REVIEW: Steve Hackett’s Genesis Revisited, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

OVER 1500 fans braved the elements to make their way to the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow.

They were wet – but not disappointed.

Steve Hackett was in town with his Genesis Revisited tour and, as well as his regular band, he was accompanied by a full orchestra.

From the first notes introducing the pulsating Dance on a Volcano to the closing crescendo of the wonderful Musical Box, the audience were treated to a musical feast.

Most of the early Genesis albums from Steve Hackett’s era were represented.

These were interspersed with a selection of tracks showcasing Steve’s solo career from his first album Voyage of the Acolyte (Shadow of the Hierophant), to his most recent, The Night Siren (El Nino).

All were complimented by the use of The Heart of England Symphony Orchestra.

The strings, woodwind and brass added a depth and fullness to the performance, and enhanced the experience.

Of course, it was the Genesis element to the show that most of the crowd were there to hear.

With the augmentation of the symphony and the stellar vocals of Nad Sylvan, we were transported back to what many people, myself included, consider to be the Genesis heyday.

There was something for everyone.

Firth of Fifth and Dancing with the Moonlit Knight from Selling England by the Pound; Blood on the Rooftops (vocals by drummer Gary O’Toole), Afterglow and …In That Quiet Earth from Wind and Wuthering; the aforementioned Dance on a Volcano (Trick of the Tail) and The Musical Box (Nursery Cryme).

Of course, Foxtrot, was represented by the track all Genesis fans love to hear live – Supper’s Ready.

Nad Sylvan was in his element, giving a Peter Gabrielesque display of the iconic song.

The appreciation of the audience was clear to see with an enthusiastic standing ovation, and this was repeated after the much-anticipated encore of The Musical Box.

The concert was a joy, from start to finish.

The music, the musicians, the vocals and the added dimension of the orchestra all made for what was a night to remember – despite the weather outside.