One Night In Buffalo - Last Domino? Review

Back in 2010, I had, what at the time seemed like the grand illusion that I would one day be able to take my youngest boys to see Genesis. I at times felt as if it was unlikely to happen, but I put all my faith into this one day becoming a reality

Many years would follow whereas my boys endured many Genesis videos and historical accounts of the band. It was a daily presence in their lives. My sons are musically inclined and the band slowly became a part of who we are as a family. Overall, I have four children and they all had to endure the love I have for this band. My daughter saw them back in 2007 with me. I learned back in 2007 how bringing your child to a live show brings it all together how great they are as musicians.

When they announced they were going to perform one more time, I was fortunate enough to secure tickets for their show in Buffalo. I had a feeling this was going to be a special night.  I watched from the beginning their European shows. I felt like Phil and band were getting better and starting to peak. And sure enough, it was an amazing night.

(Spoiler Alerts) The band opened up with Behind the Lines and Duke's Travels. This would eventually lead to Turn It On Again. The punch of that classic Genesis opening song was much better than the 2007 tour. Something was very different. In my opinion, it was the addition of Nic Collins. The songs felt more authentic. One has to remember that Phil and Chester have been collaborating on these songs since 1976. For the first time, we can enjoy the songs as they were written with one drummer. This was true throughout the night. You can't put it together unless you see them live how much of an impact this has on the show. For the armchair critics who say, "It's the same show as 2007", nothing could be further from the truth. You are hearing the music closer to the album originals. 

The entire show had an energy that reminds me of much earlier shows. The band seemed reenergized. The production also is grittier. Land of Confusion and Mama felt incredible. The screen backdrops were amazing. The darker tone of Mama was impressive. I thought it was the best live version of Mama since 1983. People who have not attended the concert have been critical from their laptops of the lower tones or adjustments to Phil's age. I actually think some of the songs were served well by the changes. Mama was as dark as I have heard or seen it live. And it worked very well.

Duchess was a well-timed addition to this tour. Duchess and Fading Lights are ironic reminders from the catalog that Genesis predicted that the music had an ending at some point. For me, the emotional punch from these two songs reminds us this will most likely be their last concert. When you hear Phil sing, "Like the story that we wished was never-ending we know some time we must reach the final page", it just hits your soul, this is the final page. 

When you watch the Fading Lights transition to the Cinema Show at home on your laptop, it seemed a bit awkward. Having seen it live, the transition works well. Firth and Fifth and I Know What I Like are great renditions of early 70s Genesis. Phil's vulnerability with the tambourine dance was poignant. The band continues with Domino. Domino was Mike Rutherford's shining moment. His guitar work and energy were something to behold as if the Fountain of Genesis Youth was on display. Domino and Home By The Sea were edgier led by Rutheford and Nic Collins' intensity.

Tony Banks is still the Maestro. Always stoic, he leads the band without much fanfare. True fans know he is the heart and soul of Genesis. Buffalo has a long history with the band. The appreciation they showed for Tony was heartfelt. Daryl provides as he always has the guitar sequences that are the more complex solos.  Anytime Daryl performs some of Steve Hackett's solos it is going to have some criticism. Daryl has his own take on the Hackett era which has been a part of Genesis for 45 years. I for one enjoy his work on many levels. I truly enjoyed his work during the acoustic set. His solo at the end of That's All was masterful.

Much has been made about Phil Collins. Yes, he sings from a chair. The same chair he has sung from since 2017. It really is nothing new. He has aged, and there are health concerns. I think most were thinking the worse regarding his ability to deliver. Having seen the Not Dead Yet Tour twice, I have to say, he actually seemed better with Genesis. Phil commands the show with British humor and wit. He was very engaged. More engaged than his solo tour. He cleverly came up with the Genesis bag of tricks gag that engages the audience. He sang with depth and emotion. I think the chair served him well. So well, that he has a more intimate relationship with the audience compared to past tours. 

The show would progress with a darker Tonight Tonight Tonight that led into Invisible Touch. Dancing with the Moonlit Knight and Carpet Crawlers bring the show to a close. True fans feel the finality at this point. It's the perfect closer for long-time fans. There is a pit in your stomach as you know in your heart this is goodbye. You watch as the first bow is with the band. Then Phil, Mike, and Tony take an additional bow and exit the stage. Truly, a fitting ending to an amazing 50+ years of music together. 

(Author's Note - I am fortunate enough to secure tickets for Boston which is their last show in the United States. I will be reviewing this show as a follow-up in the coming weeks) 

Will Genesis Ramp Up the Setlist?

Genesis is coming to North America. The big question from their fans is whether they will change the current setlist played in England. It is a possibility for sure. Phil Collins changed his setlist during his 3-year tour. It is a strong possibility that Genesis will do the same. 

Fans have many theories. They range from heavy prog to modern hits entering the fold. I think the answers might be found in their current setlist on how the band might proceed. 

The Fading Distant Lights/Cinema Show feels like the first place to start. The transition feels kind of awkward. I think members of the band might feel like bringing back In the Cage. It would be an improvement to the setlist. It has been a standard for so many years. As Phil's voice gets stronger, it would be an easy transition for the band. I also think Nic is adjusting to the rigors of drumming for Genesis versus his father's solo work. He may be ready to take on In the Cage.

My next prediction is the wild card everyone has been talking about. I think a return to the states could lead to Apocolypse 9/8 returning to the setlist as an encore. Again, this is a long shot. However, it does fit nicely as an encore. It could also be added prior as part of the Medley for Cinema Show. The driving factors will be Phil and Nic in my opinion. I really believe Nic loves the progressive roots of the band and wants to tackle this song. 

The only pop hit I can see entering the set is Jesus He Knows Me. It allows Phil to show off his acting chops a bit and tap into the audience. His charm and intros of songs have been widely noticed by critics during the concerts in England. Fans have enjoyed his ability to connect to the audience. This song has a strong connection for Phil engaging the audience. A little British humor goes a long way on this tour.  

There are other songs mentioned that they practiced. I know fans would love to see songs from a Trick of the Tail. Los Endos, Ripples, or Squonk are fan favorites. I don't see them as viable songs for this tour. We will know in a few weeks if there will be any changes to the setlist.

What are your thoughts about new songs that could be introduced to the setlist?