Michael Pointer (born 22 July 1956) is an English drummer. He is known for his work in the neo-prog bands Marillion and Arena.

Mick Pointer
Pointer in 2009
Pointer in 2009
Background information
Birth nameMichael Pointer
Born (1956-07-22) 22 July 1956 (age 68)
Brill, Buckinghamshire, England
GenresNeo-progressive rock
OccupationDrummer
Years active1979–present

Career

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Pointer was the original drummer and a founding member of Marillion.[1] He appeared on the band's debut EP Market Square Heroes (1982) and debut LP Script for a Jester's Tear (1983). He was sacked from the band following the album's UK tour and ultimately replaced by Ian Mosley.[2] Lead singer Fish later told Classic Rock that Pointer had been dismissed because he had "never liked Mick's drumming", "his timing was awful" and "everybody was developing except him".[3]

After his acrimonious departure from Marillion, Pointer did not perform music for another ten years. Instead, he became a kitchen designer, something he had served an apprenticeship in as a teenager.[4] Pointer eventually founded the British progressive band Arena, in which he continues to play with keyboardist Clive Nolan (from Pendragon).[5] He is Nolan's business partner in his record label.

Pointer later gathered a band for "Mick Pointer's Script for a Jester's Tear tour", comprising Brian Cummins (Carpet Crawlers) on vocals, Nick Barrett (Pendragon) on lead guitar, Mike Varty (Credo) on keyboards and Ian Salmon (Arena) on bass guitar, to perform Marillion's debut album for its 25th anniversary.[6] Pointer had originally intended to call it "Mick Pointer, ex-Marillion"; however, the remaining members of the band objected to him using the name, and threatened him with legal action.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Ankeny, Jason; Jensen, Dale. "Biography: Marillion". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 June 2010.
  2. ^ Rivadavia, Eduardo (12 March 2014). "How Marillion fashioned an early neo-prog triumph on Fugazi". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  3. ^ Ling, Dave (October 2001). "Fish interview". Classic Rock. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  4. ^ a b O'Connor, Mike. "Friars interviews Mick Pointer". Aylesbury Friars. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  5. ^ Orens, Geoff. "Biography: Arena". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 June 2010.
  6. ^ "Script for a jester's tour". Facebook. 15 December 2008. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
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