Artist: Steve Hackett

Venue: York: Barbican

Date: 23 October 2026

It’s been a long two years waiting for one of my all-time favourite guitarists to tour the UK. As usual, I always try to catch several Hackett shows on each jaunt. Manchester was brilliant three days earlier, but eclipsed by York. Why, I hear you ask? The simple answer is that Amanda Lehmann joined the band for several songs tonight and the young lady makes such a difference. More of that later. Steve’s latest tour is dubbed “The Best Of Genesis & Solo Gems” and it’s a pretty accurate description.

Roger King, who was the band’s keyboardist and musical director for over thirty years, has stepped down, as has drummer Craig Blundell. Swede Lalle Larsson, formerly of Karmakanic, has replaced King and German sticksman Felix Lehrmann now occupies the drum stool. The show is split into two halves as per previous tours, with Hackett’s solo output featuring during the former. ‘The Devil’s Cathedral’ opens proceedings and Larsson’s keyboards are immediately to the fore as vocalist Nad Sylvan joins the fray. As soon as the song ends Hackett introduces the band, by which time Lehmann has entered stage left and picked up her red guitar as we jump into ‘Every Day’. Hackett’s guitar playing is awesome as ever and there are some nice harmony solos with Lehmann. Hackett then introduces a brand new song, dedicated to his wife Jo - ‘The Sea Inside’. It’s a catchy number with a memorable solo and lovely harmony vocals from Hackett, Sylvan and Lehmann, who briefly departs during ‘Ace Of Wands’ where Larsson treats us to some fine synth solos. Lehmann is back for the instrumental title track ‘Spectral Mornings’ and it sounds superb with Hackett at his imperious best.

‘Camino Royale’ is given a very jazzy makeover with Rob Townsend taking centre stage for an excellent extended saxophone solo, for which he received a well-deserved round of applause. Hackett is always happy and very generous in allowing his super talented band plenty of solo spots. The first set is rounded out with the mesmerising full version of ‘Shadow Of The Hierophant’, of course Amanda adds her ethereal vocals and the song sounds splendid, Jonas Reingold makes the Barbican sound as if it’s about to fall down around us with the thunderous bass pedals taking over. The band lap up the applause at the end of the “solo” set.

Twenty minutes later they reappear for what the majority of the crowd are here for …magical Prog from the early to mid-seventies. Larsson’s keyboard this time introduces ‘Watcher Of The Skies’ and the crowd are immediately very vocal in displaying their enthusiasm. Nad Sylvan’s vocals are dominant. ‘The Cinema Show’ is absolutely wonderful and Larsson’s piano and keyboard work is absolutely exemplary. As per the studio version it leads into ‘Aisle Of Plenty’, with another fine vocal from Sylvan. The lights dim and everyone exits the stage, apart from Larsson who tinkles the ivories for several minutes displaying much prowess, and he then segues this into the intro of ‘Firth Of Fifth’. Of course, the crowd are extremely receptive, especially when it’s time for “that” guitar solo… the maestro does not disappoint. I’m always in awe every time I witness that magical moment. Hold on a minute, we’re not done with highlights just yet...  ‘Supper’s Ready’, a contender for best Progressive song ever, closes the second set and what a way to end a show. Nad Sylvan nails the vocal. The crowd are in raptures and all on their feet begging for more.

We make so much noise that the band had to play an encore. “You better start doing it right” – ‘Dance On A Volcano’ followed by a short Lehrmann drum solo, which leads into ‘Los Endos’, Amanda finally rejoins the band for the finale. The light show is breathtaking. The lengthy standing ovation is the least that these stellar musicians deserve.

Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long for the new album and who knows … another tour to promote it next year? That’s an affirmative! Personally speaking, I’d love to see a tour of only solo Hackett material - he has such an extensive back catalogue. At almost 77 years of age the magnificent Steve Hackett thankfully shows no signs of slowing down.

Az Chaudhry