Marillion and PledgeMusic are joining forces to take the direct-to-fan business to a new level in the launch of the new Marillion album.

Marillion have long demonstrated their prowess in working with their fans. They started the whole direct-to-fan funding business model in 1997. The pioneering work that they have done with their fans on the internet, has paved the way for bands to operate in the digital age in a truly independent way.

Marillion have spent much of the year holed up in their Racket Club studio, jamming, writing and recording. The band reports that the initial tracks put down are sounding truly outstanding. The band's 18th studio album F.E.A.R will be released on September 9th.

The PledgeMusic Marillion campaign offers on the special PledgeMusic/Marillion storefront and PledgeMusic website include pre-ordering the CD, LP, Deluxe CD, a Special Edition box set and digital formats, with limited edition signed copies also available. A private show at the band's Racket Club studios in Aylesbury is also in the listing. Additional special offers will be introduced throughout the campaign and later in the year once the album is finished, the band will be adding the opportunity to buy tickets to exclusive Listening Parties around the world. To make a pledge please visit this location. Pre-order ends on June 17th.

Throughout and up to the album release, the band will keep the PledgeMusic and Marillion fans updated with the album's progress and news from their world through the PledgeMusic AccessPass.

Marillion promise that the campaign will be bigger and better than ever before; "We consider PledgeMusic to be the best in their field and after much thought feel that they as the new masters of the art, offer the band and the fans the most exciting possibilities. PledgeMusic have the same level of great customer service that we pride ourselves on and totally understand the relationship that we have with our fans".

Benji Rogers, Founder of PledgeMusic cites Marillion as a pivotal influence on the formation of PledgeMusic in 2009; "Partnering with Marillion in 2015 is an incredible honour for me personally and for the team at PledgeMusic. Their pioneering approach to direct-to-fan was both and inspiration and a guiding light for PledgeMusic from business plan to launch and beyond and we could not be more excited to have them as part of our story."

Marillion recently announced dates for a North American tour in October / November, with support from Porcupine Tree’s John Wesley.

Confirmed dates include:

October
21 - San Francisco, CA - The Regency Ballroom
22 - Beverly Hills, CA - Saban Theater
25 - Denver, CO - Paramount Theatre
27 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre
28 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre
29 - Northfield, OH - Hard Rock Live
31 - Toronto, ON - Danforth Music Hall

November
1 - Montreal, QC - Virgin Mobile Corona Theatre
2 - Québec City, QC - L'Impérial Bell
4 - Boston, MA - Royale Boston
5 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
6 - Philadelphia, PA - Keswick Theatre
8 - New York, NY - PlayStation Theater

The band will also perform at the Prog and Classic Rock's Stone Free festival featuring Alice Cooper and Steve Hackett at London’s O2 Arena in June.