I've been to a lot of gigs at The Robin 2 this year, but I've never seen it as busy as it is tonight for Steve Hackett.  Both the Robin car park and the overflow one at the local Health Centre are full, and judging by the lack of space inside if tonight isn't a sell out then it's damned near it!

No surprise really, because Steve Hackett is a legend.  Without him it's doubtful that rock and metal guitar techniques would have developed the way that they did - his playing directly influenced the likes of Alex Lifeson and Brian May,  in the early 1970s while serving as lead guitarist in the seminal 5-piece Genesis line-up he developed both the tapping solo technique and 'sweep picking' (which guitar virtuosos such as which Yngwie Malmsteen and Richie Kotzen use extensively in their most impressive solos).  His experimentation over the years has seen him composing and playing in numerous styles from classical to blues and world music - but it's obvious (judging by the number of Yes t-shirts) that tonight's audience is made up largely of fans of his progressive rock work.  So it's lucky that his latest album, the much-lauded 'Out of the Tunnel's Mouth' wears it's prog credentials proudly on its sleeves.

Steve is joined on stage tonight by most of the musicians that have contributed to his new album, including on bass the instantly recognisable figure of Nick Beggs (of Kajagoogoo fame) dressed as usual in his short leather dress (he'd probably describe it as a kilt) - blond pig-tails, shades and headphones all in place.

'Mechanical Bride' (from the 2003 album To Watch the Storms) kicks off proceedings - with a barrage of strobe to accompany the intense prog-metal.  It's worth pointing out that Hackett's 90s and 21st century progressive efforts have developed in ways similar to King Crimson's - incorporating elements of industrial rock and modern-technology - always pushing forwards, always challenging.  This is no laid back pastoral sappy-prog - it's in your face and pounding, and the crowd love it.  It's great to see Hackett's fingers flying across the fretboard with the usual look of casual nonchalence, while Beggs bangs away at his Rickenbacker bass and Chapman Stick like a man possessed.

It's also good to see the crowd lapping up tracks from the new album (such as 'Fire On The Moon', 'Emerald & Ash' and 'Ghost In the Glass') with as much gusto as they reserve for the classic Hackett and Genesis tracks - although having said that, everyone has their favourites and 'Slogans' from 1980 album Defector gets a huge cheer (Hackett's tapped solo on this track is still awe-inspiring).

'Serpentine Song' (again from To Watch the Storms), dedicated to his father, is a moment of tranquil beauty.  The set tonight is split into two parts, and the audience is truly spoilt.  Possibly the biggest reception of the night is reserved for Genesis classic 'Firth of Fifth' - understandably.  It's great that Hackett still embraces all elements of his musical past as much as the crowd do.  An unforgettable show, and a superb performance from all on stage.

Buy the new album, I'll guarantee you won't be disappointed.


Paul Broome
for Midlands Rocks


view the full set of Paul's photos in the Midlands Rocks' Photo gallery