Like many bands over the past year and a half Genesis have had tours booked, postponed and rebooked more times than you care to mention. This time last year it was inconceivable that so many people would gather together indoors to pay tribute to one of the UK’s biggest bands as they bring the curtain down one last time on a career spanning the best part of half a century for their first arena tour in almost 23 years. Seeing so many people brought together by a love of music was a sight to behold.
On the first of two nights at the Utilita Arena, the sense of anticipation was ever present as showtime grew close but even as that moment approached, a quick look at the extensive merchandise stall showed that recent events were never far away as Genesis facemasks nestled alongside the more traditional T-shirts and programmes.
Pandemics and lockdowns were quickly forgotten as the house lights dimmed for opener “Behind The Lines/Duke’s End” as Genesis were welcomed to the stage with a roar that made Hurricane Katrina sound like a whimper.
With the core trio of Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks joined by long-time guitarist/bassist Daryl Stuermer and Nic Collins, son of Phil, on drums, Genesis had the unenviable task of cherry picking from 15 albums and a ton of hit singles covering their years as Prog Rock behemoths to radio friendly chart toppers and over the course of a two hour show they covered pretty much all the bases.
For those favouring the Prog Rock years, they were well served by “Cinema Show”, “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway”, “Afterglow” and a sublime version of “Firth Of Fifth” featuring Stuermer’s showstopping guitar solo.
Those coming for the hits were more than satisfied with “Land Of Confusion”, “Invisible Touch”, “I Can’t Dance” and one of the many show highlights “Mama” with Collins in sinister form bathed in a dark crimson light. Creepy stuff.
With a lighting rig built across several grids of independently moving spot lights and a giant back projection and video screens flanking the stage, this was one impressive spectacle where the show enhanced rather than dominated the evening.
Much has been said about the health of Phil Collins and sure, he remained seated for most of the set but being the trooper he is, he gave 100% to make sure this final tour was one to live long in the memory and with the classic “Dancing With The Moonlit Knight” and “Carpet Crawlers” closing the show, it was goodnight and farewell.
Review and Photos By Mick Burgess
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