Review by Darren Hands.
Genesis may have had shown their “last Domino” at the O2 back in March but their legacy continues and those present at the Beehive in Honiton on Friday 20th May 2022 were presented with a treat when Genesis Visible Touch presented their “Abacab at 40+” tour.
The first half set comprised of tracks from Genesis’ 1982 album ABACAB along with classic tracks such as Firth of Fifth which saw many playing ‘air keyboards’ as Tony Turrell
replicated Tony Banks; keyboard parts almost note-perfect.
Chris O’Connell, who took on the challenge of Phil Collins’ vocals (and some drum duties) had the audience in the palm of his hand, even if they (the audience) did take a little while to warm up. But tracks such as Turn It On Again and Land of Confusion, the band’s 1980s protest song which is just as relevant today, had many people singing away.
A staple of many Genesis shows, I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) finished off the show, including some audience participation and a few bars from Stagnation, a track dating back to the 1970s Trespass album.
With many acts such as Genesis coming to the end of their careers, tribute bands such as Genesis Visible Touch carry the torch on. Is there anything wrong with that? Well just like many classical music fans go to a concert not expecting to see Mozart or Vivaldi there in the flesh, is there any difference with tribute bands? If they are as good as GVT then the answer is no. The light show may not be in the same league as the bands they are paying tribute to, but GVT certainly live up to the musical ability and sound of the real thing and on performances such as this, bring the music of Genesis to a whole new audience as well as letting the die-hard fan hear the music live once more.
If you are a fan of the music of Genesis, next time they come down this way, make sure you get a ticket – you will not be disappointed.
