50 years ago, on January 14, 1971, Steve Hackett made his debut in concert with Genesis at University College London. Here is the story of those eventful days.
From genesisfan.net
By DB
As we have seen (READ THE SPECIAL OF HORIZONS RADIO ON THOSE DAYS), la band was very close to melting, because Anthony Phillips left his fellow adventurers and they also decided to replace John Mayhew, the current drummer.
IGenesis have already hired Phil Collins on drums - Read -, now they have to find a good replacement on the guitar.
Both Ronnie Caryl have rehearsed in concertPhil's great friend (auditioned with him -Read) and guitarist of Flaming Youth, and Mick Barnard, member of Farm, but both did not convince the demanding members of the band.
After the farewell of Anthony Phillips - READ and then with the arrival of Phil, the Genesis have then continued as a quartet, with Tony playing all guitar parts on an electric piano Hohner filtered with a fuzz box. The research continues.
On December 14th, scrolling the Melody Maker,Peter is intrigued by the unusual announcement of a certain Steve. There he is:
“Mike had auditioned for a long time, but Peter and I convinced ourselves that he was trying to find someone who sounded just like Ant, which was obviously impossible. So the two of us went to see Steve. He was really smart, looking at him he seemed one of many, instead he knew how to compose, experiment, he wasn't the classic mad guitarist ».
E remembers Steve in the same precious book by Giammetti:
«I played a little Jimmy Page, with fast solos that did not go well with delicacy of thetheir songs. The first times were really difficult ».
And so we come to that January 14, 1971, when at University College London, Steve Hackett makes his debut in concert with Genesis. But it won't be an easy time.
"The first gig was a disaster for me. Up until then I had used a borrowed fuzzbox or Tony's Marshall Superfuzz. So everything worked well, but that night they gave me a Shaftesbury Duo Fuzz which is a great fuzzbox. I couldn't get a Marshall Superfuzz and thought, 'Oh, this sounds good.'
And when we did the sound check it seemed all right, but obviously when everyone was playing, it was much louder and the return was a disaster. I got discouraged and forgot all my parts. I remember a heated argument after the show and thought it was all my fault.
In hindsight, it wasn't. That was my most embarrassing moment on stage, being on stage with deeply arranged music and with the total inability to remember a note, because I couldn't control my sound. It's not a good start, I thought. "
Steve tells to TWR # 33 reported by genesis-movement.org:
"It was a scary concert ... an unpleasant experience ... there were a lot of mistakes and I had a fuzz box that I had been rehearsing for weeks and suddenly that night I had to use a different one and it was like ... it was the difference between an amateur and a pro and with this fuzz box and its feedback I played badly throughout the show and thought I had it all wrong and it would be the last gig with them. "
"As we would have discovered over the years, Phil had the great ability to drink a lot without showing it. At Steve's first concert - University College London, January 1971 - an exception occurred. We had a few pints but no one had noticed that Phil had had a few more than the others and he was drunk Phil was a drummer so smart that he could do almost anything, but that night he got ready for one of his big rolls and nothing happened. performed to perfection, too bad it was moved twenty centimeters from each piece of the battery.
Poor Steve: it was his first concert, he was nervous and we had a drunk drummer. At the end of the evening, Tony and I had a bad time for Phil, which didn't bother Phil, but unfortunately Steve thought we were fighting because of him: we hated him and wanted to throw him out. As always, no one ever thought of letting the newcomer know how things were. "
"For the most part the concerts are conducted quite professionally: we arrive, play and go home. We smoke a few joints, but no exaggerated revelry. The only time it happens is at a concert at City University in London, the Steve's first with Genesis. We play later than expected, so I spend my time downing myself on some Newcastle Brown beers. When we get on stage I'm completely disoriented. I do all the right fills, but eight inches to the right of where I should. Other than air-guitar, this is air-drums. And afterwards I regret: "What will the new guitarist think? His first concert and the drummer is dead drunk." It is the first time that I play drunk, and it will also be the last. "
No, I haven't died of Phil Collins yet. Back cover - CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO PURCHASE THE BOOK.
Ma Stevedespite his concerns, pass the exam. And the confirmation comes from Peter Gabriel, who declares, reported in the aforementioned Giammetti book:
"We have had two guitarists in recent months but I hope this is the definitive one, we found it through the Melody Maker and it seems to have adapted very well". (Peter Gabriei, Zig Zag n.19, 5 / 71, «Genesis», anonymous).
Here's what Anthony Phillips thinks today:
Steve will become a column of the Genesis, in the formation that many consider "the real one" and beyond. Until the sensational farewell.
For the concert of Un Tour Gig on Saturday 16 May, Ray Wilson has once again been joined by an incredible selection of musicians, who will perform special requests and many classic songs.
Steve Wilson, Guitar and voice Ali Ferguson, Guitar and voice Marcin Kajper, Saxophone Kool Lyczek, Piano Mario Koszel, Percussion Alicja Chrzaszcz, Violin Uwe Metzler, Guitar Paul Holmes, Piano Lawrie Macmillan, Bass
The brand new song "Almost Famous" (Wilson / Spence) was also presented.
The concert on May 9:
Ray Wilson writes on his website:
“Because of the coronavirus pandemic, millions of us around the world are isolated from each other.
During this difficult time, I will broadcast a one-hour concert every Saturday starting at 20.00 CET (19.00 GMT). The show will be pre-recorded.
You can send me requests and dedications by email to: requests@raywilson.net
The concerts are paid what you can, if you can, based on how much you can, by clicking on Buy A Ticket. "
Ray Wilson Vocals / Guitar Steve Wilson Vocals / Guitar Kool Lyczek Piano / Keyboards Marcin Kajper Bass, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet Mario Koszel Drums and Percussion Alicja Chrząszcz Violin
CONCERT POSTPONED. NEW DATE 07.05.2021
*** SOLD OUT ***
Band Members:
Ray Wilson Vocals / Guitar Steve Wilson Vocals / Guitar Kool Lyczek Piano / Keyboards Marcin Kajper Bass, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet Mario Koszel Drums and Percussion Alicja Chrząszcz Violin
Ray Wilson Vocals / Guitar Steve Wilson Vocals / Guitar Kool Lyczek Piano / Keyboards Marcin Kajper Bass, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet Mario Koszel Drums and Percussion Alicja Chrząszcz Violin
Ray Wilson Vocals / Guitar Steve Wilson Vocals / Guitar Kool Lyczek Piano / Keyboards Marcin Kajper Bass, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet Mario Koszel Drums and Percussion Alicja Chrząszcz Violin
Ray Wilson Vocals / Guitar Steve Wilson Vocals / Guitar Kool Lyczek Piano / Keyboards Marcin Kajper Bass, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet Mario Koszel Drums and Percussion Alicja Chrząszcz Violin
Ray Wilson Vocals / Guitar Steve Wilson Vocals / Guitar Kool Lyczek Piano / Keyboards Marcin Kajper Bass, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet Mario Koszel Drums and Percussion Alicja Chrząszcz Violin
Ray Wilson Vocals / Guitar Steve Wilson Vocals / Guitar Kool Lyczek Piano / Keyboards Marcin Kajper Bass, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet Mario Koszel Drums and Percussion Alicja Chrząszcz Violin
Ray Wilson Vocals / Guitar Steve Wilson Vocals / Guitar Kool Lyczek Piano / Keyboards Marcin Kajper Bass, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet Mario Koszel Drums and Percussion Alicja Chrząszcz Violin
Ray Wilson Vocals / Guitar Steve Wilson Vocals / Guitar Kool Lyczek Piano / Keyboards Marcin Kajper Bass, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet Mario Koszel Drums and Percussion Alicja Chrząszcz Violin
Ray Wilson Vocals / Guitar Steve Wilson Vocals / Guitar Kool Lyczek Piano / Keyboards Marcin Kajper Bass, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet Mario Koszel Drums and Percussion Alicja Chrząszcz Violin
1) Genesis “Home by the Sea” (1983). The lyrics of the song are actually not very summery and related to the sea: it is about a thief, who breaks into a house only to discover that it is haunted. The thief is captured by the ghosts, which force him to listen to their stories for the rest of his life.
2) Peter Gabriel "Red Rain" (1986). Also in this case the sea is rather disturbing. The text was in fact inspired by a recurring dream in which Gabriel was swimming in a sea of red water. Gabriel explained to “Mojo” magazine in September 2013: “Red Rain” was written after a dream I had had in which the sea was divided by two walls. There were these glass figures, which screwed into each wall, filled with red blood and then lowered to the sand, where they dumped the blood. I had these extremely vivid dreams, which scared the hell out of me ”.
3) Mike + The Mechanics "Beggar on a Beach of Gold" (1995). The beach is a metaphor, also highlighted by the cover, in which Mike is sitting barefoot on an expanse of gold coins. As if to say that it is about appreciating what we have here and now and not looking for what we cannot achieve anyway. Appreciate what we have, even the little things.
4) Phil Collins “Too Many Fish in the Sea” (2010). It is a hit song from 1964 recorded by the Motown singing group The Marvelettes. It was the group's first hit, in the top 40 for nearly a year, reaching number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was one of the first hit singles written by Norman Whitfield and Eddie Holland. It was also the first single produced by Whitfield. In 2010 Phil Collins included her in "Going Back", his eighth solo studio album, with covers of 60s Motown and soul standards. “Too Many Fish in the Sea”, was given as a free preview to new users registered on Phil's renewed website. Then he was part of the bonus tracks of the DVD and of “The Essential Going Back”, a reissue released on 10 June 2016. Here too the fish in the title are a metaphor.
5) Ray Wilson "Song for a Friend" (2016). In the song Ray lets himself go to memories: "If you look over there, that's where I was born". The song is based on simple flashes of memories about his mother: "She was just the best mom in the world", which is compared to the fresh and clear sea air.
6) Steve Hackett "Loving Sea" (2015). Steve explained it in this video, released on July 26, 2020:
7) Anthony Phillips "The Sea and the Armadillo" (1984). It is part of the album “Private Parts and Pieces IV: A Catch at the Tables”, Ant's ninth studio work and the fourth installment of his “Private Parts & Pieces” series. The piece is instrumental. In the album, between sea and lake ("Down Over The Lake"), water is very present, even on the cover:
Also suggest your Seven Stones, your seven degrees of union between Genesis & Co. to our email. CLICK HERE.
On July 13, 1985 Phil Collins is the protagonist of a sensational double performance at Live Aid, one in London, the other in Philadelphia, on the other side of the Atlantic.
Around three in the afternoon Phil and Sting take the stage at Wembley, greeted by a roar of the audience.
But not everything goes smoothly: Sting forgets the words of Every Breath You Take.
"A moment before entering the scene, with the utmost ease, Sting warns me:" By the way, sometimes I mess with words ... ". A moment later, standing in front of the piano, I struggle to read the verses while he left for the bribe on the other side of the stage: «Every breath ... every move ... every bond ...» ", Phil recalls in his autobiography "No, I'm not dead yet", trad. Anna Mioni, Mondadori.
Not only. The day is very hot, even in London. Phil again:
"The stage is white, the sun is shining and one dies of heat. I am so sweaty that while I play Against All Odds a finger slips on the piano keys. A real cue, I almost shiver the eighty thousand fans who fill Wembley. And not only them , that wrong note has gone all over the world. If we add the Every Breath mess, I'm already making the beginner figure. "
Phil also performs at Wembley In The Air Tonight, poi, together with Sting, here Long Long Way to Go:
London's Phil Collins performance ends like this. But not his long day. A waits for him Concord for the United States. Remember Phil:
"I didn't want to go for the only braggar who played at both concerts, and they had assured me that Duran Duran would also fly to Philadelphia. Except that, for some reason, Duran Duran perform only in America. In short, at any moment the atmosphere changes completely. "
Indeed, halfway through the flight of Concord, a television link from the plane is scheduled. There he is:
And here's how Phil remembers it:
"In television studios in London, the presenters of the with the BBC fuel the excitement of the audience. «Here we are live with Phil Collins from the Concorde booth! How's it going, Phil? "
«All right, we are halfway ...»
Billy Connolly, Andrew Ridgeley of Wham! and Pamela Stephenson, the guests in the studio, are perplexed. They hear nothing but indistinct chicks and interference. "
Arrived by helicopter from JFK Airport of New York at JFK Stadium Phil Philadelphia accompanies Eric Clapton on drums White Room:
She's Waiting:
E Layla:
Phil remenbers: "The set with Eric is fun and carefree. With his drummer Jamie we avoid cutting our way, and the result is splendid."
Then he performs alone. Again Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now) e In the Air Tonight:
So it is the most delicate moment of the reunion of Led Zeppelin. Phil will play with them. His friend Robert Plant had invited him, even before the other former members were involved and Live Aid turned into their sensational return together. But even before going on stage, the atmosphere is not the best.
Phil: "Robert alone: an adorable guy. Robert and everything that has to do with the Zeppelins: it's like a strange and malevolent chemical reaction is produced. It's all dark, even diabolical. Jimmy is obviously - let's say - nervous and irritable . (...) now they are introducing me to John Paul Jones, who is silent as a fish. Then it's Tony Thompson's turn. I realize that he treats me with extreme coldness. (...) I talk to him about the risks of the two drummers on stage: I have been doing it with Genesis and my band for years, I know perfectly well how easy it is to go downhill. The secret, as I learned at my expense, is to be simple. Tony's gaze, however, tells me that he does not know what to do with the "tips" of an opportunist who has just landed from overseas with the Concorde. "
Phil introduces Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin (here is the whole exhibition):
perform Rock And Roll, Whole Lotta Love andStairway to Heaven.
But Phil doesn't have a good memory of the performance: "From the beginning I realize that things are not going in the right direction. From my position I feel little Robert, but enough to realize that it is not at its best. The same goes for Jimmy.
I don't even remember playing Rock and Roll, but I know I did. But I remember long and atrocious minutes of what Robert disdainfully calls "knitting", or the effect drumming (...) beating the air to avoid contributing to the disaster. If I had known about the other drummer, I would have called out well before I got to Philadelphia.
On stage, I keep my eyes on Tony Thompson. I have to go after him, because he hits like hell and has decided to ignore my advice. (...) The point is that I felt terrifyingly uncomfortable, if I could I would have left the stage in the middle of Stairway, if not sooner. But can you imagine the reactions? "
And with some relief that Phil completes the performance with Led Zeppelin. Now he "only" has to face an interview with them. Here she is:
Phil again from his autobiography: "Hunter starts asking simple questions, but nobody takes him seriously. Robert and Jimmy give vague and impertinent answers, John Paul Jones is always silent as a fish.
I'm sorry about Hunter. He is live worldwide and the audience is watching him with bated breath, but the boys are making him look like an idiot. And so, despite not having any title, I try to save the salvable by answering me. "
Backstage Collins also has breath to summarize this long day in a single interview, still with Hunter:
But in his autobiography the summary is far more cutting and effective: "Wembley, Heathrow, Concorde, the JFK (airport and stadium), the four performances, one of them infernal ".
A final curiosity: on the Concord Collins had met actress and singer Cher, who was unaware of the concerts. After reaching the United States, she witnessed the one in Philadelphia and you can see her performing in the final collective song We Are the World.
Phil had also been invited to participate, but he had declined due to exhaustion (and not only, given how it went with Plant & Co.).
"In the hotel I turn on the TV and see the last spasms of the Philadelphia concert. Wait, who's the one on stage? Cher - says Phil-.
It is a worthy end to a day of madness. Not only has she managed to get in, but she has a microphone in her hand and is singing We Are the World. Maybe my verse. "
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