1. What made you decide to write a book now?
I actually had no thoughts of writing a book until Nick Shilton mentioned that he thought I might have a book in me and a story to tell when he was interviewing me about my solo album in December 2020. That got me thinking and with the whole world locked down I was sat at home with not much to do so I set about writing it.
2. Having written your self-titled solo album, Mark Kelly’s Marathon, was the freedom of having 100% creative control an influence on why you wanted to write a book?
In my opinion, having 100% creative control is a little overrated. I like collaborating with people, especially talented people whose opinions and contributions i value. The danger with being the boss and if nobody challenges you, is you may disappear down a rabbit hole and possibly not produce your best work. Certainly, in Marillion I have total freedom to be creative, as does everyone else. If an idea is really good, and you know it, he will push for it to be used even if nobody agrees.
3. You wrote the book alongside journalist Phil Wilding. Why Phil and how did that co-writing relationship work?
As I’m not a professional writer I knew I would need some help and I enlisted Phil Wilding to polish my writing chapter by chapter. Initially, the plan was that I would dictate the story and then he would write it up but I found it very difficult. In the end, we agreed that I would write the chapters one at a time, send it to him and then he would polish it. It worked really well because he’s got a great style and the same sense of humour as me. Reading the changes that he made I felt it was improved but was still my voice which was important to me.
4. The book contains lots of marvellous tales and yarns, but were you concerned about putting anyone’s nose out of joint by telling them?
When I was writing it I gave little thought to who would read it and what they might think of it. When it was finished, seeing it there in black-and-white and about to be published made me stop and think who I might hurt or upset with the things I’ve written. I really wanted to be honest and tell the whole story but of course I still have to live and work with the people in my story. Before publication potentially controversial passages were checked by a lawyer and as a result some had to be edited or removed completely, which is a shame but I was informed that my right to free speech is trumped by other peoples right to privacy! In the end, I don’t think the book suffered because of these edits so that’s fine.
5. Has Fish read your book? If so, have you had any feedback from him? Does it niggle that people STILL ask about Fish?
Fish was very keen to read my book and called me up as soon as it was published to ask if I was going to send him a copy. I had already decided that I would even though I wondered if it might upset him. His reaction to the things I’ve written about him was much better than I expected. He was quite complimentary but did make the point of saying that this was just my version of events and reading my book had given him the push that he needed to write his own. I look forward to reading it when he finally publishes.
6. Do you get time to read much these days? If so, what have been your recent reads?
I love reading but like many hobbies I neglect it in favour of other things that require my time so I don’t read as much as I would like to. I do all my reading on a kindle these days and so have usually five or six books on the go at the same time. I am currently reading three books about the history of Brazil (my wife is Brazilian) I’m also reading a book about Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson and I recently finished The Revenge of Power by Moises Naim, a book everyone should read and a less serious read, the bestseller “This is Going to hurt” by Adam Kay, hilarious book about life as a junior doctor.
7. Are you a fan of music biographies?
I love biographies, and that includes music biographies. In preparation for writing my own I read “The Dirt”, the story of Mötley Crüe, amongst others. It made me realise that my life story is quite tame and it wasn’t going to make the best-sellers list as a sensational “tell all” Sex, Drugs and Rock ’n’ Roll biography!
8. Do you have a favourite book – a desert island read? (It doesn’t have to be music based)
I’m going to cheat a bit and say that I have a favourite series of books. It’s The Dark Tower series by Stephen King. I’ve read them all twice and listen to them as audiobooks.
9. Do you think you might like to update your book in, say, 10 years time?
I had so much fun writing it that I would love the idea of updating it at some point in the future. I was quite sad when it was finally finished and kind of wish that I had something else to write about so I could do it all over again. I haven’t managed to think of anything so far.
