Hackett – A Deceptive LoveJoy

A man of few words who looks rather like Ian Macshane, the loveable antiques rogue – Lovejoy – but this man just let’s his guitar do all the talking.

Before he kicks off, I catch a glimpse of him on stage but with his back to the audience and in the darkness with just a low res silhouette, I capture him flexing and massaging his fingers before the ordeal ahead.

Boy, what variety and dexterity fills the auditorium – highlighting the best from his new album Wolflight and some old solo favourites like Icarus Ascending and the enchanting and incandescent Shadow of the Hierophant. 2nd half was the old Genesis catalogue and the remaining songs he has never performed on tour.It was great to hear them again executed with such aplomb, with Roger King on keyboards and captivating Rob Townsend on woodwind and brass displaying great skill we were treated to a rare outing for Can-Utility and the Coastliners – from the Foxtrot album and a great rendition of After the Ordeal and Cinema Show in their entirety which can be see here (filmed by moi). Nad Sylvan, the lead singer fits the Gabriel part well offering vocal highs interpretation and some amusing stage costumes. There was also a couple of cameo performances from Amanda Lehman on guitar and backing vocals.

I loved the stack of guitars in the wings all double checked prior to use by a favourite roadie especially the old doubled handed bass guitar bought on more than once and  celebratedly, used on the epics Musical Box and Firth of Forth

Drummer, Gary O’Toole was amusing with his bowler hat and was indulged in unusual encore with a solo piece. All were first rate musicians and singers. And just to wrap it up a superb light show worthy of the west end production.

Steve, seemed genuinely amazed with warm response and huge non-ending applause which greeted  him and them at…. Dukes End.

Steve Hackett Ipswich Regent 27th October

Muscian line up is here http://www.hackettsongs.com/electric.html

Ipswich Review here http://www.therocktologist.com/steve-hackett-in-ipswich.html

Gig list

• Corycian Fire

• Spectral Morning

• Out of the Body

• Wolflight

• Every Day

• Love Song to a Vampire

• The Wheel’s Turning

• Loving Sea

• Jacuzzi

• Icarus Ascending

• Star of Sirius

• Ace of Wands

• A Tower Struck Down

• Shadow of the Hierophant

2nd Half (Genesis set):

• Get ’em Out by Friday

• Can-Utility and the Coastliners

• After the Ordeal

• The Cinema Show

• Aisle of Plenty

• The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway

• The Musical Box

Encore:

• Clocks – The Angel of Mons

• Firth of Fifth

Posted by: Fawkes