Genesis Convention London, May 06

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The Genesis Convention – London Astoria (Sat 27th May 2006) 

It was a rainy Saturday afternoon in London, when hundreds of Genesis fans converged on the Astoria for the 2006 Genesis convention. I had not been to an event like this before and really didn’t know what to expect (apart from a show by two tribute bands) I guess I was expecting stalls selling vinyl, books and all manner of Genesis and general prog memorabilia. It wasn’t to be, but I was not to be disappointed. 

Before and between the bands, the organisers screened compilation films they had, presumably, made themselves, of rare live footage. This was mostly footage of the individual band members touring, or presenting in some way their solo material. These were captivating the first time round, but by the third screening, I was left wanting something more. 

As the venue slowly filled up, an announcement was made that Anthony Phillips and John Mayhew were at the merchandise stand signing things. I’m not really an autograph hunter, but I couldn’t resist the opportunity to exchange a few words with ex members of my all time favourite prog band. I told them I was pleasantly surprised to see them there and Mayhew told me that he and Anthony had not seen or spoke to each other for 36 years before that day! Well, I couldn’t resist the temptation to make them feel ancient, and told them I was 1 year old, when they last met! The colour did seem to drain from their faces.. 

Anyway first band up was ‘Face Value’ from Liverpool. This band celebrates the Collins era Genesis only and their singer sounds remarkably like Phil Collins. Even his banter between songs was extremely Collins-esque. Almost a little creepy I thought. At the beginning of their set they had a few technical problems; or rather the drummer had a few problems keeping up with the click track and sequencer. Yes, you read correctly; sequencer. The songs from Invisible Touch demanded it. I was a little disappointed that the drummer was using exclusively synth drums, but overall, once they had warmed up, they sounded pretty impressive. Hi-lights for me were Domino, Fading Lights, Home by the Sea, which sounded very authentic and was complimented by a great light show. Their encore kicked off with Afterglow which also sounded excellent and successfully distracted the folk at the back of the hall, from their watered down lager for five minutes. Their set list was: 

No son of Mine 
Land of Confusion 
Domino 
Many too many 
Misunderstanding 
Fading Lights 
In the air Tonight 
Throwing it all away 
Home by the Sea/Second Home.. 

Afterglow 
Mama/I know what I like/Illegal Alien/Follow you Follow me 

An hour or so later, ‘In the Cage’ took to the stage. ITC are a little older and better rehearsed than Face Value, and play music from both eras. They opened with Watcher of the Skies, their singer proudly sporting his Gabriel bat wing head dress, and accompanied by REAL Mellotron playing that fantastic intro. Their whole set sounded great from beginning to end. The selection of songs was good too, although I would have liked to have heard less from Duke. I love that album , but as you see from the list below, there was a bit of Duke overkill. That’s said Dukes Travels and Dukes end did sound fantastic. When the band crashed back in with Dukes end after that quiet Mellotron link between the two pieces, it really sent a shiver down my back. All this from a tribute band!! I felt I was getting my moneys worth. Their rendition of Mad Man Moon was also impressive, and featured a new instrument that keyboard player Henry had invented. It was basically a rack of tuned bottles, which he had aptly Christened the ‘Bottle Banks’ Suppers Ready and Firth of Fifth were both expertly presented and sounded authentic. Songs of this stature, and quality, demand to be presented perfectly or not at all, as far as I’m concerned. In the Cage passed the test. Their set list was as follows: 

Watcher of the Skies 
Behind the Lines 
Duchess 
Guide Vocal 
Turn it on Again 
Dukes Travels/Dukes End 
Harold the Barrel 
Mad Man Moon 
Suppers Ready 

Firth of Fifth 

I was unable to make Sundays event, but that was probably enough tribute bands for me. I left the venue having been impressed by what I had heard, but feeling a little depressed that I had missed out on the best era of music history, and was left with just an animated rock wax works to keep the memory alive. However, the imitators were very talented and very entertaining, and I salute them. 

Edited by Blacksword - June 01 2006 at 09:32