“350 not out” - Face Value at the Sheldon Marquee, Birmingham, Saturday 14th April 2007 Review by Alan Hewitt. Photos by Anthony Hobkinson.

I always knew that the Face Value guys were a hard working lot, but even I was surprised when hey told me that tonight’s gig was their 350th performance. This must certainly make them the hardest working and most popular Genesis tribute band here in the UK today.

Tonight also saw the arrival of the hardback version of my book, and a frantic numbering and a signing session ensued while the band were setting up and sound checking. Suitably exhausted and with aching fingers, I made myself comfortable to enjoy the show.

A gig by the guys was becoming a little bit predictable, due no doubt to my seeing so many of their shows, however tonight there's a surprise in store.

Opening the show with the usual string of Genesis and Collins classics which the band performed to the highest standard as usual, I was not prepared for what followed when John went into his usual spiel about “Old Genesis Songs” before announcing the classic Carpet Crawlers which elated a gasp from the crowd. This is a new number in their repertoire but they nailed it with a stunning performance with a special kudos to the guitarist Will Smith excelled himself and really nailed this song.

Other classics were given similarly respectful treatment too, Follow You Follow Me, Mama, Home By The Sea, to name but three, all performed to the highest standard by the band. Collins classics too mingled seamlessly between these with sterling performances of Another Day In Paradise, In The Air Tonight and Sussido getting an equally appreciative response from the crowd.

All in all, yet another excellent night out and on this showing the audience at this year’s Genesis Convention in Glasgow are in for a treat – Well done, Lads!