"G2 at Charterhouse" – 2nd and 3rd November 2007. Review and photos by Anthony Hobkinson.

The omens in the build up to this concert were good. The gigs had been organised in aid of a local Guildford charity CHASE, both nights had been sold out, and rumour had it that a certain Mr Hackett would be there for the Saturday show.

Thankfully the omens were accurate. With the one exception of the few unfortunate local punters who had turned up expecting to hear the Collins dominated “pop” era of Genesis, everyone had a ball.

Two consecutive full nights in one venue meant G2 were able to afford themselves the luxury of working through most of the now quite vast repertoire at their disposal. Starting with several tracks from The Lamb, the band moved effortlessly into Watcher. Then, for me at least, a few special treats: Absent Friends and One for the Vine and the now obligatory Unquiet Slumbers combo into Afterglow. Magic!

That sequence was going to be very difficult to follow and a half time break was a sensible call. The interval saw a wonderfully successful raffle for CHASE, with some mad but generous person paying £250 for our editor's "Genesis Revisited" book. (And no, contrary to the vicious rumours circulating Mr H was not bidding himself!). In the two nights about £15,000 was raised for CHASE, so take a bow G2, Charterhouse, CHASE, and all those who gave up their time to put on the show.

How to follow such a great first half? Friday saw the second half kick off with Motherlode and Squonk whereas on Saturday we were treated to In The Cage followed by for me one of the highlights of the two evenings, Inside and Out. I have always had a soft spot for that song and until then had never heard it played live. G2 excelled themselves in its delivery. Nice one lads!

The climax came with Dance on a Volcano, a really well worked drum duet, and Los Endos, followed by I Know What I Like. Suffice it to say G2 were on great form.

All in all it was a couple of amazing nights in a great setting. The setting was special and once into their stride the guys clearly relaxed and just went with the great atmosphere in the room. These sentiments were echoed by Steve Hackett when Alan and I talked to him the following day. Also, typical of the modest man he is, his observation was that hearing all the tracks made him appreciate that perhaps he had made more of a contribution to the band than he had thought. (Also typical was that he had made the effort to be there and spent ages signing autographs). As one of those who regards Nursery Cryme to Wind as the vintage Genesis era, I still scratch my head as to why Steve undervalues his contribution, but that is why in many ways he is such an endearing man. So thanks to G2 for making many hard core Genesis fans – and one ex-Genesis band member – very happy.

Anthony Hobkinson

Set Lists:

Friday 2nd November: The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, Fly On A Windshield, Broadway Melody of 1974, Hairless Heart, Carpet Crawlers, Watcher of the Skies, Cinema Show, For Absent Friends, Entangled, Dancing with the Moonlit Knight, One for the Vine, Blood on the Rooftops, Unquiet Slumbers for the Sleepers ….In that Quiet Earth, Afterglow, Deep in the Motherlode, Squonk, Supper’s Ready, Ripples, Firth of Fifth, Dance on a Volcano, Los Endos, I Know What I Like

Saturday 3rd November: The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, Fly On A Windshield, Broadway Melody of 1974, Hairless Heart, Carpet Crawlers, Watcher of the Skies, Cinema Show, For Absent Friends, Entangled, Eleventh Earl of Mar, One for the Vine, Horizons, Blood on the Rooftops, Unquiet Slumbers for the Sleepers ….In that Quiet Earth, Afterglow, In The Cage, Inside and Out, Supper’s Ready, Firth of Fifth, Dance on a Volcano, Los Endos, I Know What I Like

 

Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge