Mind-blowing Steve Hackett samples solo “Surrender,” last Genesis supper “Seconds Out”

Steve Hackett Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Now that “The Last Domino” dropped for Genesis, former guitarist Steve Hackett is the sole member revisiting the group’s classic period throughout the 1970s on the road.

But before going back to those “boy band” days, as the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer cheekily announced, a sold out Copernicus Center (brought together by One Eleven Productions and Danny Zelisko Presents), was shown just how vital of an artist he remains thanks to a sampling of the world-flavored new project, “Surrender Of Silence.”

Steve HackettPart one of the nearly three-hour evening also included such notables as “Clocks – The Angel Of Mons,” “Every Day” and “Shadow Of The Hierophant,” all of which found the headliner and his frequent backers in brave form.

After intermission, faithful were treated to the entire “Seconds Out,” the sprawling, double live album that many consider the definitive set list bridge between superstar singers Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins, as well as an exemplary swansong for Hackett prior to voluntarily stepping down in favor of solo freedom.

That meant everything from “Squonk,” “Firth Of Fifth” and the concluding portion of “The Musical Box” in their mythical, magical glory, along with an increased sense of accessibility amidst the ingenuity come “The Carpet Crawlers,” “Afterglow,” “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)” and “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway,” each accompanied by a synchronized light show.

Sonically speaking, the 72-year-old Hackett actually played fiercer than his 27-year-old self on the record and added additional dimensions on occasion, while theatrical singer Nad Sylvan didn’t try to copy either former front man, but still maintained their essence.

Steve HackettAnd then of course there was progressive rock’s holy grail, “Supper’s Ready,” in all seven of its ambitious and wonderfully weird sections, which was so transcendent, it prompted a multitude of grown men and a few women to completely geek out as they erupted with a standing ovation.

Genesis may be officially over (or so the latter day three say), but the mind-blowing Hackett was more than able to fill that void all the way through the final riff of “Los Endos” in what die-hards might argue was technically a better performance for a lot lower cost.


Click here for more photos of Steve Hackett at the Copernicus Center.

For additional information on Steve Hackett visit HackettSongs.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Copernicus Center include Thomas Anders & Modern Talking Band (Aug. 11); Zucchero (Sept. 21); Gipsy Kings (Oct. 13) and Steve Vai (Nov. 16). For additional details, visit CopernicusCenter.org.