PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
The long drive from Manchester to York is made even longer by rush hour traffic, what should have been a 90 minute drive ended up being 3 hours, fortunately I left plenty of time for such eventualities.
Once at the Barbican the first thing that strikes me is how fabulous this venue is. A great layout, plush seating and helpful staff. I already have a great feeling about the show and don’t have to wait too long to find out.
Starting bang on time Steve Hackett and Co start off with a trio of songs from his latest album, The Circus and the Nightwhale, momentum that is only interrupted by a broken guitar string, apparently he’s not broken one since 1940 – personally I think he is telling fibs.
The band Hackett to pieces during The Devils Cathedral, almost metal in its delivery and as Steve explains has possible political underpinnings. Following band introductions we get more blasts from the past, Everyday is delivered flawlessly and the band look to be having a lot of fun. Tower Struck Down is another favourite and is truly outstanding.
Basic Instincts is Jonas Reingold’s intricate and jazzy bass solo, most impressive, followed by Camino Royale from Highly Strung – together they deliver a one-two punch.
Amanda Lehman returns for an intricate full length version of Shadow of the Heirophant singing Sally Oldfield’s parts flawlessly, whilst Jonas’ Rickenbacker bass is crushing throughout. The power and majesty of this piece is quite incredible and this is probably the finest performance of this song I have ever witnessed from Steve.
One hour down and it has been incredible so far, an intermission is needed! What has struck me so far is how muted the reaction is when Steve introduces his own material. Obviously the big draw for most who are here is the second half of the show, ‘Lamb Highlights’, Steve’s selection of songs from the Genesis monster album The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway. It frustrates me because I am a bigger fan of his solo work than his Genesis years. I digress…
A tinkling piano introduces the title track to The Lamb… to a huge cheer with many singing along, Nad Sylvan delivering another impressive performance, following on Fly On A Windshield gives me goosebumps and Steve’s solo playing is extended through the piece.
You gotta get in to get out… Carpet Crawlers is sublime again with many singing along, and that singing is duly noted by Steve.
Shout outs from the audience for The Cage and Back In New York City go unheaded, “we aren’t playing those” retorts Steve. Chamber of 32 Doors is one of his favourites from The Lamb… and is a great vehicle for singer Nad Sylvan to replicate Peter Gabriel’s voice eerily well.
The chamber may have been in confusion but no-one here is, Lilywhite Lileth is astonishing, Nad acting as cool as a cucumber in his leather jacket styled t-shirt.
Concluding with a superb rendition of it, our journey through The Lamb… is complete, it has been both exciting and invigorating to hear these songs played live again.
However, further Genesis highlights await; Dancing With The Moonlit Knight instantly has the crowd singing along “‘Can you tell me where my country lies?’ Said the uni faun to his true love’s eyes” with a rousing choral of “Selling England by the pound” from the crowd shortly after.
We then take a little trip back with Father Tyreseus to the Cinema Show (my favourite old school Genesis song) performed perfectly which segues faultlessly into Aisle of Plenty. Steve and the band receive a deserved standing ovation from a very loud crowd.
Job done. Well, almost…
The encore features more Genesis tunage starting with Firth of Fifth and its instantly recognisable piano intro played by Roger King and again many are singing along. A drum solo from the powerhouse that is Craig Blundell leads into Los Endos which morphs seamlessly into Slogans and morphs back again to Los Endos. They are both rousing pieces, and another standing ovation for the band as the band take their bows.
All in all an utterly perfect gig from Steve Hackett and Co. Ltd.
If you are a fan of seventies Genesis you simply have to see this show, you will not be disappointed.
So what next for Mr Hackett and Co.? Next year marks the 50th anniversary of Trick Of The Tail, I guess we will find out after this tour ends if celebrating that is his plan!
More of Ant’s photos from the Steve Hackett show in York can be found here.
On the internet, Steve’s Website can be found here
And he can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Setlist:
Set 1:
People of the Smoke (Steve broke a guitar string during the song)
Circo Inferno
These Passing Clouds
The Devil’s Cathedral
Every Day
A Tower Struck Down
Basic Instincts (Bass solo)
Camino Royale
Shadow of the Hierophant
Set 2:
Lamb highlights:
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
Fly on a Windshield
Broadway Melody of 1974
Hairless Heart
Carpet Crawlers
The Chamber of 32 Doors
Lilywhite Lilith
The Lamia
it
Genesis Highlights:
Dancing With the Moonlit Knight
The Cinema Show
Aisle of Plenty
Encore:
Firth of Fifth
Craig Blundell Drum Solo
Los Endos / Slogans / Los Endos
