"The Lamb Wakes Up in Manchester" - Genesis at the NYNEX Arena Manchester Friday, March 6, 1998. Review by Jill Walker.

The Lamb arose last Friday at Manchester's NYNEX Arena where I witnessed the reincarnation of Rael in the shape of Ray Wilson - what a superb performance! From Tonys' spine tingling keyboard opening on this number I had a lump in my throat. The power and emotion that came from the band was tangible. A fantastic instrumental version of "Firth Of Fifth" came early on and set the tone of what to expect.

This was to be repeated throughout the night with show stopper after show stopper; "Mama", "Domino", "Home By The Sea", "Calling All Stations", "Alien Afternoon", "Turn it On Again" and many, many more. Not necessarily in that order, as everything merged into one glorious musical experience made more thrilling with a brilliant array of vari-lites, strobe lights, search lights and a backdrop of a giant video screen taking us through a visual journey beyond belief. This was the Genesis I longed to see; the storytellers; the musical masters; bringing to life our record and CD collections.

A number of new tracks were featured and all proved that "Calling All Stations" is an album of future classics. "The Dividing Line" was magnificent and definitely one that we shall hear more of. Mike's thunderous opening riffs to the title track are the best and yes; a UFO DID fly over the arena during "Alien Afternoon"!

Another new song, "Not About Us" appeared during the acoustic set. Strange to see our heroes cosily sat at the front of the stage as if ready for a jam session, but it worked. We were transported back in time for a while to the sounds of "Dancing With The Moonlit Knight", "Follow You Follow Me", and "Lover's Leap" - just magic. It seemed as if the entire audience joined in with every word - another emotional highlight.

In fact, the whole show was full of highlights; it started on a high and went up. "Invisible Touch" brought the night to a rousing end but of course, it couldn't end there and with the whole arena audience on their feet demanding the band's return. They came back with "Throwing It All Away" and "I Can't Dance". We left the arena with sore throats from singing and shouting our appreciation, and with the sort of memories that stay with you forever. Thanks Tony, Mike, Ray Anthony and Nir for a wonderful night; here's to the next time, please come back soon!

Ray Wilson on stage at the NYNEX Arena (Photo - J. Guntrip/TWR)

Ray Wilson on stage at the NYNEX Arena (Photo - J. Guntrip/TWR)