Classic rock fans face a growing wave of uncertainty when it comes to supporting some of their favorite bands out on tour. For starters, most of the bands’ lineups look nothing like the one that recorded the music they’re best known for. Take, for example, the upcoming double bill of Foreigner and Lynyrd Skynyrd. At best, there would be one original member of both bands on stage. Change is inevitable, and it’s not fair to expect any band member to defy the realities of aging. Added to that is the hard reality that the rock and roll lifestyle was never conducive to longevity.
So, to be honest with my 70s-rock-loving self, the acts I grew up on are either no longer with us, in the twilight of their lives, or are mostly comprised of replacement parts. I’ve seen more than my share of acts who stayed at the party too long, and I vowed never to see them again. At 75 years of age, Steve Hackett (formerly of Genesis) would seem to be a prime candidate for live disappointment…but he’s quite the opposite.
In fact, his show in Boulder, Colorado, was fantastic. Yes, Hackett was indeed the only original member of the band’s classic progressive rock era (when Peter Gabriel was on vocals). While the first set of his show focused on his solo material, the second set of his show featured classic songs from his time in Genesis. And while age may have mellowed Hackett’s onstage physical activity, his guitar spoke with a captivating, bold voice that carried both sets with electrifying precision. Hackett was also supported by a fantastic band of outstanding musicians that brought an obvious reverence, respect, and passion for the material that was undeniable.
With Big Big Train’s Nick D’Virgilio on drums, the rhythms of the night were punchy and precise, sounding as if someone kept shoveling coal in the engine room to keep the train powering down the tracks. With a storied history of covering Genesis material — even recording with a Phil Collins-less lineup of Genesis — D’Virgilio filled the shoes of typical Hackett skinsman Craig Blundell with swagger and power. It was obvious that he was playing music he grew up on and loved.
Bass and pedals duties were expertly delivered by veteran Swede Jonas Reingold, whose cool, calm demeanor seemed to set the entire audience at ease that whatever challenges the material’s bottom end required would be well under control. Rob Townsend added color to the palette with sax, flute, keyboards, and backing vocals, and Hackett alumni Roger King nailed the classic Tony Banks keyboard lines that so many in the visibly older audience have been clinging to for nearly 50 years. Lastly, vocalist Nad Sylvan provided an admirably similar quirky, over-the-top dramatic vocal performance that landed surprisingly close to the spirit of Earl Peter Gabriel. Despite potential for pitfalls in this recreation, Hackett has mastered his casting skills for supporting musicians.
Given the age of Hackett, the weight of recreating a sacred catalog, and the out-of-vogue nature of progressive rock, one would think this show could easily have been a letdown. But it soared. Credit to everyone on stage for doing their job extremely well, and for Hackett to continue to provide the most authentic recreation of Genesis out on the road today. A few highlights included the bouncy and energetic “Every Day,” the trance-building fervor of “Shadow of the Hierophant,” as well as epic renditions of “Supper’s Ready,” “Firth of Fith,” and “Los Endos.” The competency of delivery was unexpected and delightful.
As I referenced earlier, I have been to my share of disappointing shows by bands whose creative peak hit in the 70s. This was the other side of the spectrum — a refreshing display of power and professionalism that dragged music from the past into the present while somehow maintaining its freshness and relevance.
D’Virgilio has plans to stay out on the road in 2026, including a pair of Cruise to the Edge appearances, and I wholeheartedly recommend anyone with a soft spot for progrock Genesis and Hackett’s recent solo work make an effort to see this show. It’s never lost on me that when I see an artist I’ve loved for years, this may be the last time I can hear them live. We always hope our last memory is a good one. With Hackett and Co., I am confident it will be for you.
