"The Last Video Domino" - TWR takes a look at some the the available private films from Genesis' final tour.

Since it appears that there is to be no officially produced film from last year's tour, and the reasons for that are patently obvious, it falls to us to take a look at some of the numerous private films from the shows on the tour. Really it's just an excuse for me to watch 'em all! How I suffer for you lot!

Anyway, on with the Cinema Show (groan!) …

If only the technology of NOW had existed THEN, the band's visual history may well have been different. Just imagine if camcorders, DAT recorders and mobile phones had been available back in 1969 - 70 onwards…

Anyway back to the very recent past and the band's most recent and, by all accounts, final tour. It appears that the powers that be have decided that there will be no official films of either this tour or Phil's Not Dead Yet Live tour for quite understandable reasons and so we have even more reason to be grateful for those intrepid souls who braved the wrath of "Security" to capture the footage that is the subject of this feature. Now, many purist fans will probably be shaking their heads at this feature. After all, if it isn't official, direct from radio, TV etc or from the mixing desk then such recordings are beneath their contempt. Me? I love 'em as they are an accurate reflection of what a fan sees and hears at a gig. Not the sanitised and sometimes overdubbed official releases.

So, where to begin… well we start our journey in Glasgow at the marvellous Hydro on 7th October 2021. Glasgow is renowned for having some of the most dedicated - and vocal - fans anywhere and they are in evidence in this recording. As is the case with the rest of the recordings mentioned in this feature, this one is taken from a multitude of sources and angles. Picture quality throughout is remarkably good, today's digital technology really is remarkable and the sound is equally impressive.

Next stop Newcastle on 1st October 2021. Another city with a reputation for passionate fans and once again they don't let their town down on this recording. Visually it is very enjoyable although the sound quality isn't as good as its predecessor.

Moving on we come to the first of the gigs which I actually saw myself. Well, I say saw but truth is, due to an inordinate delay in getting on stage the gig at Manchester on 24th October 2021 remains one which I don't remember fondly having had to miss over half of it to ensure I got home! So, now that I can finally say that I have SEEN the gig, the resulting footage merely confirms what I already suspected; the band were definitely having an off day! Once again, compiled from a multitude of sources, we get to see just about every part of the arena even right up at the back in the (not so) cheap seats. Sound is variable probably due to the acoustics in this huge room and visual quality is variable but still enjoyable. I must admit to growling at the TV screen when I heard the opening drum thud of Fading Lights, which was when I had to make a smart exit!

Across the Pond next for a brace of US gigs. First of these is Chicago IL on 15th November 2021.

American audiences are VERY vocal, often to the detriment of the very band/artist they are there to ostensibly see and HEAR. This is plainly noticeable in the first of these recordings. Most of this gig appears to have been filmed from one vantage point quite close to the stage and on the floor giving us a static viewpoint for a change. As such it is prone to what I call "Head Syndrome" it can't be helped but it is very frustrating when your viewpoint is obscured by someone's balding bonce! Sound wise however, it is very enjoyable with crisp clean sound.

Next stop the Big Apple itself. Aaah Madison Square Garden eh?. I have my own memories of a previous tour at this shed of a venue. Not a venue renowned for great sound - it was built as a boxing stadium I believe - and it shows on this recording which is mainly filmed from way up in the Gods and so is not ideal viewing for anyone with vertigo! Other than that however, it is another remarkably enjoyable recording.

Over to Europe next beginning with the band's show at the Ziggo Arena Amsterdam on 21st June 2022. Once again, compiled from a variety of different camera angles and vantage points, including some from very near to the front (brave man or woman!). Picture quality is excellent and sound wise pretty decent too. Backtracking a couple of days next to the band's show at the Accor Hotel Arena in Paris on 17th June 2022. Now, I have memories of this venue when it was known as the Palais Omnisports de Bercy which is where I saw the band back in 1987. A superb arena well capable of hosting shows of this nature. Once again, we have a multi cam shot taking in just about every angle. Sound and vision, both excellent.

And so we come to our last gig ..THE last gig! At London's cavernous O2 Arena. Emotions were running high at this one. My last chance to see the band in concert. Thankfully the evening has been captured for posterity in a superbly compiled film which, not official, has all the elements that make a great concert film. This is what we, the punters saw from those various viewpoints which gives it and the other films a realism lacking from their official counterparts. The sound quality on this one is superb throughout. A marvellous souvenir of that final show.

There you have it, an all too brief look at the final tour. If your favourite show isn't here, then don't fret as most of the tour is widely available on both audio and dvd.