The 1980s: New Wave of British Heavy Metal and Prog Revival
During the early to mid 1980s the Marquee became an important venue to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Def Leppard played their first show on the Pyromania World Tour here, and included a different setlist from the rest of the shows on that tour. There was a glam revival spearheaded by Hanoi Rocks,The Babysitters and the Quireboys etc. NWOBHM bands such as Angel Witch, Diamond Head, Witchfynde and Praying Mantis were regulars and Iron Maiden were filmed playing there for LWT documentary 20th Century Box (introduced by a very young Danny Baker).
The Marquee was also the central venue of the progressive rock revival of the early 1980s. It was here that the then unsigned Marillion began to gain a wider fan base and press interest playing frequent two night residencies to a sold out crowd. Other neo-progressive rock acts of the time regularly headlining at the club included Twelfth Night, Solstice, and Pallas, often supported by acts such as Pendragon or IQ who would in later years become leading lights of the "neo-prog" scene. Other progressive bands regularly playing the Marquee at this time included Quasar, Haze, Cardiacs and Liaison (who were not strictly prog but seemed to become linked to the movement).
New wave and indie bands also appeared including "Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps Please" one-hit wonders Splodgenessabounds, and the almost-cult band The Hummers.
During this period The Club held heats and the final of Melody Makers 'band contests'.
Read more about this topic: Marquee Club
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