The ghost of Marillion past was well and truly exorcised with an intimate gig at Belfast's Empire.

Suited lead singer Steve Hogarth led the band on stage to perform a first half dominated with songs from their new album Marbles. And with a flawless voice, extremely charismatic stage presence and an intimate relationship with the audience, it proved to be an emotional evening for band and fans alike. Recent top ten single You're Gone went down a treat, as did Don't Hurt Yourself - which hits the shelves next week. And with all of the songs from Marbles lasting for a minimum of five minutes, the five-piece showed what masterful musicians they really are.

Some fans at last night's gig demanded Marillion play some Fish classics but there was no room for the former lead singer in the 'House of Hogarth.'

After a brief break, the band were back to treat the packed Empire to some of their past hits. Quartz and Between You and Me, taken from their last album Anoraknophobia, had the audience eating of their hand.

But it was the encore that proved the high point of the evening. A clearly emotional Hogarth told the chanting crowd, who had been waiting for the climax, that it had been 17 years since Marillion had played here, before dedicating the classic Easter - written about Northern Ireland - to the people of Belfast. "If this doesn't make me cry, then I'm a harder man than I thought", pronounced Hogarth, before launching into the song, which had fans old and new alike singing with one voice.

The reaction of the audience after the final chords of Easter were played stunned the band, who seemed loath to leave the stage. But leave they did - and after the reception they received it might not be too long before they're back on these shores.

Ashleigh Wallace