Steve Hackett, best known as the guitar player for Genesis from 1971 to 1977, returned to New York City’s Beacon Theatre on April 3. The legendary guitarist who is often credited with popularizing a guitar technique known as “finger-tapping” delivered a set list that consisted of Genesis classics and material from his solo repertoire both new and old.
The tour is centered around Genesis’ 1977 “Seconds Out” album, which marks Hackett’s final appearance on record with the group. Hackett’s band, which features keyboardist Roger King, bassist Jonas Reingold, drummer Craig Blundell, vocalist Nad Sylvan and multi-instrumental Rob Townsend, is currently performing the album in its entirety all around the world.
The crowd in one of New York’s oldest theater’s was bustling with excitement and enthusiasm. Hackett began the nearly sold-out show with a set that consisted of solo material, including two tracks from his latest album, “Surrender of Silence.” At 45 minutes, the set was a short, but substantial introduction to Hackett’s show, exploring elements of progressive rock and orchestral music in the group’s compositions. Experimentation has always been a key element in Hackett’s music.
Following a brief intermission, Hackett and his band returned to the stage to perform “Seconds Out,” an album that encompasses the whole of Hackett’s career with Genesis. The set was faithful to the record’s original track listing but included some welcome additions like an improvisational jam during “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)” that highlighted Townsend’s horn playing.
The apex of the performance, however, was indisputably Hackett’s rendition of “Supper’s Ready,” a 23 minute mammoth of a track that originally appeared on “Foxtrot,” which Genesis released in 1972. “Supper’s Ready” is perhaps, Genesis’ magnum opus, combining complex musical arrangements, virtuosity and theatrics in a fashion atypical to their contemporaries. The song solidified Genesis’ status as influential figures in the world of art and music. “Supper’s Ready,” was voted the No. 1 progressive rock song by Prog Magazine, Hackett told The New School Free Press earlier this year.
Hackett’s arrangement of the song included an extended, improvised guitar solo towards the epic’s conclusion. It was at this point that Hackett let it all hang, exposing his virtuosity for all to bear witness. For fans of excess, experimentation, and musical exploration, a Hackett show is not one to be missed.
You can learn more information about Steve Hackett and score tickets for his upcoming performances here.
I play, I write, I play, I write…
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