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The Corona Diaries

Steve Hogarth

Lead singer of Marillion, father, hippy, punk, soul singer, progressive rockstar (wtf!), defender of the faith, voice of reason in a world gone crazy...

...and now podcaster.

Join me as I talk about my life and what is rambling around in my head.

Along the way I will focus on some of the stories that have shaped my career and my life, as well as reading from my diaries and offering my take on the wider world.

Stay safe,

P.S I began this journey just as CoVid-19 took hold and changed our lives, possibly forever, so it seems apt to reference that in the naming of the podcast.

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S1 · E269
September 21 · 54 min
Chapter 269. Asleep in the car park.
Ant wanted me to mention three things pivotal to this week's chapter of TCD. SET-LIST SPOILERS about half way through the pod we have a discussion about the set-list for the UK tour, we did include a warning in the recording, but for the purpose of prepping you here it is a second (or first) time! The hotel chain that we mentioned used to be branded as the Jurys Inn Apparently you need between 30-40,000 purchases in a single week to take a single to the top of the charts in the UK. In other news I sprinkled my usual positive footballing vibes on Old Trafford on Wednesday Night, but then again they never win when I am there. Love'n'lashings-of-custard h TCD Merch Store Become Purple and support the show The Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997 The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014 Facebook Instagram Website
S1 · E268
September 7 · 1 hr 2 min
Chapter 268. Lost or lifted; the Philishave conundrum.
’ve played a great many gigs since joining the band in ‘89 and quite a few new ones have been added to our “circuit” along the way. Something we haven’t really reflected on much, is how the tour venue choices have evolved. So today we fell into a conversation about the venues on the upcoming UK tour, and how they compare to days gone by. Where do I miss playing, where do I like going back to, and what is my second favourite gig in London. Not forgetting Richie Benaud, (who was a very famous cricket commentator, back in the day) and a chat about the current membership of Showaddywaddy (which will be a mystery for non-Brits) particularly as it looks like the incredibly named Romeo Challenger is a mainstay on drums after all. Who knew?! All perfectly straightforward h TCD Merch Store Become Purple and support the show The Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997 The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014 Facebook Instagram Website
S1 · E267
August 25 · 50 min
Chapter 267. Twice in a lifetime
Lord, it seems like an age since we recorded this and tbh I am not quite sure what we talked about. I can tell you it was the balance of the post-Pompeii chat (and that it happened on #plumday) but life has moved on since then, and recall is rarely linear for me these days. It tends to wash over me in waves. In other news the ICG reissues have finally arrived, and they look bloody lovely. Today, can certainly be classed as one of my 3650 good days. Love’n’first-time-on-vinyl h TCD Merch Store Become Purple and support the show The Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997 The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014 Facebook Instagram Website
S1 · E266
August 10 · 52 min
Chapter 266. It's possible they could be Stanley
Plum Day comes but once a year, and as it turned out this year it was on Tuesday 4th. "But what is Plum Day" I hear you cry, well that is the day that Ant and I settle ourselves in the garden at Hogarth Towers, pick the ripened plums off the tree, and generally talk bollocks. It started a couple of years ago, post a Cropredy performance with Trevor, and has now become a bit of a thing. And this year's crop are juicy, and sweet, but we had to get in quick because they have also peaked a little early. Premature you might say. Anyway it gave us a chance to pick over the bones of Pompeii (assuming that isn't too inappropriate as a phrase) and record a couple of episodes of TCD in person. First up is Soundcheck, the Choir and Andy G... h x TCD Merch Store Become Purple and support the show The Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997 The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014 Facebook Instagram Website
S1 · E265
July 27 · 38 min
Chapter 265. All roads lead to Pompeii (it's just they are a little bit windy, a little bit scary, and full of nutters...)
It's been a bit of a week... We weren't even sure if TCD was going to be a thing this week, what with me being on my holibobs and Ant out and about with his proper job. But we managed to find a bit of time late on Wednesday evening, which meant I was able to elaborate on the quirks and wrinkles that have come my way since I arrived in Italy, what with the car parking, the back streets and the fact I have misplaced my trousers. And to those of you venturing to these parts for the shows, I am looking forward to seeing you and I hope we all have a smashing time. It really should be something special. Love'n'vessels h TCD Merch Store Become Purple and support the show The Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997 The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014 Facebook Instagram Website
S1 · E264
July 13 · 1 hr 7 min
Chapter 264. Truncated & Distilled
Cast your mind back a couple of weeks to the last chapter of TCD (...sorry Lucy). You know the one I am talking about, where I was set the challenge of coming up with a single CD of material that spoke to my musical output across all the various projects I have been involved. So by the end of #263 I managed to put together a sort of working list, narrowing it down to thirty-odd tracks I thought were representative of me and my career. But of course that didn't really answer the question that Robert Brooke had offered up; so today Ant pushed me hard to get it down to the eighty minutes or so that would fit on a single CD. As it turned out I got fairly close... Love'n'soft landings h TCD Merch Store Become Purple and support the show The Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997 The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014 Facebook Instagram Website
S1 · E263
June 27 · 58 min
Chapter 263. An announcement and an epitaph
It might seem like there is a somewhat cavalier approach to TCD (...sorry Lucy) this week, what with the big reveals, and the joining-of-the-dots with the last piece of purple bonus content. So if you are feeling a little confused, here are the three things we are juggling: The announcement, which I haven't been able to talk about for nearly three months, can now be made public...and it marks a big first for me. We referenced back to the last Q&A and a cracking question from newbie Kevin Bremner about the best three tracks to close an album. And then we stole a question destined for a future Q&A from Robert Brooke, just because Ant thought it was a bit of a belter. And do you know what, I agree with him. And if you want to listen to the said Q&A it is available to purchase, just click here Right, that should be enough to get yiu started. Love'n'fayedunaway h TCD Merch Store Become Purple and support the show The Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997 The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014 Facebook Instagram Website
S1 · E262
June 15 · 1 hr 2 min
Chapter 262. The Hoggarthian Principle
So, here’s how it went down this week… 1.⁠ ⁠Our normal in-depth production schedule exchange took place over WhatsApp on Monday 2.⁠ ⁠Recording commenced bang on 10:37am on Tuesday morning, conditions were normal with a gentle pace and favourable headwinds. 3.⁠ ⁠Approximately 20 minutes a largely throwaway comment, somewhat metaphysical in nature, threw Ant off course. 4.⁠ ⁠We took that concept on a hell of a ramble, with canine in tow, and plenty of mint-cake (courtesy of my birthplace). Ant suggested we went old-school for the spelling, he thinks the double-g seems to work better for some reason, I can’t say I am convinced but if I am going to put my name to something then it might as well be accurate. Then again as none of you actually exist it probably doesn’t matter that much. h TCD Merch Store Become Purple and support the show The Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997 The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014 Facebook Instagram Website
S1 · E261
June 1 · 1 hr
Chapter 261. I merely popped out for a sandwich
The first question that most people ask when I reveal I have recorded nearly 500 episodes of this podcast is "surely you must have run out of things to talk about by now?" Well this week's TCD (...sorry Lucy) is a perfect example of how we have got to 261 chapters and a similar number of bonus episodes. Firstly we can get half a podcast out of literally anything, the example for today is me making a decision to nip out for some lunch. Secondly because we can't actually deliver what we plan for any episode whatsoever within the allowed time slot, we are invariably finishing off the thing that we didn't finish last time. So again, using today as the example, we have a crack at the few questions that we didn't get to in the last Purple Q&A episode, because last time out we were too busy banging on about something else - not that I can remember what that was. Anyway thanks to Kenton, Mike and Wendy for putting forward your questions. Love'n'crabs h TCD Merch Store Become Purple and support the show The Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997 The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014 Facebook Instagram Website
S1 · E260
May 14 · 53 min
Chapter 260. I scream pre-order
Now you might be wondering why this chapter of TCD (...sorry Lucy) has turned up a little bit early, because let's be honest we don't have a reputation for being this on the ball. It kind of revolves around my birthday (today), the fact it is a significant one (three score and ten) and the upcoming special edition releases of Ice Cream Genius. And that is all I am going to say at this point in proceedings, to find out the rest you are just going to have to listen to the episode. Right, I am off to kick-start with a special-day-sized Muff Liquor Gin... Love'n'lashes h TCD Merch Store Become Purple and support the show The Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997 The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014 Facebook Instagram Website
S1 · E259
May 4 · 51 min
Chapter 259. Egg-Fifteen
In a change to the normal way of working it is Ant here, providing you with the episode notes for the latest chapter of TCD (...sorry Lucy). What that does mean is I can take this opportunity to put the podcast title into some form of context, and offer up a grovelling apology to my co-host. Through the course of the pod you are going to get an explanation as to the specifics, but the fact is I was more than a little dubious of the explanation I was provided with, at the point that it was uttered. Now, in my defence Mr h. does have previous in terms of the accuracy of some of his assertions, indeed it's a theme that we pick up on in this very chat. But in the case of the Eggy explanation he was absolutely bang-on, and credit where credit is due, I am happy to attest to the error of my ways. Anyway, that's it from me, I hope you enjoy the next fifty minutes or so. TCD Merch Store Become Purple and support the show The Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997 The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014 Facebook Instagram Website
S1 · E258
April 20 · 55 min
Chapter 258. The well oiled machine
You don't have to have been following TCD (...sorry Lucy) that intently to know that the beat combo is in the middle of writing and recording a new album. Now I have been around this world for a very long time, and I am here to tell you that I don't think it really matters who the artist or band is, there isn't a particular definition of normal for this process. That said, the Marillion way is probably still a good distance from anything you could class a norm. So what we have tried to do this week, is give you a bit of a flavour of what is currently going on in Marillion Towers as the machinery starts to creak into life. And to do that we needed some extra intelligence, and as a happy coincidence that is what we got. Love'n'dodgy salmon h
S1 · E257
April 6 · 55 min
Chapter 257. CPD for the Prog Community
It’s all about personal growth this week as Ant and yours truly open ourselves up to the process of re-evaluation. It all started a few weeks ago when we happened to mention, quite casually as it transpired, that neither of us were moved by the music of Rush. As it turned out a goodly number of the purple community were a little vexed by this admission. So we decided that maybe we should take some time to revisit Rush, and asked for some listening recommendations which the said Purps duly provided. And this episode is our response to that process….would we be won over to the musical charms of the Alex, Geddy & Neil? Love’n’anticipation h P.S the albums that Ant and I put forward for evaluation are as follows; Jason Isbell - Southeastern Massive Attack - Mezzanine Trueloves Gutter - Richard Hawley Hats - The Blue Nile
S1 · E256
March 23 · 56 min
Chapter 256. Adrian and the Magic Hour
So…outside through the open sliding door is the calm azure Caribbean and above, a wide open blue sky, as the tap tap on my cabin door - exactly on time - summons me to welcome in a genius, a legend and someone fast-becoming a “goofball-brother”. It takes one to know one (a goofball I mean…). Now I could bang on for hours about what he has achieved, his extraordinary playing, or the records he sprinkled his peculiar gold dust all over. But you either know already, or you’re about to get a glimpse (you can always Google his discography, I did and it blew my mind). So I invite you to just kick back and enjoy this magic hour. And with that, all that is left is to say is…ladies and gentlemen I give you Adrian Belew! Love’n’cruising h TCD Merch Store Become Purple and support the show The Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997 The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014 Facebook Instagram Website
S1 · E255
March 9 · 54 min
Chapter 255. The Great Milk Stand-Off
Before we start I need to draw your attention to something. If you have been listening for a while you know that TCD has never shied away from the odd expletive or two. However today's chapter is a little more littered than usual, and I wanted to give you ample warning, and beg forgiveness from Christine. There are a couple of reasons for this, but the most obvious is that drink had been (and was continuing to be) taken, both by me and also by our guest. But before you judge you need to know it had been well-earned, following the near-perfect execution of a daring and audacious mission to smuggle contraband from the mainland. Where we were less successful, was in getting an enormous amount of solid intel from our guest. Now, if you have ever spent any time with Frenchie (AKA Rich from Marillion) then maybe you will understand why. But as with everything to do with Frenchie it doesn't matter, because he is not only the lifesaver of all lifesavers, and a man to whom I owe a great deal, he is above all a joy to be around. Love'n'hendricks h
S1 · E254
February 23 · 1 hr
Chapter 254. Banging on about Fablon
Now, even by our standards this is a little confusing. Last week we sat down to record a patron-only Q&A, and we weren't 100% successful. We did manage to record, and we did end-up with a piece of purple content, but we didn't get around to actually answering any of your questions. This week we should have been recording a non-patron episode, and one that did include a guest contributor. We did manage to record, but at some point along the way we managed to misplace the guest, so we had to come up with a different plan. Which means (deep breath) we sat down and recorded a patron-only style Q&A episode but one that is also available to non-patrons, we actually answered some of your questions but we weren't able to ask any of our own questions, because the guest who was invited somehow became uninvited. Oh, and Ant forgot to include the intro... Other than that it all went swimmingly x She Used To Be Mine - Sara Bareilles and Rufus Wainwright Bob Mortimer & Fuji 9 Fablon TCD Merch Store Become Purple and support the show The Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997 The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014 Facebook Instagram Website
S1 · E253
February 9 · 1 hr 1 min
Chapter 253. And then there were three
I seemed to recall that we said at some point that we would try and get a few more guests on TCD (...sorry Lucy), it could have been as a result of passing the 250 mark or it might even have been a sort of NY resolution. Now clearly anything that either of us states as an intention (or even a hard-and-fast truth) should be taken under advisement, but in this case it is playing out as described. Saying that I didn't think all of them would be so close to home, because today marks the debut of the third (in podcast terms) and the first (chronologically speaking) of my offspring, with the appearance of Sofi. I have really enjoyed these episodes, not least because of how proud I am of all of them, but also because of the little nuggets of insight that have been uncovered as we have chatted. Love'n'loud trousers h TCD Merch Store Become Purple and support the show The Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997 The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014 Facebook Instagram Website
S1 · E252
January 26 · 52 min
Chapter 252. Father and (other) Son
Buses. You wait 251 episodes to get one of my boys on the pod, and just like that you get the other one. Actually it was all a bit odd this week, Ant is away in California so we have been juggling and crowbarring, just to find a suitable moment to sync the time zones and press record. And yes before you ask, crowbarring is a word. Anyway not wanting to be the odd brother out, Nial was able to join us for a chat that threw up some Hoggarthian nuggets of random fact. Two hundred and fifty in and we are still unearthing this stuff, everyday is indeed a school day. Love'n'ladders h TCD Merch Store Become Purple and support the show The Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997 The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014 Facebook Instagram Website
S1 · E251
January 12 · 57 min
Chapter 251. Father and Son
I don't know if it is because we are in a new year (Happy 2026 btw) or because it feels a while since the 250th, but this episode feels like a new start, maybe a do-over, or even a hard reset. (of course all of that is merely a figure of speech, and for those of you that worry about these things I am not currently trying to press a little button on the base with an unfolded paper clip). Anyway Ant and I have been having production chats about what the next incarnation of TCD (...sorry Lucy) is going to sound like, and the first thing that came to mind was 'get some more guests on!'. And so that is where we have started, and for #251 that means we answered the oft-quoted-call, and got one of the kids in. Love'n'third-born h TCD Merch Store Become Purple and support the show The Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997 The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014 Facebook Instagram Website
S1 · E250
Dec 15, 2025 · 1 hr 34 min
Chapter 250. Intensive Care
It's not every week that you get all five members of the beat-combo on the same episode of a podcast (in fact it is possible that we were popping the 'ol podcast cherry, collectively speaking). But then it isn't every week that we record the 250th episode of TCD!! It made for an eventful recording process, and indeed a game of two halves, as we huddled around a single microphone in my hotel room in Utrecht to try and make this semiquincentennial episode something a bit special. And do you know what? I think we might have managed it! Despite being “post-the-best-gig-in-living-memory” shattered, the boys brought their 'A' game to the table, and Ant (bless him) has put in an extra special effort to wrestle the edit into submission and sprinkle it with sparkles. It's been a special project for me, one that so many of you have embraced and carried on your shoulders, and for that I will always be truly grateful. Love'n'milestones h

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