Steve Hackett - The Glasshouse, Newcastle 21.10.2026
Steve Hackett
It’s a bitterly cold October evening but there’s a nice warm cozy feeling inside knowing I’m on my way to once again see some of my all time favourite songs performed by one of my all time favourite musicians.
I’m not sure how many times I’ve now seen Steve Hackett since the Spectral Mornings tour back in the late 70s but we are back at the Gateshead Glasshouse International Centre For Music for an evening of Solo Gems and Genesis Classics a concept so popular it sees the venue once again sold out to the rafters.
The stage is bathed in blue light as each band member takes their place with Mr Hackett appearing last with a broad smile on his face taking in the cheers and applause.
The menacing keyboard intro to 'The Devils Cathedral' instantly puts new band member Lalle Larson in the spotlight as he gets to open up the first part of the show and the lights turn to an evil red hue while Nad Sylvan takes to the mic to tell the Poe like tale of murder and stolen identity. It’s a great set opener allowing each band member to settle into their stride as the story unfolds
It’s unusual for band introductions after the first song but I’m guessing as there are two members making their Gateshead debut in the band tonight Steve wanted folk to meet them sooner than later. Stepping into Roger Kings shoes behind the keyboards is Lalle Larson (who I mentioned earlier) and behind the drumkit is Felix Lehrmann an incredible player with an impressive cv longer than a prog concept album! Jonas Reingold on bass, second guitar, double neck etc Nad on vocals and multi instrumentalist Rob Townsend who is now longest serving band member.
Now everyone is acquainted we head back to 'Spectral Mornings' for the folk pop crossover of 'Every Day'. I still love how this seemingly simple song evolves with Steve’s intricate fretwork dancing over the punchy melody which even now 47 years later (how many ???) still stands as a fantastic solo.
Brand new song 'The Sea Inside' wets everyone’s appetite for an as yet released album - looking forward to more of that leading to an incredibly busy 'Ace Of Wands' an already complicated piece on record but live it takes on new levels the interplay between Steve, Lalle and Rob is incredible these guys are on fire tonight.
'The Steppes' gives the crowd a huge smash in the chest as those drums kick in after Robs clarinet intro taking us out on an Eastern adventure.
'Camino Royale' gives the guys another chance to flex their musical muscles extending to a jazz workout allowing Jonas and Rob to fly.
The set closes with the instrumental section of 'Shadow of the Hierophant' I’ve still to see a full version of this but as ever the truncated version has the room vibrating as it builds and builds, each stomp on the bass pedals sending waves through the room drums seemingly erratic yet making perfect sense leaving you breathless as it comes to an end and everyone is on their feet applauding as though it’s the end of the night such is it’s impact! And then you remember …, oh hang on there’s another set to come thank god I’ve got 30 minutes to recompose myself grab a drink and get ready for the next course of tonight’s feast.
The lights go down and the stage is once again set to blue. The dramatic Mellotron chords emerge from the PA and Felix beats out the ratta tat tat tat tat tat atat signalling the beginning of the classic 'Watcher of the Skies'. I always love how Nad slowly walks to the mic getting there literally just in time for the first sung words.
It has to be said throughout both sets the sound is superb and the lighting design is just brilliant each song having its own hues and patterns helping bring each track even more to life than they already are, take a bow guys you deserve it.
I had noticed on Nads social media pages that he hinted at having a cold or sore throat the last few days so I was pleased that this didn’t really take too much of a toll on his performance. To be fair if you listen to some of the Genesis live recordings of old, Peter’s voice had a fragile vulnerability many a time so the odd little glitch only adds to the authenticity on the likes of 'Cinema Show' the tale of our modern day Romeo & Juliet off out to the movies and their hopes for the evening.
Lalle is left to his own devices showing off his keyboard skills in a beautiful solo spot with the keen ears spotting the little teaser runs that build us up to that classic intro to 'Firth of Fifth' once again Nad appearing at the mic right in time for “The path is clear though no eyes can see.“
This song still after 53 years since its release astonishes me. The word play in itself is brilliant but it’s composition is just perfect and then that soaring solo from Steve sends shivers up the spine just writing about it let alone hearing it live again! There’s folk here who have brought family members who are hearing this live for their first time and I think about how amazing that must be and I’m a bit jealous if that makes sense. Still stands as one of the greatest guitar solos ever in my eyes and Steve still hits every note to perfection every time!
The mighty battle of good vs evil sees out the set with the epic 'Suppers Ready' each segment played out impeccably and the crowd playing their part with a huge “A FLOWER!!! “ leading into the Willow Farm section with Nad prowling the stage mic stand in hand like a full on rock star!
It’s great to see all the band having fun throughout the night not just with the musical interactions between each of them but the knowing smiles, the out of time claps between Steve & Rob the little shoulder dances, Rob spinning the vibraslap but catching it on the beat every time. This isn’t a band just at the top of their game they’re having an absolute ball at the same time!
'Apocalypse in 9/8' is ferocious tonight and absolute monster as Felix beats the kit within an inch of its life and Nad ascends to the “new Jerusalem“ the Gateshead crowd are again on their feet giving a much much deserved ovation.
The lighting crew have one more delight in store though as the band encore with 'Dance On A Volcano / Los Endos' (including a drum solo from Felix) we are treated to a 2026 interpretation of the 'Seconds Out', lighting beaming down from the rafters through the haze finishing off a sublime evening of classics!
In this uncertain time where tours and festivals are being postponed and cancelled it’s brilliant seeing shows like tonight’s celebration of songs from the last 50 odd years completely sold out and to all ages, not just old folk like me.
And as long as Steve continues to carry the torch and that portrait in his attic ages while he remains ever youthful I’ll continue being in the throng egging him on!!
Photos & Review - G's Gig Shots
Comments