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Steve Hackett to release:-
"The Total Experience Live In Liverpool"
THE groundbreaking prog-guitarist Steve
Hackett has announced the release of his acclaimed:- 'Acolyte To Wolflight
- With Genesis Revisited Tour' as 2CD/2DVD deluxe package and stand a
lone Blu-Ray and, after 3 London concert videos, he chose the Liverpool date for
the recording. 'The Total Experience Live In Liverpool' will be
released on 24 June 2016.
Steve explains enthusiastically:- "When Inside Out told me that I could
film a gig on the British leg of the 2015 tour for release, I thought that we
should do it away from London (and) I felt doing it in Liverpool had a certain
ring to it. This is an extraordinary City and the Philharmonic Hall is an
extraordinary venue. Besides, it's not as if Liverpool is known for having any
good music; there's never been a good band from there. Ha!"
Hackett's love for Liverpool goes back to his time with Genesis:- "We
played there a few times in the 70's, and the fans have always been very good to
me there. And as a huge Beatles fan, I also know the landmarks there, such as
Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields. I have been on the Magical Mystery Tour. So,
the City means a lot to me from that point of view as well. The Beatles set the
benchmark for all of us who have followed; we take our imagination from them."
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of his 1st solo album:-
'Voyage Of The Acolyte' and following his latest:- 'Wolflight',
the 'Acolyte to Wolflight with Genesis Revisited' tour was Steve's
effort to represent the many chapters of his career. Featuring 2 sets; 1
highlighting his solo work, the 2nd paying tribute to Genesis; the 2 hour
performance was greeted with enthusiasm by both fans and critics.
Steve commented:- "It wasn't an easy job to decide what to include, but I
think there was a good balance between old and new. What I have always born in
mind when choosing the songs is what they mean to the fans. Time has a way of
turning them into an emotional calendar for people. These songs take on an
importance and become part of their lives. So, when I do them live, authenticity
is important. I am aware that what I have to do is find a connection between
nostalgia and what things can sound like in a contemporary setting."
Liverpool was 1 of the dates with Amanda Lehmann guessing on:- 'Shadow Of
The Hierophant', which was performed in its full version with an
extended drum solo showcasing Gary O'Toole's skills, a triumphant closing to the
1st set.
A multi camera shoot, the recording was done with no prior rehearsals, but
Hackett had every confidence in the people he was working with. Paul Green, who
did the filming and editing, and Ben Fenner, who mixed the audio, work with
Steve regularly and knew exactly what he was looking for. Steve said:-
"Paul was also very innovative. He used one particular technique to show what
Gary was doing on drums, and it is an unusual effect I have never seen before.
The drums seem to arc, because of the lens he's using. It gives a very different
perspective to the whole viewing experience."
The acoustics in the Philharmonic Hall were very impressive on the night, albeit
rather challenging; Ben, who does the live sound for the band, took that
challenge with superb results. What you hear in the mix, though, is exactly what
the band sounded like on the night with no extensive:- 'fixing' in
the studio, as live should be.
'The Total Experience Live In Liverpool' will be available as double CD
plus double DVD digi pak, separate Blu-Ray edition as well as digital album
including the 2 audio CD's. |
