Not the greatest picture but it was taken from the upper circle!
Last night I was fortunate enough to be able to see the penultimate concert of Steve’s 17 day tour highlighting his own solo material. Alongside a carefully curated selection of Genesis's classic moments. This took place at the historic Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street in the University area of Liverpool. It was my first time here and I must say I was highly impressed by the venue and the staff who could not have been any more helpful and attentive.
Our seats were in the Grand Circle, So upstairs basically, although there was a lift thankfully, Once seated we had an excellent view of proceedings, the sound was good although the vocals were a little quieter than I would have liked, The lights were excellent throughout, even to the point of recreating the images for the seconds out cover.
The show was, As is normal for Steve since the Wolflight To Acolyte tour back in 2015 later released as The Total Experience Live In Liverpool (Also recorded at the Philharmonic Hall).consisted of a first part of his own material from his many solo albums including tracks from Voyage Of The Acolyte and Spectral Mornings up to his last album The Circus and The Nightwhale. In addition there was a completely new song from a soon to be forthcoming but as yet untitled album, that track was called The Sea Inside which Steve told us was a love song for his wife Jo, A rock song , A love Song that bodes well for that album that should be released early next year.
This set comprised of the The Devils Cathedral (Surrender Of Silence), Every Day ( Spectral Mornings), The Sea Inside (new song), Ace Of Wands ( Acolyte), Spectral Mornings(Album title track) Camino Royale (Highly Strung) and a full version of Shadow Of The Heirophant (Voyage Of The Acolyte) this was was sung by Amanda Lehman.
This set was very impressive and introduced us to to the latest band which has been revised with the departure of keyboard player Roger King (Who has retired after 14 years to concentrate on his own music once again) And Drummer Craig Blundell ( TonSteve Wilson's touring band), They have been replaced in turn by Lalle Larsen (keyboards) and Felix Lurma (Drums) I have to say I was very impressed by both musicians who bought their own distinctive touches to this well knownand loved material, I was especially impressed with Keyboard player Lalle Larsen who was extremely proficient and versatile.this was shown in his extended vamp during Cinema Show and his Keyboard solo that led into Firth of Fifth.
The solo,section was very good with great recitals of all the tracks and an exteneded jazz solo take of Camino Royale which has jazz noodlings from bass player Jonas Reingold and a fine saxaphone splo from Rob Townsend .
This was also accentuated by a lively version of Every Day and an Astonishing version of Shadow Of The Heirophant featuring Amanda Lehmann's angelic voice and strong guitar playing.
After this we had a 20 minute break before the Genesis segment of the show, this was very welcome so folks could use the facilities of buy a drink or even an Ice Cream.
The Genesis set consited of the following songs:
Watcher Of The Skies (Foxtrot)
The Cinema Show (Selling?England By The Pound)
Aisle Of Plenty ( Selling England By The Pound)
Lalle Larson's Keyboatd Solo
FIrth Of Fifth (Selling England By The Pound)
S uppers Ready (Foxtrot)
Encores
Dance On A Volcano (Trick Of The Tail)
Felix Lehmann Drum Solo
Los endos / Slogans / Los Endos (Los Endos is from Trick of The Tail, Slogans is from Defector album) Amanda Lehmann joined again for this track.
All of these were expertly performed by the band with lots of interaction and movement of the members with both Nad Sylvan and Rob townsenddd disappearing fir parts wherevtheyvwere not needed. Especially memorable was lalle's keyboard solo which had moments of classical improvisation and great sounds and an always ever impressive delivery of Firth Of Firth with an astounding guitar solo from Steve Hackett.
The crowd pleasing epic of Suppers Ready with its excellent Willow farm section and the powerful finale and conclusion of Apocalypse in 9/8 and As sure as Egggs is Eggs (aching Mans Feet) both of which were masterfully performed.
This song rightfully received a standing ovation from the good natured, enthusiastic audience.
The encores were equally well received and appreciated and again received a further standing ovation. That was it apart from a group curtain call and subsequent departure by the band after which the crowd dispersed happy and content with a truly excellent performance from Steve and his excellent band.The crowd were mostly older men and women, Who i would suggest were very glad to be in the arm surroundings of The Philharmonic Hall rathervthan bravingbthecelements outside.
Overall a very enjoyable evening I was certainly glad to have seen this show at his wonderful venue .
Author John Wenlock-Smith Sunday 25th October 2026