Ipswich Regent
It’s fifty years since the release of the Genesis album ‘Foxtrot’ and to hear it live with one of the band members is pretty special. The anticipation from the crowd was palpable as we got ourselves seated at The Regent, the stage was set up with all the instruments and an expectedly large drum kit with at least twelve cymbals on show and massive stacks of speakers ready to broadcast the music.
A big cheer as the musicians came on stage, as well as Steve Hackett himself. Opening the night was the track ‘Ace of Wands’ from his first studio album in 1975 ‘Voyage of the Acolyte’. The next haunting sounding track was ‘The Devil’s Cathedral’ from his 2021 album ‘Surrender of Silence’. ‘Spectral Mornings’ and ‘Every Day’ from the album ‘Spectral Mornings were played, as well as ‘A Tower Struck Down’ and ‘Shadow of the Hierophant’, again from Voyage of the Acolyte. We also heard ‘Camino Royale’ from the 1983 album ‘Highly Strung’.
These tracks took us up to the interval and was an opportunity for Steve to showcase his excellent solo work. There was a little chat, but no big stories to soak away the time, this night was all about the music and the talent. His guitar skills are on point and the recognisable riffs were thoroughly appreciated by the audience. Ned Sylvan was on lead vocals, a prog rock artiste down to his bones. He added depth and charm and I appreciated how he stood back and was part of the whole performance rather than taking any limelight away from the purpose of the show.
Sitting back in our seats after the interval, we all knew what was next and from the first note the audience were smiling and a sense of calm waved over as if to say ‘the wait is over, it’s here’.
‘Foxtrot’ was played in full and in order:
- Watcher of the Skies
- Time Table
- Get ‘em Out by Friday
- Can-Utility and the Coastliners
- Horizons
- Supper’s Ready
The band were perfectly in synch and the sound was phenomenal. The whole night oozed a level of utter class and it was a privilege to be there. As it traditional, all the band members had their solo time and all were outstanding: Roger King on keyboards, Craig Blundell on his extra large drum kit, Jonas Reingold on bass guitar and vocals, Rob Townsend on sax, flute, keyboard and percussion.
As well as the music gelling perfectly the band had a relaxed charisma between them which added to the great atmosphere. The whole show was a fantastic night, a dazzling light show and the additional theatrics laid on by Nad, what a guy!
Of course, there was an encore with: ‘Firth of Fifth’ and ‘Slogans/Los Endos’. Everyone went home happy.
