Gig review: STEVE HACKETT – The Lowry, Salford, 2 November 2014
Share the post "Gig review: STEVE HACKETT – The Lowry, Salford, 2 November 2014"
Steve Hackett chats about the Genesis Revisited and Extended tours (11:16). This is an edit from an extended interview that was first broadcast on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, 5 October 2014
The interview is replayed on Christmas Day 2014, at 18:00
If Steve Hackett is still smarting from his sidelining in the Genesis TV documentary recently, it never showed tonight. I chatted with Steve on the very day he attended that show’s premiere but I could tell he was being suitably diplomatic when pressed on the content. As it turns out the documentary was a travesty with no reference to his solo output or indeed to his Genesis flag-waving for the past couple of years. And Tony Banks appeared a right miserable b—d.
Which brings us to tonight’s “extension” of the project Steve started in 2013 suitably energised with the addition of several new pieces since the previous outing. In my interview, I mentioned to him that I felt he had brought something fresh to the Genesis canon; updating and convincing any sceptics that Genesis was more than just weird flower-people and seated, somewhat serious, guitar players.
It’s a shame that this tour may be the last time Hackett performs Genesis songs in this context, he’s certainly had a brilliant run and, as previously, we were allowed to glory tonight in immaculate reimagination of carefully chosen catalogue. From the off, Steve had a big smile and provided us throughout with little insights to some of the pieces, mentioning that when Genesis originally played ‘The Fountain Of Salmacis’ many of the audience would disappear to the bar, or just disappear. How times change.
I wrote in 2009 that keyboard player Roger King looked like “a businessman staring at a very poor set of tour accounts.” Well, Roger may have even cracked a smile today and I’m sure the tour accounts are now much healthier. He provides the magnificent backdrop and rich textures to most of these pieces.
It’s probably rude to single out individual musicians as they all contribute equally to this Genesis masterclass. Whether it’s the visual delight and pumping bass of Nick Beggs and his Chapman Stick or the vocal prowess of Nad Sylvan, adding just the right amount of theatricals to his authentic vocal delivery. And not forgetting of course Gary O’Toole, a powerhouse on drums and vocals, and Rob Townsend’s sublime woodwind contributions.
This – again – was a gig of many highlights, and the packed Manchester crowd lapped it up. The early appearance of ‘Squonk’ was book ended (and reprised) by the magnificent ‘Los Endos’ – this never fails to hit the spot, with Beggs’ bass swagger, Townsend’s searing sax, and truly wonderful ensemble playing.
But it was Hackett’s solo during ‘Firth Of Fifth’ that was for me the top spot – emotionally charged and, like much of this gig, redolent of times gone by. As Steve said to his audience – echoing the words of ‘I Know What I Like’ – “this is your show”, and thereby providing the conduit for his audience to reflect on their formative years and less complicated times.
This tour closes yet another chapter of Hackett’s history and compounds his more recent career renaissance. He’ll soon be focused on his forthcoming studio album but, for now, tonight’s gig was a lesson in both immaculate musicianship and the sympathetic refashioning – and energising – of a much-loved songbook. Thank you Steve, it’s been a wonderful and enlightening journey.
1. Dance On A Volcano 2. Squonk 3. Dancing With The Moonlit Knight 4. Fly On A Windshield 5. Broadway Melody of 1974 6. The Return Of The Giant Hogweed 7. The Fountain Of Salmacis 8. The Musical Box 9. I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) 10. Horizons 11. Firth Of Fifth 12. Lilywhite Lilith 13. The Knife 14. Supper’s Ready Encore: 15. Watcher Of The Skies 16. Los Endos
Review by David Randall
Photo and Gallery by Simon Dunkerley
Additional photos: David Randall
David Randall presents ‘Assume The Position’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT.
Gig review (October 2013)
Album review (Royal Albert Hall)
Photo: David Randall
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
Next session: Sunday 19 January
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 1 December 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 3 December 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Popular (last 10 days)
Share the post "Gig review: STEVE HACKETT – The Lowry, Salford, 2 November 2014"
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
