Steve Hackett at Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, 2 July 2024

Steve Hackett gave an overwhelming concert in a packed Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, an evening dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the legendary Genesis album "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway." Hackett, whose guitar work was an integral part of Genesis' classic albums from the '70s, brought a selection of nine highlights from this album to the stage, much to the audience's delight.

The concert began with a powerful first set, where Hackett and his band played a mix of his solo work. The evening opened with "People of the Smoke", followed by dynamic performances of "Circo Inferno" and "These Passing Clouds". The epic "The Devil's Cathedral" and the ever-popular "Every Day" provided a strong start to the show. The instrumental highlight came with "A Tower Struck Down", where the band delivered a virtuoso performance that seamlessly transitioned into "Basic Instincts", including segments from Bach and Hendrix. "Camino Royale" offered a platform for an impressive saxophone solo. The set closed with the final section of "Shadow of the Hierophant." The epic, expansive grandeur of the piece was a perfect end to the first half of the concert, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating what was to come.

After a short break, the second set began with a tribute to "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway." The opening notes of the title track were greeted with loud applause, followed by "Fly on a Windshield" and "Broadway Melody of 1974". The audience visibly enjoyed the harmonies and guitar sounds in "Hairless Heart," and sang along with classics such as "Carpet Crawlers" and "The Chamber of 32 Doors". The set culminated in a powerful performance of "it" and an emotionally charged "Dancing With the Moonlit Knight". A special surprise was the moment when a birthday cake was brought on stage for Rob, while the band played "Aisle of Plenty", with bars from "Firth of Fifth" as a musical gift. The evening concluded with a masterfully executed encore, starting with "Firth of Fifth" and a powerful medley of "Los Endos". "Slogans", and once again "Los Endos".

Each member of Hackett's band brought a unique and vital contribution to the concert, enhancing the overall experience with their exceptional talent and synergy. Roger King's impressive keyboard work added symphonic depth to the music, while Jonas Reingold's rhythmic and melodic bass playing provided a solid foundation. Craig Blundell's dynamic drumming added intensity and precision, making the rhythm section stand out. Rob Townsend's saxophone and flute skills introduced unique textures and layers to the sound, enriching the musical tapestry. Nad Sylvan's powerful vocals breathed new life into the Genesis classics, capturing the essence of the original performances.

Steve Hackett once again proved why he is an icon in the progressive rock world. With his virtuoso guitar playing and the band's ensemble performance, he delivered an evening full of musical highlights that the audience will remember for a long time.