By DJ Astrocreep
The Liverpool Philharmonic Hall is a grandiose setting for what is sure to be a grandiose performance from the ever talented Steve Hackett and company. With more than a little help from his sublimely talented cohort, including the likes of Nad Sylvan, Jonas Reingold and a prolonged guest spot from Amanada Lehmann, there’s no need for a support act and we promptly get straight on to the main action.
We start off the night with some of Hackett’s solo work. With the performance comprising of two main sets and an encore, it’s an excellent place to start while still serving to highlight ‘The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway’, which is the main basis for the tour, given it celebrates 50 years since its release this year!
Even after just a couple of songs, Hackett’s ability as a natural raconteur shines through, talking about his love for The Beatles at a younger age, even dedicating the third track of the set, ‘These Passing Clouds’, to John Lennon on what would have been his 84th birthday.
He makes for a compelling storyteller both verbally as well as the already established musical aspect. It’s actually astounding to hear just how sublime Hackett’s talent still is with a guitar, despite being in his mid 70s now, even to the point where at sveeral points during the performance I hear others exclaim it’s the best they’ve heard that particular song performed – lofty praise indeed.
‘The Devil’s Cathedral’ follows in the set and is a particular personal highlight, which Hackett alludes – somewhat jokingly – is about his current vocalist Sylvan and features some absolutely astounding musicianship across the board. It’s also around this time I realise just how good the rapport is between the various members, as they also leave and re-enter the stage with on fanfare and as needed to allow those currently playing the full spotlight for their talents. A bass solo from Reingold is our gift for the seventh track, including excerpts from both Bach and Jimi Hendrix, allowing him the full spotlight until drummer Craig Blundell comes to join him for the last segment and the rest of the band reform and continue on.
We get a couple more superbly played tracks before Hackett announces a short recess before moving on to the second half of the set, also encouraging the audience to sing along as and when they can.
What better way to start off the Genesis side of the set than with the opening (and title) track of the evening’s focus album, ‘The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway’. It’s quite striking just how much room to breathe each track is given live, allowing for what could even be seen as potential improvements on the original at times, or extending solos to give spotlight to each individual, allowing to properly showcase their abilities.
The 12 song second set is for obvious reasons focused on ‘The Lamb…’, and as such is heavy with tracks from it, comprising a total of nine of the selection. We also get ‘Dancing With The Moonlit Knight’, ‘The Cinema Show and Aisle of Plenty, from another Genesis favourite, ‘Selling England By The Pound’, to close off the main set, earning a standing ovation between the twelve tracks on multiple occasions.
After a very brief wander off stage, there is time for three tracks, including a superb solo from drummer Blundell, which is sandwiched by ‘Los Endos’.
An absolutely flawless performance from a very tight, highly and multi-talented troupe of musicians and one that will live on my mind for a while to come.
- PHOTO CREDIT: Photos taken at Utilita Arena, Cardiff, 11 October 2024. © Bandtogs/Über Rock.
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