Calling The Faithful For Album 15
The Original Pre-Order eWeb : 31 October 2007
Hellooo.. and... Greetings from the studio!
Well, the cycle has started once again.. We're back in the Racket Club oiling up the Marillion machine (or strange engine..) for the erratic journey to ALBUM FIFTEEN (!) and the ideas are really flowing now. We're here jamming and experimenting with new ideas while Mike Hunter runs around trying to record it all and feed back his own suggestions and enthusiasm. We're pleased to report some very interesting music is still emerging. This should see the light of day next Summer.. AND it will be another double album!
It's an inspired and exciting time for the five of us as artists, but also - with our "Intact" record company hats on - a time to reflect on the successes and failures of the last album release. We have had a lot of feedback about the lack of a "pre-order" or any kind of special packaging, extra material, or the popular "my name in the credits" versions of the last album. We thought you might have got tired of the idea, but the majority of you told us we were wrong!
So here's what we've decided to do..
You're going get what you asked for: We are planning to create an exclusive Special Edition of Album 15 which we are making available as a PRE-ORDER directly from us. Based on the success of the "Marbles" pre-order, we plan to make 2 different versions available: a 'Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition' in super-sexy packaging with YOUR NAMES in the booklet - this will be priced at £29.99 and only available to pre-order; and also the Standard Release - the double album split into Volumes 1 & 2 available separately as 'normal' 1CD-in-a-box releases priced at £9.99 each.
When will it be released? What will be on it? Will there be extra music? When can I order? What about a tour?
Yes, you have questions, and we already have (some) answers. Just like previous pre-orders, we have set up a page on our website to answer all of these, and will continue to add to the list as we get feedback from you by email and on our Forums.
What we CAN tell you, though, is that we expect the album to be ready some time between July and September 2008 (but are not setting a firm release date as with previous pre-orders!) with an extensive tour to follow starting in September 2008 (more information about the tour on the website, but the album WILL be out before the tour.)
You are able to pre-order the album NOW, and each pre-order for the Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition will enter you in to a variety of prize draws - including sound check/front row passes to the Snow-where Else tour, a visit to the Racket Club studio, gift vouchers, meet-and-greets, MORE sound check/front row passes to the Album 15 tour, and the STAR PRIZE (wooo..!) of an all expenses paid trip to the Marillion Weekend 2009... PLUS more as we think of them - phew!
Why do we want your money so far in advance? Many of you may be aware that the writing sessions for "Somewhere Else" were prolific, but there came a point where we had to decide which ideas to follow through for the album, and which to put to one side to develop to their full potential later on. Well, even though we do have several songs "on the shelf" which are close to completion, we've also recently hit something of a creative streak and have a lot of exciting new ideas that we're developing, and these inevitably entail a few months locked away in the studio. Once ready, we need to let people know about the album and the tour with advertising, posters, interviews... and of course we have the small task of manufacturing one hundred thousand albums, too.. (!)
By being part of the Album 15 Pre-Order Campaign you will once again be acting as our "global family record company" by contributing to the recording, manufacture and marketing of the album without us having to resort to the inevitable headaches which happen when we get into bed with "blokes in suits". Frankly we'd rather make this album with you. We did it before, and it felt good. It also inspired a few other tasty bands to "a better way of life" too..
So there you go - your pre-order is back! If you have any QUESTIONS, please, PLEASE go to www.marillion.com/preorder (where most issues will already be addressed) before writing to us. It'll be quicker, and you can also join the discussions on the Marillion Online Forums if you have any outstanding queries.
As we said earlier, things are going really well in the studio and there's much excitement here over the music we're making, so we'd better get on with it. We'll see you very soon - perhaps on the "Snow-where Else" tour at Christmas.. Good luck with the draw - we hope you win a prize or two!
One love,
One family,
One Better Way Of Life.
Toodleoo,
h, Ian, Mark, Pete, Steve
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
While many of our fans are familiar with the "pre-order" concept, common questions do arise whenever we have announced a new-album pre-order. We would recommend reading the information from the Marbles Pre-Order Campaign for the more general information on the how's and why's of recording, manufacturing, and marketing a Marillion album. Below you will find more detailed information about this specific pre-order.
When will Happiness is the Road be released?
The was released on 20 October 2008
The honest answer is "We don't know"! Based on on how the recording sessions are going, we expect the album to be with you in September at the latest. We WILL have the album out in 2008, and will also try our hardest to have it out before the tour starts in late 2008 - but until things move farther along, we can't give you an exact date. We would rather make sure the album is finished 'properly' than rush something out just to meet a deadline.
When and how can I pre-order Happiness is the Road?
NOW! Click Here to go to the album page or use the buttons on this page.
We ship world-wide, and there are no restrictions as to who can order it. Check out the ordering information for more details about ordering from Racket Records
How much does it cost, and when do I need to pay for it?
The pre-order Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition will cost £29.99 (inc. VAT, £25.52 outside the EU) plus our usual postage charges to your country.
The pre-order Standard 1CD Editions of Volumes 1 and 2 will cost £9.99 (inc. VAT, £8.50 outside the EU) each plus our usual postage charges to your country.
Payment will be taken at the same time as you place your pre-order, and NOT at a point in the future when the album is released.
Read the ordering information for more details about ordering from Racket Records
What do I get for £29.99 in the Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition?
The Deluxe Campaign Edition is a set of 2 individual 96-page hard-bound full-colour books, including the respective CDs for Volumes 1 and 2, both packed into a hard slip cover featuring the album artwork.
In short: the new double album, packaged in special deluxe packaging, with your name in the album credits, and entry into our Album 15 prize draws.
At this early stage it's hard to say exactly what you will receive in more detail, but here's what we expect to give you based on what we know now and our previous pre-orders:
the new double album - the pre-order Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition will be the complete new "Happiness is the Road" double album on 2CDs. "Essence" (Volume 1) is evolving at the moment into a thematic journey, whilst "The Hard Shoulder" (Volume 2) is more a collection of discrete songs.
packaged in special deluxe packaging - If you have seen the Marbles Deluxe Campaign Edition 128-page hard-bound book in a heavyweight slip-case you know that it was something special. Rest assured we already have our targets set high - if we can out-do THAT packaging, we'll certainly try!
with your name in the album credits - As long as you pre-order the Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition before 1st March 2008, your name** will appear printed in the pre-order credits of the artwork for the Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition, in a similar fashion to the Marbles and Anoraknophobia releases. In fairness to all who order, only 1 name per pre-order is allowed. (If you DO NOT want your name listed in the album credits, please contact us no later than 1st March 2008 with your order number and we will arrange for it to be removed.)
and entry into our Album 15 prize draws - You are automatically entered into all the prize draws listed below based on the date of your pre-order, wherever you live in the world; many have cut-off deadlines, so you may not be eligible for all of them if you pre-order after the prize's closing date. Please note, as of 1st March 2008 all prize draws have now ended.
Can I get extra names listed in the album credits?
As of 1 March 2008 names to be included in the booklet cannot be added or modified.
No (and a bit of Yes). As with all our previous pre-orders, and in fairness to everyone who pre-orders, we only allow 1 name in the credits per Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition purchased.
If you want to have the name of your wife, child, hamster, etc. listed in the credits as well, you will have to purchase an additional copy for each additional name. The names list will be generated from the "Ship To" portion of your order and NOT the "Bill To" portion, allowing you the ability to purchase multiple copies and specify separate names.
We would prefer that you submit a separate order for each name required, however if you have already placed an order for multiple copies please contact us with your order number and we will give you further details.
Single pre-orders received with "Ship To:" names such as "John & Joan Smith" will be edited to show only the first name of any multiples (in this example, the credit on the album would appear only as "John Smith")
If you DO NOT want your name listed in the album credits, please contact us no later than 1st March 2008 with your order number and we will arrange for it to be removed.
How long do I have to pre-order?
All pre-orders for the Deluxe Campaign Edition received by 1 October 2008 will be included in our bulk shipment. All orders after this date will be handled with the standard terms of sale as detailed in the Racket Records Order Information
At least until 1 March 2008, but until we need to go to manufacture. No deadline has yet been decided (or for that matter reached!)
We have set a provisional ordering deadline of 1 March 2008 for pre-orders to be included in the main 'bulk' shipment. Any pre-orders placed on or after the final deadline date will be held and shipped direct from Racket Records after the initial 'bulk' shipment. Further details about shipping times and dates will be provided when the album is completed.
The pre-order deadline of 1 March 2008 has been extended based on the album's readiness, and we will update this website with more information when it becomes available.
When will I get Happiness is the Road if I pre-order it?
The bulk shipment of Deluxe Edition pre-orders began on 14 October and furhter formats and other shipments will continue through 22 October.
When it's good and ready! As mentioned above, we do not have a firm release date for the album. However, once it's ready to go, we'll let you know via this website, and ship it off to you as soon as it's manufactured - as long as you pre-order by the pre-order deadline mentioned in the topic above.
For any orders placed after the pre-order deadline (mentioned in the topic above), pre-orders for either the Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition or Standard 1CD Edition albums will not be included in the main 'bulk' shipment of albums, but will ship direct from Racket Records shortly after the release date.
We do expect all pre-orders to be shipped before the album tour starts in November 2008 - but, as always, we will update this website with more specific details as we get them.
Will there be other versions of this album released?
Yes. We are also offering the new double album split into to separate Standard 1CD Editions (Volume 1: Essence, and Volume 2: The Hard Shoulder) of the album in normal jewel-box packaging as a pre-order; and the album will also be available in download format from its release date.
Closer to the album's release date we may - based on demand - offer a vinyl edition of the album for advance sale, but this will not be considered a 'pre-order' of the album as detailed on this page.
Can I pre-order the 'normal' version of the album?
Yes. The Standard 1CD Editions of Happiness is the Road (Volume 1: Essence, and Volume 2: The Hard Shoulder) are also available to pre-order, but customers who pre-order either or both of these versions will not have their names listed in the album credits, and will not be eligible for any prize draws listed below.
Can I get the Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition of Happiness is the Road after the release date?
Yes... probably. We will manufacture enough of the pre-order Deluxe Campaign 2CD Extended Editions to cover all pre-orders, and will certainly manufacture some 'spare' copies to use as replacements, and for those who may have initially missed out on the pre-order. However these will only be available while supplies last - in the case of the Marbles Deluxe Campaign Edition our 'spare' copies lasted until mid-2007, but obviously cannot necessarily guarantee the same will hold true for Happiness is the Road. Once they're gone, though, they're gone forever.
However, the Standard 1CD Editions of Volume 1: Essence, and Volume 2: The Hard Shoulder will be available indefinitely.
Will there be any extra music on the Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition?
No. Happiness is the Road is a double album, and we will make all the music available to everyone. The Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition is the 'definitive' edition of the album, with full artwork, lyrics, the names of everyone who has pre-ordered, and both Volume 1: Essence, and Volume 2: The Hard Shoulder of the double album in 1 super-duper package.
All the music will still be included on the Standard 1CD Editions - just split into 2 separate 1CD releases packed as traditional retail CDs for those who just want the music. In other words, "Happiness is the Road, Volume 1: Essence" is exactly the same as Disc 1 of the Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition, and "Happiness is the Road, Volume 2: The Hard Shoulder" is exactly the same as Disc 2 of the Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition. However, they will be in a standard "Jewel Case" packaging with a very basic booklet.
Will there be a tour for Happiness is the Road?
Yes. We have an extensive European tour planned for 2008, most likely beginning in October or November. As always, these dates will appear on this website once they are confirmed. As far as playing outside Europe goes, though, we don't have any current plans or intentions to do this in 2008.
Touring plans can always change - we have quite a bit of information about how and where we tour in the TOUR section, so will direct you there for more information!
ALBUM 15 PRE-ORDER CAMPAIGN PRIZE DRAWS
Each pre-order for the Happiness is the Road Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition will automatically enter you into prize draws for each of the eligible prizes listed below. Several of these prizes have cut-off deadlines - orders must be received by midnight local time (as noted on your order confirmation) on the date listed. Pre-orders placed after these deadline dates will NOT be entered for that particular prize draw.
Prize draws are open to anyone world-wide; travel is not provided with any prizes except where stated. Pre-orders for the Happiness is the Road Standard 1CD Editions will not be eligible for any prize draw listed. Additional prizes may be added at a future date. Please see full Terms and Conditions below.
GRAND PRIZE - The Golden Ticket (1 Winner)
An all-expenses-paid* trip from anywhere in the world for 2 to the Marillion Weekend 2009, including VIP and backstage passes for the entire Weekend.
* All necessary travel and accommodation will be booked by economy/coach class and paid for by Marillion/Racket Records in consultation with the prize winners. Food & drink outside of the pre-booked meals at Marillion Weekend 2009 is the responsibility of the winner.
Perform on Album 15 (1 Winner)
Visit Marillion's Racket Club Studio and perform* on Album 15, and be credited for your performance in the artwork.
* Performance of a specific instrument cannot be guaranteed, and may be limited to various percussion (tambourines, shakers, hand-claps) and/or backing vocals. Final performance recording will be arranged upon arrival to the Racket Club studio. No performance fee and/or other royalties will be payable to the winner.
Appear in the Artwork for Album 15 (1 Winner)
Have your photo appear* in the album artwork of the pre-order Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition
* Winner will be contacted with full details of how to submit photos; final artistic usage will be at the discretion of the graphic designer and/or Marillion.
Watch a Gig from the Stage (1 Winner)
Stand on stage in "Guitar World" with our guitar tech for a prime view of the show at any choice of gig on the Snow-where Else Christmas Tour 2007 (2 tickets included)
Watch a Gig from the Stage (1 Winner)
Stand on stage in "Guitar World" with our guitar tech for a prime view of the show at any choice of gig on the Album 15 Tour 2008 (2 tickets included)
Hand-written Autographed Lyrics (1 Winner)
A Marillion lyric of your choice hand-written by Steve Hogarth and signed by all 5 band members.
Autographed Album 15 Artwork Print (1 Winner)
A one-off 12"x12" print of the Album 15 cover, signed by all 5 band members.
Your Own Private Marillion Gig (5 Winners)
Visit Marillion's Racket Club Studio with 3 other friends/family to meet the band and hear them play a short gig at the studio especially for you.
A Phone Call from the Band (5 Winners)
Have a chat with Marillion! Each band member will select a winner, and give you a phone call to talk about whatever you'd like.
Sound-check and Front Row Passes (10 Winners)
Admission for 2 to sound check at any choice of gig on the Snow-where Else Christmas Tour 2007 (2 tickets included), plus passes to remain in the venue and/or early admission passes to guarantee yourself a front-row view of the gig.
Sound-check and Front Row Passes (10 Winners)
Admission for 2 to sound check at any choice of gig on the Album 15 Tour 2008 (2 tickets included), plus passes to remain in the venue and/or early admission passes to guarantee yourself a front-row view of the gig.
A 'Special Thanks' Credit on Album 15 (10 Winners)
Your name listed not only in the pre-order list of names, but also in the main album credits under the "Special Thanks" section.
Marillion Plectrums and Sticks (10 Winners)
A pair of Ian Mosley's drum sticks, plus plectrums from Steve Rothery, Pete Trewavas, and Steve Hogarth - all used for a Marillion show.
Racket Records Gift Vouchers (25 Winners)
25 winners will receive £25 each to spend on anything they like at the Racket Records online store.
Signed Albums (50 Winners)
Have your Album 15 pre-order Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition signed by all 5 band members.
Terms and Conditions
- Information on how to pre-order and prizes form part of the Terms and Conditions of entry. Participation in the Album 15 Pre-Order Campaign implies acceptance of the Terms and Conditions of entry.
- To enter the prize drawings listed above, participants must pre-order the Album 15 Pre-Order Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition no later than 29 February 2008 by midnight, local (London) time (unless otherwise stated above). Participants who pre-order the Album 15 Standard 1CD Edition Volume 1 or Volume 2 do not qualify for any prize draws listed. Each participant may only qualify once; multiple orders do not entitle participant to multiple chances of winning.
- Separate prize draws for each of the individual prizes will be held within 4 weeks of the closing date of the prize. Where no closing date is listed, the closing date will be 1 March 2008.
- Marillion/Racket Records' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
- All winners will be contacted by email as provided in their Marillion Online Account with details of how to claim their prize.
- Marillion/Racket Records shall not be liable if, for any reason outside its control, any part of the chosen prize package becomes unavailable.
- Marillion/Racket Records shall not be responsible for any travel or other expenses in association with any prizes offered, except where otherwise indicated. It is the responsibility of the participant to arrange for travel to and from any specific location (such as a concert venue or The Racket Club studio)
- Marillion/Racket Records takes no responsibility for incomplete, illegible, lost, misdirected or late orders/entries.
- If Marillion/Racket Records is unable to contact any winner within a period of 2 weeks following the draw date, having made reasonable efforts to do so, Marillion/Racket Records reserves the right in its absolute discretion to re-draw from the remaining eligible entries and select another winning participant.
- Marillion/Racket Records reserves the right to verify the validity of all orders/entries. Marillion/Racket Records reserves the right to disqualify any entrant for tampering with the ordering/ entry process or attempting to act in a fraudulent or otherwise dishonest manner.
- Marillion/Racket Records shall not be liable for any loss or damage suffered (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss), or for any injury suffered or sustained or liability or costs incurred, as a result of accepting or using any prize, except for any liability that cannot be excluded by law. Marillion/Racket Records is not liable for any tax implications that may arise as a result of winning any prize. Prize values are given as at the commencement date of the promotions.
- Marillion/Racket Records reserves the right to substitute any of the prizes with that of similar value at any time without prior notice and all prizes are non transferable or exchangeable.
- Marillion/Racket Records will hold and may use personal information accompanying any entries for purposes relating to the promotion and for sending entrants promotional and other material in relation to future offers, information and activities of the Promoter, unless otherwise advised by the entrant at the time of entry. All entrants have the right to inspect and update their personal information at any time.
- Winners agree to be available for reasonable publicity purposes without compensation including, but not limited to, photographs and interviews. Copyright will vest in Marillion/Racket Records. Winners acknowledge that their personal details may be published in print media and on the internet.
** Every effort will be made to add the correct names to the book credits but Marillion/Racket Records will not be held responsible for typographic errors, spelling mistakes or accidental omissions. No compensation, financial or otherwise, will be provided in the event that a customer's name does not appear in the album credits as he/she intends.
PRE-ORDERING AND CONTEST DEADLINES
20 November 2007
"Watch a Gig from the Stage" (Snow-where Else Tour 2007) Prize Draw Ordering Deadline *
"Sound-check and Front Row Passes" (Snow-where Else Tour 2007) Prize Draw Ordering Deadline *
31 December 2007 (1 December 2007 Deadline Extended!)
"Perform on Album 15" Prize Draw Ordering Deadline *
"Your Own Private Marillion Gig" Prize Draw Ordering Deadline *
"Appear in the Artwork for Album 15" Prize Draw Ordering Deadline *
"A 'Special Thanks' Credit on Album 15" Prize Draw Ordering Deadline *
1 March 2008
Pre-order album credits names list ordering deadline *
"The Golden Ticket" Prize Draw Ordering Deadline *
"Hand-written Autographed Lyrics" Prize Draw Ordering Deadline *
"Autographed Album 15 Artwork Print" Prize Draw Ordering Deadline *
"A Phone Call from the Band" Prize Draw Ordering Deadline *
"Marillion Plectrums and Sticks" Prize Draw Ordering Deadline *
"Autographed Album 15 Artwork Print" Prize Draw Ordering Deadline *
"Racket Records Gift Vouchers" Prize Draw Ordering Deadline *
"Signed Albums" Prize Draw Ordering Deadline *
"Watch a Gig from the Stage" (Album 15 Tour 2008) Prize Draw Ordering Deadline *
"Sound-check and Front Row Passes" (Album 15 Tour 2008) Prize Draw Ordering Deadline *
1 October 2008
Pre-order ordering deadline for inclusion in main Album 15 'bulk' shipment.
* Deluxe Campaign 2CD Edition pre-orders only