Steve Hackett’s Live Magic at The Parker
By: Debbie Brautman | Photos: Chris Schmitt
Steve Hackett is the English guitarist who joined the progressive rock band Genesis in 1971 and played with them until 1977, when he began a successful solo career. In April 2025, he astounded the packed (sold out) and enthusiastic crowd at The Parker in Ft. Lauderdale. The tour is titled Steve Hackett- Genesis Greats, Lamb Highlights and Solo. His 2024/2025 tour celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1974 Genesis album, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway. He is also promoting his 2024 solo album The Circus and The Nightwhale. Luckily, South Florida was treated to this special concert before Hackett performs on the progressive rock cruise called Cruise To The Edge. The April cruise from Miami on the Norwegian Gem cruise ship features other progressive rock headliners Rick Wakeman, Robert Fripp and many more. Many excited rock cruisers were in the audience, particularly in the front rows.
The show started a little after 7:30 pm and they did two sets. The first set concentrated on some of his newer solo music, like “These Passing Clouds” and “Circo Inferno” from 2024, and “The Devil’s Cathedral” from 2021. Some earlier classic solo songs, “Every Day” and “Camino Royale,” were atmospheric perfection. Before he introduced the slightly jazzy “These Passing Clouds,” he noted, “The newer stuff is slightly more boogieish.” He boasted, “My band boogies very well.” Stellar guitar work from the quite youthful 75-year-old Hackett was complemented by the performance of his magnificent band. Enough cannot be said about Rob Townsend on saxophones, flutes and additional keyboards; Roger King on keyboards; Jonas Reingold on bass and backing vocals; and Craig Blundell on drums. All were given their chance to shine and solo, as Hackett enjoyed sharing the limelight with such amazing musicians. Together, they created magic. Even though Hackett’s vocals sounded great, most vocal duties were handled by the charismatic Nad Sylvan, who sounded like a cross between Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins. He was visually striking and has a beautiful voice.
After a short break, the second set began with one of Genesis’ most well-known songs, “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.” It did not disappoint. It was just as dramatic as it was in the ‘70’s and most well received. They played nine songs from the album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, which is a double album. He apologized that he didn’t have enough time to play all the songs. “Carpet Crawlers” from that album was one of the many highlights, and the interplay of the band was in perfect sync. One of Hackett’s favorites is “The Chamber of 32 Doors,” and it was outstanding. In addition to the fabulous music, there was great lighting and a light show that created a cool and mysterious atmosphere. It was like being transported back to the 1970’s but sonically much improved. The Parker was the perfect venue for them, because the acoustics was perfect. After performing the songs from The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, he joked,” We’re gonna do this number that back in the day we thought was the perfect length for a single, only 25 minutes long.” He was referring to “Supper’s Ready” from their 1972 album Foxtrot. It has everything in it. The songs are so complex and interesting, and so much musicianship goes on in each song. The encore was “Firth of Fifth” from the acclaimed 1973 Genesis album Selling England By the Pound and “Los Endos” from the 1976 Genesis album A Trick Of The Tail, with an extended drum solo from the energetic Craig Blundell in between. Even if you were not a drum expert, you could tell that this was no ordinary 
drummer. He was mesmerizing. Nearly three hours after it began, it ended exactly at 10:30 pm, and there wasn’t a single person who didn’t feel totally satisfied with a performance of such high quality and excellence. If you weren’t a Steve Hackett fan before, you sure left as one. Time has been kind to him, as he just gets better and better. As one enthusiastic fan attested, “What a progtastic evening!” The tour will be in Europe for the summer and back to the United States in October through November. Don’t miss him when you get the chance!
