IF you grew up in the 1980s, the chances are that the name Genesis conjures up memories of quirky pop songs sung by that housewives favourite cheeky cockney, Phil Collins.

Yet if you step back a few years into the 1970s, Genesis was a very different beast altogether. Fronted by the enigmatic Peter Gabriel with Collins tucked safely behind the drums, Genesis were one of the leading purveyors of prog rock, whose music was characterised by sprawling epics, intricate time changes and dramatic, symphonic passages.

Whereas Gabriel and Collins took the lion’s share of the limelight in Genesis, it was arguably guitarist Steve Hackett’s musical input that not only propelled Genesis to the very top, but was the very heart and soul of the band.

Genesis were never the same after he left in 1977.

While the others enjoyed enormous solo success, Hackett quietly set about releasing well over 20 albums to great critical acclaim.

The chances to hear their classic songs performed live has been restricted to the odd tribute band here and there over the past few years.

Fortunately, Hackett celebrated his tenure in the band with the recently-released Genesis Revisited 2, an excellent double album featuring newlyrecorded versions of Genesis classics, and to construct a live show based around his Genesis material.

Although the 25-minute epic Supper’s Ready, the jewel in prog rock’s crown, sent fans into delirium, it was perhaps the more succinct Dancing With The Moonlit Knight, and The Lamia, with its haunting, ethereal choral backing that impressed the most, along with a shimmering Entangled which sent shivers down the spine as it reached its rousing crescendo. This was music of the highest calibre.

Hackett is one of those who put an unattainable standard of musicianship to the very forefront of their craft and when he stepped forward for the solo during Firth of Fifth it truly was a show-stopping moment.

  • Hackett returns to the region on October 27 for a date at Newcastle City Hall.

Mick Burgess