One of the biggest surprises from the Genesis tour this year was the addition of an acoustic set. For a band that is accused of playing it safe at times, this was a bold move. It came as quite a surprise for long-time fans.
The set starts out with a switcheroo. Mike and Tony trade sides. For 50 years, Tony played on Phil's right and Mike played with Daryl on Phil's left. Phil cleverly uses this as a witty intro for the audience. Nic comes down from his drums to play on a smaller kit. Tony plays on the piano that is brought on stage. It is a very intimate moment in the concert with a feel of a small venue. This is very unique for a Genesis show.
They open up with a really revitalized version of That's All. The drumming is downsized. The fills are no longer part of the song. Tony plays with just the piano which I love in this version. Mike and Daryl provide a really nice string accompaniment. Next, the big surprise and probably the boldest move of the entire concert. The band played The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway as part of the acoustic set. The biggest surprise is the traditional piano intro is gone. Instead, there is a soft opening to the song. It does introduce the hand-over-hand we are used to hearing later in the song. I truly enjoyed this version of the Lamb. The last song was Follow You Follow Me. If you saw the acoustic version of this song years ago, it was similar however, Tony did play the keyboard crescendo on the piano this time which sounded amazing.
I think including the acoustic set was brilliant. Including the Lamb as one of the songs was an amazing choice. It will have the usual critics from the early '70s. However, for the majority of fans that love all the eras, this was an awesome decision to include the Lamb. Lastly, it shows that Phil, Mike, and Tony worked together even in their 70's to ensure their legacy will always be about the music.
I, like some fans of Genesis, have watched the Last Domino tour footage for hours. Even though I have tickets for late November in Buffalo, I wanted to see how this tour is shaping up. I am not that guy who feels spoilers will ruin it for me. Watching them prior to a show gets me excited about the upcoming experience.
After watching the footage and reading the comments online, I am truly excited. A theme is evolving that I hope fans realize makes this tour different. Critics (who probably never went to 2021 or 2007) are saying "oh just the same songs and a money grab." I think they are incorrect. This show is very different compared to 2007. Somehow, this tour is less than a tribute. It is in fact, thanks to timing this concert is about the relevancy of their catalog and emotions of their time together that coming to an end.
Song choice is different this time. The Invisible Touch album guides some of the relevancy regarding current events. Domino and Land of Confusion, (thanks to the pandemic) are powerful songs. We lived the lyrics throughout this entire pandemic. And let's face it, the title song Invisible Touch got a boost from Orianne. I have heard Phil sing, "She will F*** up your life" for years, but this time it's deeply personal. Even Mama feels different. It feels darker compared to past tours. More reflective of the darkness felt when the mind starts to fantasize during long periods of isolation.
Some songs are about the mood of the band. Duchess and Fading lights reflect their age and saying goodbye. We know this is most likely the end of the 3 man lineup. Any future projects will not include Phil. This is the final goodbye. Throwing it All Away also has a great backdrop of a digital curtain, hinting this is the final curtain call.
Comparing this tour to tribute bands like Steve Hackett and the Musical Box will be the go-to for critics that only listen to pre-1977. Genesis post 1977 was never about hanging on to the past. For us fans that enjoy the 50 years of music, we know this band is much more than their progressive roots. For us, this tour is less about authenticity to the pre-1977 past and more about the final curtain call of their entire catalog being played live for one last time. They choose the songs and choreographed a show that is reflective of 2021, not the 1970s. This is a concert to say goodbye to us, and I for one think they did an amazing job.
Genesis fans pre-1977 can be brutal. Especially when it comes to Phil Collins. If you are a fan of all the eras, you have heard the same tired criticisms for years. I remember the debates going back to the early 1980s. I found myself getting accustomed to the constant criticisms over time. I grew up in the Northeastern United States. It was a rite of passage to talk about Peter Gabriel v. Phil Collins. When Steve started to play Genesis in the twilight of his career in the 21st Century, his fans were just as critical of the newer music from Genesis.
I am fine with a difference of opinions. What I strongly dislike is that the comments are quite personal. In the past, Phil always had to deal with sarcasm and comments about his personal life. Today though, I find the comments about Phil's health to be quite cruel. People even mock his inability to walk and stand for extended periods of time. I saw one post that said the tour was sponsored by La-Z-Boy (Furniture) This was surely a jab at Phil's inability to leave his chair.
Addressing the cruelty online is can be just as unforgiving. If you stick up for Phil or Genesis, you get labeled a "Karen" or something derogatory. It is truly sad how aggressive people are towards fans that just want to enjoy the show.
I have found that there is the strangest profile for this group that loves to show shade towards the band. One train is most if not all that I have witnessed will never attend the show. In fact, they think they have to share with everyone, "I won't be attending." Phew.... thank goodness we learned that information. Another trait is they spend countless hours and days stalking Genesis fansites that include the modern era. They feel it's their responsibility to share with fans that enjoy all eras of Genesis that this band sucks. Another odd feature is they have to compare and contrast Steve Hackett's tour with the current Genesis tour. (Truly, I feel bad for Steve. They share all the great stories about his tour on the Genesis sites, not his.) One thing is for sure. Those that hate this band are a quirky and angry set of people that feel it is important to rain on the reunion.
People of this nature probably have enjoyed soft targets their entire life. It somehow makes them feel better about themselves. They were most likely the schoolyard bully wanting more soft targets to pick on. I am sure Phil was one of many soft targets in their long illustrious career. After all, most of the nastiness comes from the 50 - 75-year-old crowd. They most likely have a long history of hating their own lot in life, so they have to be miserable about other people to make themselves feel better.
They never want to hear about why people love this band. Haters cringe when they hear the praise of concert-goers. For those that attend, they reported that it's a wonderfully thought-out concert. From what I saw, there are many touching moments. I find the band's adjustment to their age and vulnerabilities is quite refreshing. For example, the famous tambourine dance is now relegated to a chair. How brave of Phil to show us what we will all have to eventually confront one day which is we all get old and frail as part of our story.
Some of the song choices speak to the band's current situation. Duchess for example is about the rise and fall of an artist. How powerful to hear Phil sing:
Oh but time went by
It wasn't so easy now, all uphill, and not feeling so strong.
Yes times were hard,
Too much thinking 'bout the future and what people might want.
Another song that appears in the song set is Fading Distant Lights. Similar to Duchess, I found the lyrics to be powerful. It felt more like the Final Curtain call as I watch Phil look at Tony and Mike while he sang the lyrics. There is truly something special about this tour. I can't wait until I experience first-hand in Buffalo NY. I won't allow the negative comments to change my opinion. I hope some reading this will be encouraged to rethink their comments about the band when they turn cruel. Surely you can go to Steve's concert or put on a classic album you enjoy as an alternative to harassing us.
Genesis fans are raving about the performance of Nic Collins during their opening night in Birmingham. After watching clips of the first two shows, I can see why. Nic, like his father, studied for the part to be the drummer. He did not take it for granted. Nor did he think it was a right of passage. He earned his part in the band. If you closed your eyes last night, you heard the classic songs played as if Phil and Chester were behind their kits. In fact, dare I say some of the songs sounded like they had new life. His performance was so good, this author hopes he considers future collaborations to keep the music of Genesis alive for future generations to enjoy after the founding members retire.
There is something special about this young man. It goes beyond the music. There is another side of Nic that we should appreciate. He is an apprentice, appreciative of the learning experience working with men that are 3x his age. It speaks to the willingness to learn. Lastly, it teaches young men his age that it is pretty cool to be with men and women that are older and wiser.
I have been following Nic since his father's tour. If you get a chance, watch his interviews leading up to the concert on podcasts or YouTube. One of my favorite podcasts was when he was discussing what it meant to be with Mike and Tony. He described so eloquently how things were different compared to his father's tour. Always well-spoken, he knew Genesis was something special from early on. He also knew that this experience was to be taken seriously. He learned how this band rehearses to perfection. This will be an experience that will help his career for many years to follow.
I can't help but wonder if this tour helps Nic gain perspective on his father's life. For example, the return of Duchess to the song set is well-timed. The song, after all, is about the rise and fall of a successful singer. The parallels between this song and his father's life are haunting.
This brings me to the last thing I admire about Nic. He, like his father, had to overcome adversity to get to the opening night in Birmingham. First, came the Pandemic back in early 2020. Then during the pandemic, as we all know was a very complicated and messy situation between his mom and dad. I can't imagine how torn he must have dealt. The things being said by his mom about Phil were horrific. Yet, he stood by his dad which speaks volumes about his love for him.
Sometimes we think frailty and vulnerability are physical conditions. However, the heart and mind work together sometimes. I would like to think Nic pushed his father to be around his friends for over 50 years to help him heal from the wounds of 2020. In some ways, I would like to believe their bond is part of what makes this tour special. The Genesis reunion in the midst of it all helped Phil extend his life and give it meaning.
Did you have any apprehension about the upcoming tour? Did the months of shade thrown at Phil get cause concern? How about the PBS documentary? Not me. I dismissed all of it. I knew in my heart that Phil, Mike, Daryl, Nic, and Tony were going to deliver an amazing tour. This tour has a purpose. It's the proper goodbye fans of all eras deserve.
As a fan in the states, like many I watched the fan groups and searched on YouTube all night to get a glimpse of the tour that is coming to the U.S. As the videos popped up, I was choked up watching this final concert come together.
And the comments from fans were pretty amazing. Here is a sample:
This was a show for the fans, without a doubt. If you're thinking of selling your tickets due to doubts over Phils ability, think again. This is THE farewell tour. Miss it and you'll always regret it.
Lamb was amazing!
Firstly thanks to Patrick and Daniel on backing vocals, Daryl on guitar & Nic on drums (why did I ever doubt you). Most of all thank you to Tony, Mike and Phil for a fantastic, emotional concert. Phenomenal evening which will live on in my memory for a long long time. To anyone who didn't get tickets because they thought Phil was passed it... you missed out big time!
This morning, I read Rolling Stone's review. They were just as amazed by the band as the fans were last night. They really packed the show with raw emotion. There will always be naysayers. Always will be with Genesis. Phil will never catch a break from the fanbase loyal to Pete and Steve.
Instead of cruelly making light of Phil's health, one should acknowledge how the music is inspiring him to continue on. Yes, he is frail. He is also 70 with health problems. However, I saw the charm of Phil from years ago. He still connects with his audience. The tambourine dance for me was courageous. He made an attempt during I Know What I Like that spoke to me about getting old. When you are old, you still try. You can't give up hope. Seeing Phil vulnerable like that made me cry a bit. Tears of joy and amazement that he did not let all of the issues facing him stop him from being vulnerable. Powerful.
Mike, Tony, and Daryl delivered as expected. They seemed almost protective of Phil from what I saw. They still play the complex parts of Genesis is with newfound energy. From what I saw, Nic plays a big role in their resurgence. He is just like his father. Fans can tell that he studied the music and how it was played in the past. There were tender moments when Phil looked back and you can't help but think he was a proud father watching his son take over on the kit.
The tour will only get better by the time it hits the states. Phil's voice will get stronger. They may slightly change the setlist a bit. In the end, I know in my heart the reunion was a great decision. Most importantly, it also allows us to properly say goodbye to 50 years of memories.
40 years ago, Genesis decided to take the band radically in a new direction. They came out with the album Abacab. The band that supposedly "sold out" back then actually did something radically different. They created what some today would consider a concept album that experimented with multiple themes. In a sense, they departed radically from their prog past and introduced new songs that would keep the band relevant for 3 more decades. It would also bring about changes that cemented their legacy and changed their fanbase.
This album was the last straw for loyal Gabriel/Hackett Fans: For the past 6 years, Proggers from the early 70s were still clinging on to hope that Phil would be coming out on stage wearing bat wings and singing like Pete. This album put any chance of that happening to bed. And, so did the upcoming concerts. When Genesis went on the road to support Abacab, the band would play new versions of their Prog Classics. The new life brought to 70's songs like The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway were a welcome change for most fans.
New Prog? Loyal Gabriel/Hackett fans will argue that 80's Genesis lacked any innovative songs or progressive music. They felt abandoned. It is really too bad. The fanbase that stayed for 50 years saw it differently. They enjoyed a band that was loyal to their roots while allowing themselves to experiment and take the band in very creative and new directions. It really is too bad as the song Abacab and Dodo were prog classics when played live. Both songs are fan favorites over the years. Similar to predecessors like Squonk, the songs pack a punch to open a live show. Every Genesis album had that opening song that was driven to pack a punch. Nothing really changed when it came to a strong lead in to new albums.
Let's Talk About No Reply at All - No Reply at All was a great song that earned scorn because the band used the Earth Wind and Fire horns. Unfortunately for those fans, they missed out on discovering a very clever song. It included Tony's hand-over-hand work similar to the Lamb. Mike's bass work was clever. And, a clever crescendo that was a hook for this listener and many like me, was a hook to explore the entire catalog.
Elephant in the room - Whodunnit - The one song that closed the door for Gabriel/Hackett fans was Whodunnit. In fact, most fans from all eras struggled with the song. It was an attempt at creating a song that reflected the punk movement. It was a song however that demonstrated how the band was willing to continue to experiment with their future music.
Me and Sarah Jane - Me and Sarah Jane was a great example of how much creativity was to be discovered. This song seems like a love song however, this is a clever dark song. A song about a man's struggle with his own thoughts that lead to insane metaphors and imagery in his mind. Genesis would continue to write songs that utilized allegories similar to their past. They just took the writing in a new direction.
Another Record - I love that this song closes out the record. A tale of what happens when an artist becomes stale. I think the band chose this song as a reflection that the band was going in a new direction for many reasons. They wanted to write new material and music that interested not only their fans but kept them wanting to satisfy their own desires to take the band in areas yet explored.
40 years late, Abacab is a fan favorite. Rumors of the final setlist suggest Abacab is going to be played live once again. If so, fans of all eras will be excited to hear the song 40 years later. This is a testament to the new music and what it means for fans of all eras. Timeless classics that are part of the Genesis story.
In a few weeks, I am going to see The Musical Box at the Riviera Theater just outside of Buffalo NY. I absolutely love The Musical Box. The band has been endorsed by every one of the members of Genesis as the most authentic experience. When a member of Genesis was quoted as saying, "I wanted to take my kids to see The Musical Box so my kids could see what it was like to play in Genesis", you can't find a better endorsement.
A little history and context to this discussion. Back in 1993, The Musical Box was formed in Montreal Canada as a tribute to early Genesis. I often compare their efforts to Beatlemania. The band studied each tour and meticulously recreated the experience to the point you thought it was the original production. Truly, they were ahead of their time and created the most inspiring reproduction of earlier Genesis.
Fast forward to today. You have many options for Genesis tributes. The two at the top often talked about are Steve Hackett and The Musical Box. For fans who want an authentic experience, they are misguided to think Steve Hackett is a more authentic experience. Steve plays Genesis as a compliment to his solo work, whereas The Musical Box wanted to honor the authenticity of the original material. Without a doubt, The Musical Box is the Best Tribute Band to date that plays original Genesis material.
Steve offers fans an amazing show. If you are a fan of his solo work and his work in Genesis, this is your best option. As part of his show, he provides an authentic representation of his contributions to the band. Having seen Steve's band perform, I found there were subtle differences to the original songs and concert material from the 1970s.
The biggest difference is The Musical Box found accomplished musicians that honor each band member's contributions and stick closely to the original concerts. Steve's band does not. I actually think his decision to return to play Genesis was in part, due to the success of The Musical Box. In my opinion, he borrowed heavily from their success. For example, Steve's shows use a similar format that models his concerts after certain albums. This was something The Musical Box has done since 1993. They both theme a return to the stage after a Genesis-themed album or concert that is unique to a certain year.
As this might be the last tour for the original band Genesis, fans will be left with tribute bands to fill the void as we have done for many years. For this fan of Genesis, The Musical Box is the Gold Standard.
We are so close to the first concert in 14 years from Genesis. Are you excited? I surely am. In fact, there is much to celebrate regarding this tour. Before I get started, some fans may need a little reassurance for anyone worried about the Big 3 being able to pull this tour off. Tony, Mike, and Phil are the ultimate professionals. They would never risk their legacy if they thought they were not ready. Consistently since the first practice, they have indicated, this one is going to be different. This one is going to be special. I have full confidence it will be an amazing end to their 50 plus year relationship.
Regarding Phil's health. He went through the same criticisms for his solo tour that lasted almost 3 years back in 2016. Back then, he is an inspiration. I remember when I saw him in Boston with my kids. Prior to going to the show, I showed them older footage of his solo work and his work with Genesis. I wanted them to see that despite adversity, anyone can find a way to be successful at their craft. Phil surely knew he would face rude comments from some fans regarding his health. He didn't let perceptions from his critics prevent him from touring. In fact, he went ahead with the tour with great success.
Let's face it, we all face adversity, especially when we get older. How many 70-year-old men do you know that could overcome the adversity Phil had to this past year. His ex-wife had a secret marriage while he went to England with her son. She held Phil's music memorabilia hostage, along with artifacts that were near and dear to him while he was across the Atlantic with their son. I think he is pretty amazing to go on tour after the year he has had.
I would like to think his friendship with Mike and Tony is just what the Doctor ordered. Going on tour with Nic and Daryl alongside is going to refresh Phil. He will grow strong as the tour gets some legs underneath it. Remember, he started the Not Dead Yet tour just singing, and on the latter part of the tour did some percussions with his son Nic. You never know what might inspire all of the members before they come to North America.
For the critics that think the show will be stale, I beg to differ. Rumors are there is an acoustic set. No more double drum routines. Back to the 5 piece band similar to the Gabriel years. And talk about relevance. Domino and Land of Confusion during a pandemic. How timely is that! What's old is new when it comes to these two selections from their music catalog. I also think the video and pictures of the stage show are very different this time around. There is already talk about the innovative idea Mike had to introduce video panels similar to curtains as part of the show.
Nic is going to bring something new to the shows. Have you listen to any of the interviews with Nic Collins. He has a truly fresh take and approach to the music. For Nic, this is going to be an amazing learning experience. I enjoyed one interview where he described how different Mike and Tony are when it comes to staging. He marveled as they worked through every frame of video as it relates to the music and staging for the upcoming tour. Nic also speaks to the complexity of the music compared to his father's solo work. We will all take part in something special watching Nic grow and learn as a musician.
Finally, for fans of all eras, I think this show will have the ending we all deserve, especially if this is indeed their last tour. They allude to it in many of their interviews. If this is going to be the goodbye they want the fans to have this time around. This theme is going to be a special connection for fans to the concert. I truly believe this is what they meant when they described the 2007 show as unfinished business. They want to give the fans the feeling of that moment when we say goodbye to a dear old friend. I think we will laugh, cry, and say goodbye to a band that for some reading this, gave them a lifetime of joy and memories.
Can't a guy take his kids to see Genesis without all the dreadful hate and shade targeted at Phil, Mike, and Tony? If you are a diehard Genesis fan that loves all eras of Genesis, you are used to the criticisms towards post-Gabriel/Hackett Genesis. In fact, it's part of our 40-year history of fandom.
Here is a quick history lesson of the shade thrown towards Genesis over the years after Gabriel and Hackett left the band.
For many years, it was the Peter Gabriel crowd that despised the newer music. If you lived in the Northeast of the United States, you went to college and spent hours and hours defending the group from the Peter Gabriel Fans. It was the birthplace of "That's not prog." If you bought a ticket to Genesis back in the '80s, you were going to hear that line until you went to the concert. I kind of didn't mind it. It was a healthy debate at least. Tiresome don't get me wrong. But I understood, even in 1984, it was only 9 years after Gabriel left. This happens when all bands continue on after the lead singer leaves.
The band went into the '90s and only toured and produced 2 albums. Things were kind of quiet. And then things began to change a bit in 2007. The "That's not prog" became more about the individuals as in an increase in attacks toward Mike, Tony, and especially Phil. . It took on a mean-spiritedness. The arguments about the music started to get personal and nasty. However, for fans of all eras, we thought the 2007 concert was pretty special. A great retrospective of the band's history.
Over the next 14 years, what I feel helped to make things worse regarding criticisms of the band was Steve Hackett going on tour playing Genesis. I have seen Steve and love the show. However, when Steve started to replay the older music, there was a subtle change in the dialog. This was different compared to Peter Gabriel. He had solo success and really separated himself from Genesis. Steve had to return to Genesis as I will explain why this is important to understand.
Steve has by his own acknowledgment played Genesis for many years because the concert promoters will not support him playing his solo albums on their own. The truth is, his solo work will not bring in as many fans to the venues. And as part of the marketing change, I feel he garners more attention to upcoming tours when he throws shade at post-Hackett Genesis. He does it so cleverly. He ridiculed Invisible Touch on one of his tours. Steve also does his interviews where he very subtly says, "Genesis Ended When He Left the Band.". It's the PT Barnum approach to selling tickets. You have to convince people that you are the greatest show on Earth.
The reason why it irritates me is there would not be any desire to see his shows if it wasn't for Phil, Mike, and Tony touring for years after Hackett left in 1977. They played the older music to a new crowd. Thus, bringing new fans to the older era of Genesis. In my opinion, Hackett fans are incorrect when they credit Steve for keeping true to Genesis. It was Phil, Mike, and Tony that kept the band's legacy alive for 3 decades before Steve decided to play their music. Do you really think older Genesis would be as popular today if it skipped a couple of generations? And, what truly makes this author upset is when you think about it, as their success continued, they did not have to play the music for profit. They played the music based on their love of some of the older material. That's quite different compared to why Hackett plays Genesis. He is forgoing his 20 plus solo projects each year he plays Genesis. To my point, Phil, Mike, and Tony have had solo careers alongside Genesis without ever needing to play Genesis.
The purpose for calling out the Hackett era of fans is they are without a doubt the meanest spirited. Check them out on the FB groups. They make fun of Phil's disability, the band getting back together again, and their overall efforts to play once more. Why do they need to attack the Genesis fan groups? Because the Genesis fan groups have the largest audience to bully and comment about them getting back together again. The Hackett groups are too small. They want to make the modern era of fans miserable with their opinions. Like a bully in the schoolyard, they love the larger circle of fans around the fight.
I wish Steve would consider a statement supporting his old bandmates getting back together again, along with a comment that the mean-spiritedness needs to stop from his fans. I think it would go a long way to ending some of the garbage being posted on Social Media. All fans of Genesis respect the Hackett shows alongside great cover bands like the Musical Box. However, for fans of all eras, there is nothing like Genesis getting back together again. We know this show will be just a special as 2007. It's our last chance to see them together again. Let us celebrate and enjoy the shows from all artists that play Genesis. I would love for fans of Genesis to go on the fan sites on Social Media without it being punishing. And lastly, let us enjoy "Genesis - The Last Domino Tour?"
