News

• 1/6/03 - For some bizarre reason, the domain name joncollins.net became available a couple of weeks ago, so I snapped it up quick and I've been wondering what on earth to do with it ever since. Finally I've linked it through to a Web log ("blog"), whether or not I manage to keep that up to date I don not know, but one can only try these things! So what was the point? Oh yes. I'm starting a new book. More news when I have it, and I'll be writing it in a diary at the aforementioned blog. The days really will be just packed.
• 31/5/03 - Hi folks, here's another news update. I've just accepted an invitation to become an ambassador for Action Aid, this means I have to let people know about the charity's work (OK so far) and give them pots of money (OK here as well). I ummmed and ahhhed about taking up the job, but I decided that it was the best opportunity I could ask for to find out exactly what happens once the envelope has been sealed and sent off. So I'm in. For a year. We'll see where it takes me.
• 1/5/03 - A quick update on the book sales. Copies shifted to the end of the year were just over 3,000, two thirds of these were hardbacks (obviously). By April 2003, a further 1,200 copies have been sold, with a late peak reflecting its introduction to the US market. Sales continue to be, in the publisher's words, "strong".
• 5/3/03 - We have heard the rumour that Separated Out may be translated into Polish. Nothing concrete yet, mind!
• 3/3/03 - Separated Out is available in HMV on Oxford Street, London, where it is part of HMV's 3-for-2 music books offer. In fact, all of the books are!
• 6/1/03 - Looks like Amazon.com is now stocking Separated Out for pre-order, here , at $13.97 plus shipping. Again, the expected release date in the US is 28 March 2003.
• 6/1/03 - Please note that the final few hardbacks are now being sold at Helter Skelter www.helterskelterbooks.com. A few dozen copies remain we are told, and their numbers are rapidly diminishing so buy now or forever hold your peace.
• 6/1/03 - There is a brief mention of Separated Out in this month's Classic Rock, in the Prog News section of that most excellent magazine. In fact, they are all most excellent, as they have been sent review copies of the book. Watch out for reviews in Q, Mojo, Uncut, Record Collector, Kerrang! and Metal Hammer, it'll be interesting to see where it turns up.
• 5/1/03 - As a postscript to the below, Jon spoke to Fish on the phone today, to reiterate his commitment to ensuring the accuracy of future versions of the book. In an email, Fish wrote: "Congratulations on getting the book together. I wish you sincerely all the best with it and accept it for what it is intended for with end result financially being commendable to the extreme. It's not a "Fish" book and was never meant to be as such. As I said - maybe it's time to get my tome together :-)" So that's something to look forward to!
• 3/1/03 - Fish has posted his initial reactions to the book on his web site. The following is taken from a post on the Company general discussion board followed by Jon's response, again from that forum (Original link http://pub21.ezboard.com/ffish34493frm1.showMessage?topicID=60.topic.).

  "I read the book with interest and a glass of nostalgia.

  "I don't want to post a full reaction here until I have talked again to Jon. There are a few brutal mistruths which I wish Jon had given me the right to respond to and other unattributed "summations" that spin me into a very negative light.The trivia is immense but the muscle of the 87-88 debacle is hidden and the perspective is incredibly one sided in my opinion. I understand that this is a "Marillion" book and that Jon missed out in the main on the pre 88 era but I feel that there is a lot of very relavant history brushed under the carpet all of which cumulated in my decision to resign from the band.

  "As in Mick Wall's attempt to deliver the "true story" a lot of facts have been omitted to protect the "innocent" .

  "One absolutely unforgivable comment is that I had demanded "50% of the band's income".This was never the case. The 50% that was in contention was the publishing split of which it is standard for a lyricist/top line melody writer to receive. I had agreed before Fugazi to a 35% share under duress from John Arnison in order that no one member would earn substantially more than the others(Script was an equal split between the 5 band members)I had argued my case with John since before Misplaced who agreed with me as always but never took it any further. After all it didn't really matter to him as he was on 20% commission of the gross!

  "The matter was finally settled with the 89/90 litigation and since then I have received the share I considered due to me. For the record I never asked for a back dated royalty and only received the 50% after I left the band.

  "I felt that the book made me out to be a mercenary "breadhead" and in 87 onward a liability to the band rather than an asset. I always fought for the "unit" until I realised that the "unit" and especially the manager were not fighting with me but rather against me. I left with a major publishing deal on the table. Passionate- yes, impetuous-yes, breadhead- no!

  "John Arnisons role in the destruction of that band was considerable and I have discussed that with the guys since. On our first full meeting in Oxford a couple of years ago the band apologised to me and said that I was right about John Arnison in 88. I wish that Jon had explored that relationship more.

  "To finish. The book is interesting and the cause commendable. It was always going to be a tough job balancing the inputs and charting a course which had to be positive with regards to the present band. The one thing that it has accomplished is to inspire me to put pen to paper and open up the Pandoras Box that is my perspective and experience on my career so far- warts and all."

Jon's response was as follows.

• Hi folks,

  I guess I'd better not post too much of a reply until Fish has spoken to me :-)

  A couple of things pop into my head. The first is that it was unlikely I'd get things all right - I was surprised and delighted when the current band, Fish and John Arnison (to name a few) all agreed to help me with their inputs. I did pass back what I had written to the people above for comment, but given the size of the book I guess it was unlikely that everything would be picked up. There is an errata section on the Web site www.separatedout.com, I will be happy to post Fish's remarks on the Web site and I will ensure that any future versions/editions are amended accordingly.

  Probably too early to suggest this, but it makes sense to me that the second edition (say, in a few years' time) includes a revised and expanded Fish section, as well as incorporating any feedback I get on this version. Fish, I wouldn't expect you to forgive what you see as unforgiveable, but please accept my heartfelt apology for any inaccuracies that you spot in the text. It was indeed a tough job balancing the inputs, and I really tried to get across the point you make in your statement "I always fought for the "unit" until I realised that the "unit" and especially the manager were not fighting with me but rather against me." I look forward to future occasions of setting the record straight!

  Cheers

  Jon

• 29/12/02 - Separated Out reached its all-time-high position of 578th in the Amazon.co.uk charts today!
• 28/12/02 - US fans wanting to order Separated Out may like to know that it is now available for pre-order from Barnes and Noble, price $17.95 plus shipping. Still no sign of it on Amazon.com. Please note that the expected release date is 28 March 2003.
• 20/12/02 - Some fans have been expressing interest/concern about the numbering of the "numbered hardbacks". The intention was that these would be individually numbered, but this plan was dropped at the last minute in favour of getting the books delivered to Racket Records so they could be sent out in time for Christmas. In addition, the thousand hardbacks originally planned was upped to two thousand two hundred, when the number of books ordered within the stated deadline rapidly exceeded the number available. There will not be any more hardback copies printed.
• 10/12/02 - Jon joined the boys for a massive book signing at the Racket Club - Ian was late as he had been up all night reading the book!