Steve Hackett - Foxtrot at Fifty - The Derngate Northampton

 

Chris Curran Lighting Supremo at work

It's always nice to be able to see your favourite bands in your home town.Tonight we have the legendary Steve Hackett with the 'Foxtrot at Fifty and Hackett Highlights Tour'. 

Arriving in town early the first person I see is lighting maestro Chris Curran. Chris has kindly agreed to get my photo taken of Steve Hackett at the De Montfort Hall Leicester signed. That photo was taken in September 2021 on the Seconds Out Tour. Leaving the photo in his safe custody we head off for some refreshment of the alcoholic variety.      

We arrive back at the Derngate as the doors are opening. It's pretty much a sell out performance, and people have arrived early. It's Good to catch up with a few familiar faces before we take our seats in The Circle. A great position, just to the left of the mixing and lighting desks. The first set is made up of songs from Steve Hackett's solo career. Starting with 'Ace of Wands' from 1975's 'Voyage of the Acolyte' album. He was still with Genesis of course at this time. We then come right up to date with 'The Devil's Cathedral' from the latest album. The title track from ' Spectral Morning's' (1979). We don't see too much of singer Nad Sylvan as many of the songs are instrumentals in the first set. The set finishes with 'Shadow of the Hierophant' again from the debut album. 

Multi Instrumentalist Rob Townsend

A 15 year old Multi instrumentalist 'Rob Townsend' was actually attending his first ever gig in 1983 at The Derngate. Watching none other than Steve Hackett! Strange how things turn out sometimes isn't it!  
The album was released in October 1972, the fourth by Genesis. Singer Peter Gabriel would often wear the dress and a Foxes head imitating the cover in live performances.

It is clearly still an album that SH is very proud of. A guitar virtuoso he talks about buying his first 'Les Paul' and amp stack , although there was still plenty to do he quips. All of the band are at the top of their game Craig Blundell has developed into one of the greatest drummers around.

Drummer Craig Blundell

 

Interval over, the keyboard intro to 'Watcher of the skies' sets the tone for what is to come.Singer Nad Sylvan is the 'Watcher'. Telescope at the ready , eyes glowing red, raised centre stage. A wonderful voice, and a great front man 'The Fox on the Rocks. 'This is a real treat for Northampton fans,so often  starved of decent Rock music at this venue. You can feel the anticipation in the audience, a respectful hush has descended. It's hard to believe Mr Hackett is into his 73rd year! He has  presence , understated perhaps? the epitome of coolness for sure. You can tell that he is enjoying every second, as are the rest of the band.

No song introductions are needed as the classic album is unpeeled. The highlight would have to be the epic 'Suppers Ready'. 'This song could be anything between 20-25 minutes' depending on the guitarist' Mr H informs us.Whatever the length, it is a work of art, with master craftsmen at work. The band leave the stage to a mighty standing ovation. Returning to the resounding keyboard wizardry of Roger King and the intro to 'The Firth of Fifth' .It would be remiss not to mention the outstanding Bass/Guitar contribution of Jonas Reingold.The show ends in traditional style with the wonderful 'Los Endos' and arguably one of the greatest Hackett solos. A night to remember, something  very special has happened in Northampton tonight! 

Many thanks to Chris and Julie Curran for getting my photo signed, and additional photos.