“The Lamb Lies Down In Cascais” - Genesis in concert at the Pavilhao de Cascais Portugal on 6th and 7th March 1975. Review by Carlos A Morais. Memorabilia: TWR Archive/Mino Profumo.

More than 8, 000 fans gathered into the Pavilhao de Dramatico de Cascais to witness the first two concerts Genesis ever gave in Portugal.

What is to be said about them? Who dares to explain what happened those two nights? Embraced by an aura of white lights the first of Peter Gabriel shines on the dark stage. A thunder of applause stresses the words Peter says in Portuguese: “Good evening. We are happy to be playing in Portugal. We’ve written a big story and we would like to play it for you tonight…”

Behind you can hear the sound of Tony Banks’ acoustic piano and the spotlight slowly lights up the stage in a deep blue ultra violet light. And The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway… After ten seconds where only the piano is heard, Genesis, led by Peter start the living exhibition of The Lamb… title track of their latest work, a concept album entirely realised by Gabriel.

His voice is weird and magnetic, his figure at first sight, simple as the main character Rael, and during the two hour show, Gabriel whenever the songs need it, changes his costumes behind the drum kit. Peter wasn’t just the voice, he was the essence of the show, the heart of Genesis.

Early Morning Manhattan, ocean wind blows on the land… the words come out strained and the audience remains silent, deeply involved. One blue light overflows on the stage. Gabriel is again in evidence under the white spotlights only interrupted when he changes his costume.

It’s about 10 pm and Peter lives the story as if he embodies a real Rael. The show was unique, spectacular, and in Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Steve Hackett and Phil Collins, was performed by unconquerable actors in an atmosphere of light and dreams. The audience became part of that real dream and whatever might have happened, nothing would change that unforgettable experience!