MARILLION are one of the UK music scene's best kept secrets; purveyors of soulful, powerful, and often deeply-moving music, with a long-standing reputation for blistering live shows which have earned them an impressive and faithful global fanbase. Marillion are performing at Manchester Academy on Monday 10th September and we are promoting their competition to give away three pairs of tickets the show.

Steve "h" Hogarth fronts the band (original lead-singer, "Fish", having departed in 1988), and brought a new heart and energy to the band when arriving in 1989 and becoming lead-vocal/lyricist. Predictions of doom were swiftly dispelled, as across a further TWELVE albums, Hogarth - along with existing member Steve Rothery (guitar), Mark Kelly (keyboards), Pete Trewavas (bass) and Ian Mosley (drums) - reinvigorated and constantly redefined Marillion's sound. They forged into new musical territories with a succession of inventive, emotional albums, displaying little regard to the vagaries of the musical "Fashion Police", or radio playlists. The line-up remains unchanged to this day.

After the release of 1999's 'marillion.com' the band banished the spectre of record company pressure once and for all by launching their own record label (the aptly-named Intact imprint) and freeing themselves up to produce some of the finest music of their career.

Thanks to their much lauded (and much copied) pioneering Internet-based rock n'roll business model, Marillion have developed a unique and intimate relationship with their fans. From sponsoring entire tours of the USA to funding the recording of recent albums, Marillion's global fan-base is unique in its affection and dedication.

The band has evolved into a vibrant musical force - to those who already love Marillion, they're something special; to everyone else they're a love affair waiting to happen.

During 2012, the band will be continuing the writing and recording of the new (yet to be titled) 17th studio album which will be released late in the year and performing a string of gigs in North and South America and all over Europe.

For tickets please visit www.ticketline.co.uk or ring the Box Office No: 0161 832 1111.

HOW TO WIN!

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question and email us (click here) your answer, together with your name, address and daytime contact telephone number (please mark Marillion Cheshire Competition in your subject line). Alternatively, you can post your entries to Marillion Cheshire Competition, Newspaper Promotions, 23a Hardshaw Street, St Helens, WA10 1RT. Closing date is August 28, 2012. Usual Newsquest rules apply click here for full list.

Question: Which studio album is Marillion working on at the moment?

a) 10th Studio album

b) 15th Studio alubm

c) 17th Studio album

email us (click here)

The Bolton News: twit small Follow us on Twitter: @NQNW_Promotions

The editor's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Employees of Newsquest Northwest, their families and anyone connected with this competition are not eligible to enter. Winners will be notified by email wherever possible and Newsquest Northwest takes no responsibility for unread emails which leads to prizes being untaken. Entrants must live in the Newsquest Northwest distribution area. In the unlikely event that a prize event is cancelled, no further prize will be given and there will be no cash alternative. Marillion may wish to contact you with further information, which may be of interest to you. Should you not wish to receive such information, please mark NO DATA on your entry.