I saw Steve and his band Friday evening in Oxford. The set was full of brilliant stuff old and new. The surprise of the evening was undoubtedly Genesis's Blood on the Rooftops. Vocal sang by the drummer, (no not that drummer). I don't think even Genesis performed this live, so it was a welcome treat indeed. I have to say the tron sound was stunning! I hesitate before making this statement as I have always been of the "real" rather than sampled use of the sound. But much credit to Roger King and I believe the Streetly boys, who I understand were involved in recreating the sound we have all come to love. I never understood why a keyboard player would choose sampled rather than real tron on-stage until now. I remember seeing The Strawbs at Milton Keynes and predictably Blue Weaver didn't use it. However, where samples were used, they were either of such poor quality or just well down in the mix. The final effect was one of "Why bother at all."
So we should all applaud Messrs. Hackett and Co for preserving and indeed, fully utilising all sounds mellotronic both on stage and on disc.
On a related topic, do check out his most recent album "To watch the Storms" which is great.
When listening to him now, I understand why he had to leave Genesis all those years ago. There's certainly a sinister edge to his playing that once he had gone from the band, was no longer there, and whilst Rutherford tried his best to continue Hackett's "sound" it was never the same. Indeed, Hackett's departure only speeded the band's journey to commerciality, though I would have loved to have heard him on "Home by the Sea."
Biggest disappointment of the evening was the fact that the New Theatre, which for our friends over the pond, is quite small, was only two thirds full. Big shame, as this guy really does still carry the spirit of early Genesis with him, and should be supported whilst he still chooses to tour. Only he can make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck during The Firth of Fifth. Where else can you here Los Endos in all its Glory?
If you get a chance to see him, do so while you still can.
Sorry to have barked on for so long.
Andy K EMI m400 (not thinking of trading in for a sampler)