Steve Hogarth announces and releases Eight years after his last live show in the city, Steve ‘H’ Hogarth returned to Rome. For the recording of ‘SPQR’, he, once again, was accompanied by Italian band RanestRane, who provided acoustic instrumentation with harp, mandolin, harmonium and tablas. For this show, reimagining Marillion classics and solo material through cinematic arrangements, they were also joined by the Flowing Chords choir.
Recorded on February 3, 2024, at Rome’s Sala Sinopoli, H said at the time: ‘It’s with great pleasure that I can announce a return to Rome on Saturday 3 February 2024, to make another show – solo, and accompanied by local Romans, RanestRane, in an attempt to revisit the chemistry we had together last time in September 2015.’ Furthermore he states: ‘In England we have a saying ‘When in Rome… find yourself an amazing Italian band and gig with them’.’
Available for retail for the first time on 2CD+Blu-ray, and Black 3LP Gatefold, ‘SPQR’ offers the full concert experience, including songs such as ‘Thank You Whoever You Are,’ ‘Afraid of Sunlight,’ ‘Estonia’ and ‘Go!,’ alongside renditions of The Beatles’ ‘All You Need Is Love’ or Leonard Cohen’s ‘Famous Blue Raincoat’. It’s a love letter to Rome and an unforgettable journey for fans everywhere.
Pre-order the album ‘SPQR’ HERE
It‘s an intimate moment when Steve Hogarth delivers Leonard Cohen’s ‘Famous Blue Raincoat’. Stripped of all embellishment, Hogarth’s tender piano playing and deeply expressive vocals bring a new dimension to Cohen’s story of regret, longing, and quiet confession. Every note and lyric is infused with emotional nuance, creating a performance that is both haunting and profoundly personal.
Stream the single ‘Famous Blue Raincoat’ HERE
Steve Hogarth is best known as the charismatic frontman and lyricist of legendary British band Marillion. Renowned for his expressive voice, poetic lyrics and emotional performances, Hogarth has helped shape the band’s evolution into one of the most enduring and respected acts in progressive rock.
Outside Marillion, Steve has carved out a rich solo career that allows him to explore music in a more personal, cinematic way. His solo releases and collaborations, including projects with Richard Barbieri and the Italian progressive band RanestRane, reveal his gift for storytelling and atmosphere, blending rock, classical, and ambient influences with emotional honesty. Hogarth is celebrated for his ability to connect deeply with audiences, whether on grand stages or in stripped-down, acoustic settings. His songwriting often examines love, loss, spirituality and human resilience, delivered through a voice that remains one of the most unique and emotive in modern rock.