Genesis Convention London, May 06
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Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Live Performance Reviews
Forum Description: Performance Reviews by Members
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=24093
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Topic: Genesis Convention London, May 06
Posted By: Blacksword
Subject: Genesis Convention London, May 06
Date Posted: June 01 2006 at 09:29
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It was a rainy Saturday afternoon in London, when hundreds of Genesis fans converged on the Astoria for the 2006 Genesis convention. I had not been to an event like this before and really didn’t know what to expect (apart from a show by two tribute bands) I guess I was expecting stalls selling vinyl, books and all manner of Genesis and general prog memorabilia. It wasn’t to be, but I was not to be disappointed. Before and between the bands, the organisers screened compilation films they had, presumably, made themselves, of rare live footage. This was mostly footage of the individual band members touring, or presenting in some way their solo material. These were captivating the first time round, but by the third screening, I was left wanting something more. As the venue slowly filled up, an announcement was made that Anthony Phillips and John Mayhew were at the merchandise stand signing things. I’m not really an autograph hunter, but I couldn’t resist the opportunity to exchange a few words with ex members of my all time favourite prog band. I told them I was pleasantly surprised to see them there and Mayhew told me that he and Anthony had not seen or spoke to each other for 36 years before that day! Well, I couldn’t resist the temptation to make them feel ancient, and told them I was 1 year old, when they last met! The colour did seem to drain from their faces.. Anyway first band up was ‘Face Value’ from Liverpool. This band celebrates the Collins era Genesis only and their singer sounds remarkably like Phil Collins. Even his banter between songs was extremely Collins-esque. Almost a little creepy I thought. At the beginning of their set they had a few technical problems; or rather the drummer had a few problems keeping up with the click track and sequencer. Yes, you read correctly; sequencer. The songs from Invisible Touch demanded it. I was a little disappointed that the drummer was using exclusively synth drums, but overall, once they had warmed up, they sounded pretty impressive. Hi-lights for me were Domino, Fading Lights, Home by the Sea, which sounded very authentic and was complimented by a great light show. Their encore kicked off with Afterglow which also sounded excellent and successfully distracted the folk at the back of the hall, from their watered down lager for five minutes. Their set list was: No son of Mine Land of Confusion Domino Many too many Misunderstanding Fading Lights In the air Tonight Throwing it all away Home by the Sea/Second Home.. Afterglow Mama/I know what I like/Illegal Alien/Follow you Follow me An hour or so later, ‘In the Cage’ took to the stage. ITC are a little older and better rehearsed than Face Value, and play music from both eras. They opened with Watcher of the Skies, their singer proudly sporting his Gabriel bat wing head dress, and accompanied by REAL Mellotron playing that fantastic intro. Their whole set sounded great from beginning to end. The selection of songs was good too, although I would have liked to have heard less from Duke. I love that album , but as you see from the list below, there was a bit of Duke overkill. That’s said Dukes Travels and Dukes end did sound fantastic. When the band crashed back in with Dukes end after that quiet Mellotron link between the two pieces, it really sent a shiver down my back. All this from a tribute band!! I felt I was getting my moneys worth. Their rendition of Mad Man Moon was also impressive, and featured a new instrument that keyboard player Henry had invented. It was basically a rack of tuned bottles, which he had aptly Christened the ‘Bottle Banks’ Suppers Ready and Firth of Fifth were both expertly presented and sounded authentic. Songs of this stature, and quality, demand to be presented perfectly or not at all, as far as I’m concerned. In the Cage passed the test. Their set list was as follows: Watcher of the Skies Behind the Lines Duchess Guide Vocal Turn it on Again Dukes Travels/Dukes End Harold the Barrel Mad Man Moon Suppers Ready Firth of Fifth I was unable to make Sundays event, but that was probably enough tribute bands for me. I left the venue having been impressed by what I had heard, but feeling a little depressed that I had missed out on the best era of music history, and was left with just an animated rock wax works to keep the memory alive. However, the imitators were very talented and very entertaining, and I salute them. ------------- Ultimately bored by endless ecstasy! |
Replies:
Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: June 01 2006 at 13:49
| Nice review Andy. That's a nice story about Philips and Mayhew meeting up again, I bet they were pleased to be reminded about their age! Glad to see you got your review in safely! |
Posted By: Blacksword
Date Posted: June 01 2006 at 14:04
Cheers Alan.  ------------- Ultimately bored by endless ecstasy! |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: June 24 2006 at 03:25
| Thanks Andy.I would have liked to have gone but it was a Bank Holiday weekend and I already had plans.Maybe next year??! |
Posted By: Blacksword
Date Posted: June 26 2006 at 05:35
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Certainly Richard, although this event is not always held in London, as far as I'm aware. But any gigs you fancy in the London area give me a shout. I'm sure a few of us could meet up. ------------- Ultimately bored by endless ecstasy! |
Posted By: sigod
Date Posted: June 26 2006 at 11:56
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Great stuff Andy. I really, really, REALLY wish I had been there with you.
------------- I must remind the right honourable gentleman that a monologue is not a decision. - Clement Atlee, on Winston Churchill |
Posted By: Blacksword
Date Posted: June 26 2006 at 15:14
Hey Simon! Good to hear from you sir! 
Yes, obviously I thought of you when that geezer from In the Cage took to the stage in his Gabriel gear. I remember you telling me about the shock, mild amusement and utter elation you felt when he played in Putney that night. We'll do a gig soon, mate. I shall be in touch. ------------- Ultimately bored by endless ecstasy! |
Posted By: sigod
Date Posted: June 27 2006 at 11:27
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Things appear to be a little less hectic now so I'd be more than happy
to meet up guv'nor. I can also give you a rough copy of the album for
you to have a lsiten to if you like.
------------- I must remind the right honourable gentleman that a monologue is not a decision. - Clement Atlee, on Winston Churchill |
Posted By: Blacksword
Date Posted: June 27 2006 at 14:25
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^Yep! I'd love to hear the album. I shall PM you asap. ------------- Ultimately bored by endless ecstasy! |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: July 10 2006 at 16:41
^ Simon,Andy... Keith Emerson 20th July at The London Astoria...either of you brave enough to go?
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Posted By: Blacksword
Date Posted: July 21 2006 at 06:09
Sorry Richard. I've not looked in here for a while. You should have PM'd me about Keith Emerson. I would probably have come just for the hell of it. Was it good? ------------- Ultimately bored by endless ecstasy! |
richardh wrote:Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: July 21 2006 at 13:30
It was better than good Andy.Much better than when he toured a few years ago.The band are a real band and KE still has tons of energy despite being close to pensionable age.I didn't think you would be that interested to be honest so I didn't PM you.Maybe Emerson will return to play London again.He certainly was enjoying himself and enjoyed the audience adulation!
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Posted By: sigod
Date Posted: August 27 2006 at 19:33
Sorry Richard. I blew it too. 
------------- I must remind the right honourable gentleman that a monologue is not a decision. - Clement Atlee, on Winston Churchill |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: August 30 2006 at 16:31
^ Simon, don't forget Magenta 8th September
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