and Mark are joined by original Marillion bassist Diz Minnitt and his daughter, Alissimon. They chat about the early days of Marillion—life on the road, grafting for gigs, and travelling in their beloved (but extremely unsafe) van, Margaret. Diz and Mark reflect on Diz’s departure from the band, with Mark offering an apology for his part in it. They discuss the wider dynamics between bandmates and the tricky balance between the cutthroat nature of the music industry and the genuine friendships that somehow survive it. The conversation also turns to working with family, as Diz and Alissimon talk about their collaboration with his current band, Pride of Passion. Alissimon shares her own journey pursuing a career in music, and the episode ends with a taste of her incredible talent, so tune in to hear one of her tracks at the end. Links for this episode: Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly music https://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membership Buy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons at https://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htm email your questions to us at progandprogeny@gmail.com Pride of Passion - Legions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VctRe29kwPw Alissimon - Carousel https://alissimon.bandcamp.com/track/carousel
Apr 2, 2025 · 46 min
From Chemical Alice to Marillion
In this episode Mark and Tallulah dive into Mark’s communist upbringing—where his grand plan to improve poor working conditions didn’t exactly spark a revolution. They also revisit his early days in music with Chemical Alice (spoiler: the chemicals were very much in attendance). Tallulah gives their music a listen and… well, let’s just say she won’t be starting a fan club anytime soon. And finally, Marillion make an appearance—supporting Chemical Alice at a gig. Next time, OG Marillion member Diz Minnitt and his daughter Alissimon join Tallulah and Mark. Links for this episode: Chemical Alice - Henry the King https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03esiCXkzPU Become a member and get some great extras including unreleased Mark Kelly music https://www.patreon.com/c/progandprogeny/membership Buy Mark's Autobiography - Marillion, Misadventures and Marathons at https://www.marillion.com/shop/merch/book06.htm email your questions to us at progandprogeny@gmail.com