"And The Lamb Lies Down in Liverpool" - The Steve Hackett Band live at the Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool on Wednesday 9th October 2024. Review and photographs by Alan Hewitt.

And so, at last, we reach the album which Steve has studiously danced around ever since he began the Genesis Revisited journey over twelve, yes TWELVE years ago: The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway. A contentious album at the time and ever since. So, let’s be honest was anyone expecting a full on production with all the bells and whistles – and Slipper man costumes? Thankfully not! I don’t want the image of the Rock Diva that is Nad Sylvan dressed as a demented sperm cell in my mind’s eye thank you very much – and I am sure that Nad agrees with me on that one!

So instead what did we get at a packed Philharmonic Hall? Well, as usual the show was divided into two halves. The first effectively showcasing Steve’s solo work and focussing heavily on the new album; The Circus And The Night whale and from that album the opening triptych of songs took us into the belly of the whale beginning with the industrial People Of The Smoke – a vivid recreation of the black and white world of the 1950’s into which Steve was born . This was followed by These Passing Clouds and Circo Inferno the latter being a fierce assault upon the auditory senses and if there was a a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Guitars, Steve might very well be receiving a visit from them soon as the noises he wrung from his guitar were a sound to behold!

We were then back on slightly more familiar territory with The Devil’s Cathedral from Steve’s last album. Here we have Roger King in full on Dr Phibes mode with an organ solo straight from the vintage age of horror movies and Nad Sylvan in full on Diva mode as only he can do – a triumph of a song.

These days no Hackett show would be complete without Every Day and it was present and correct tonight with the usual effect on yours truly. The added bonus this year was the wonderful presence of Amanda Lehmann whose vocals enriched the harmonies to perfection. Then we were back to where it all began for Steve as a solo artist with a trip back to the heady days of 1975 for the effects driven A Tower Struck Down – just as effective now as it was back then with the entire band and especially the rhythm section of Craig Blundell and Jonas Reingold having a riot.

Basic Instincts – a pun on the word bass was Jonas’s excuse to extemporise on his instrument (!) for a few minutes, and if course, being in Liverpool he paid homage to The Beatles with a snippet of Day Tripper (I think?) which got a cheer from the crowd. Then we were.. Walking along the Camino Royale. I was delighted when Steve brought this 1983 classic back in to the live set. And tonight it was simply glorious before we ended the first half with... What else but Shadow Of The Hierophant. Not the truncated instrumental section which is usually the case but, because of the presence of Amanda Lehmann, we had the entire song in a truly magnificent rendering. Amanda brings grace and feeling to both the guitar and vocals on this one whilst Roger King too late down and impeccable, almost symphonic keyboard wash over the whole thing – a fantastic way to end the first half.

After our obligatory break so we could powder our noses ...or get smashed as Steve put it (!) were all back in our seats in plenty of time as Roger King heralded the beginning of the second half with the rippling keyboard intro which has become so well known : The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway which may not be my favourite album but there is no doubt of the power and majesty of the title track. Nad Sylvan delivered all the passion necessary to the vocal whilst the rest of the band were equally impressive

Broadway Melody of 1974 and Hairless Heart were a delight with the entire band evidently relishing the chance to perform these evergreen classics again. Carpet Crawlers however, took things to another level. I don’t know exactly what it is about this song that hits every emotional nerve but it never fails and with Nad Sylvan in charge of the vocals it was a masterclass of emotion.

The Chamber of 32 Doors and Lilywhite Lilith were equally impressive before another personal highlight: The Lamia. Once again Roger King handled the delicacy of this one with a deft touch whilst Nad Sylvan nailed the vocal part with just the right balance between emotion and vulnerability. It was the band’s chance to take off like a rocket and they grabbed it with both hands. No damp squibs here, this was a Catherine Wheel of instrumental delights. Once again, rhythm meisters Reingold and Blundell drove everything along at a cracking pace but the rest of the band were not so far behind and at the conclusion the audience gave them the standing ovation they so richly deserved for their efforts.

But that was not the end of the (Cinema) show, oh no! In fact that August track was next. Here as with so many tracks from this era, both guitar and keyboards augmented each other and melded into one glorious musical whole. Tonight was no exception as Steve and Roger did exactly that and recreated what Steve and Tony Banks had done all those years ago. A joy to behold. Steve’s finest Genesis moment (according to many Genesis fans, not necessarily an opinion I agree with, however) was next: Firth Of Fifth in which both the keyboard and guitar bookended each other with solos by each which have gone down in Prog Rock history. Tonight was another masterclass by both musicians although once again, Nad Sylvan delivered a truly impassioned vocal and easily recreated the glories of Gabriel’s original.

Mr Blundell has evidently been itching for his moment to shine and his drum solo was a lesson in syncopation leading nicely into Los Endos. Now, for me, this was the only weak spot in the show . I really don’t like this and extended version. I would much sooner here Clocks in this position but hey, it’s Genesis Revisited ya know, so who am I to grumble?

And that was that, another evening over in what seemed like the blink of an eye. Why does time always go so quickly when you are enjoying yourself? And there was plenty to enjoy in this spectacular show.

The most noticeable thing this year was the VAST improvement in the lighting. Gone the excessive use of haze and instead, a clean and clear and effective use of the entire colour spectrum. Kudos to young Mr Alec Morris whom I remember cutting his teeth as a budding lighting engineer back in the day when he used to work for one of the UK’s tribute bands. He has come on a long way since then and did a magnificent job.

Sound was as crystal clear as always in the capable hands of Ben Fenner and the music itself was delivered impeccably by a band comprising some of the most accomplished performers in rock – another wonderful evening.