Steve Hackett – The Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool: Live Review

By Mike Ainscoe on 25th October 2026 • ( Leave a comment )

Steve Hackett – The Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool – 24th October 2026 – Best of Genesis and solo gems (2)

STORM BOLEO MEETS ITS MATCH

In true Genesis Revisited style, four days after our first encounter with Steve Hackett for a couple of years, we’re tripping (or with the latest storm behind us, sailing) down the East Lancs Road for a second dose. Some would say gluttons for punishment but it’s hardly a hardship. The 2026 UK jaunt reaches a close with just the small matter of the Royal Albert Hall to come after tonight, but anything that the RAH can do, the (some would say equally resplendent) Bridgewater Hall and now The Philharmonic can match.

The six piece band is fleshed out for the final three dates by the presence of Amanda Lehmann. Great. Meaning we get the full vocals on Shadow Of The Hierophant rather than the Amanda-free instrumental version. Plus, the band do Spectral Mornings – noted by keen-eyed, setlist-savvy Hacketeers (thanks Az) as only being played on this tour when Amanda is in the band. Also a great photo opp when the four standing players get into a huddle around Steve during the playout of Every Day.

COBHAM INSPIRED

After doing the Manchester recce, tonight is a chance to admire the band. Hackett has had some terrific bands going way back to 1979. Even with such as Nick Beggs, Lee Pomeroy, Craig Blundell, Roine Stolt and Roger King passing through the ranks, the current band raised the pulse. The old stalwarts, Nad Sylvan and Rob Townsend (and his smiley wooden spoon) we know and love, but keeping an eye more closely on the two newest recruits is fascinating.

Felix Lehermann seems to be having the time of his life behind the drum kit. He earns the award for smilest member of the band and his percussive subtlety is particularity apt for the music. His hi-hat on Camino Royale and the way he sloly increases the intensity in Shadow Of The Hierophant sees it played as it should be. Tonight it’s spectacular with the full vocal part ahead of the ‘hold you breath’ silence as the main instrumental passage comes in. The musical equivalent of dipping a toe rather than jumping in at he deep end. And then there are the beater s o create the cymbal wash at the start of The Cinema Show. Perhaps he’s simply inspired by his Billy Cobham T shirt.

SPECTRAL PRESENCE

Lalle Larsson – just been listening to him play of the new Hope album by The Flower Kings – joins him to open Watcher Of The Skies; not just a big chord player, but his flying synth solo during Ace Of Wads is terrific as is his piano work. Parts of his solo ahead of Firth Of Fifth is reminiscent of the flowing passages and flourishes that are a Wakeman signature. A genuine tribute.

Although The Steppes is dropped in favour of Spectral, asking for both of possibly the two most adored Hackett instrumentals might be too much. Yes, the solo set might veer towards the much adored early material but the quality of, and the nostalgia for, that early solo material means that any fan of the albums from the nineties and beyond gets short shrift. The likes of Wild Orchids, The Tunnel’s Mouth, Shrounded Horizons and the excellent (and methinks deserving of a full album playthough) The Circus & The Nightwhale, sitting patiently awaiting a turn.

YOU WANT GEMS, YOU GOT ‘EM

If it’s gems and ‘best of’s you’re after, there’s no finer selection. The band certainly know their way around Supper’s Ready where Nad has made the vocal passages his own. From the spot on the riser from which the most dramatic parts are delivered, he turns, back to the auditorium and raises his arms as the piece heads into the New Jerusalem. Dance On A Volcano/Los Endos (with Hackett tweaks) is a dynamic finale, the colours and lighting matching the heat of the molten rock lava flow.

With Genesis continuing to be revisited, speculation is rife as ever as to what might be involved next time around? 2027 seems to be panning out and another little bird has mentioned the possibility of something next September – which will make a change from trekking around the UK in inclement weather. More full album shows might be revisiting the revisited, so how about looking beyond the gems and stretching the concept to deep cuts? Can Utility, The Musical Box (not done this time!), maybe some of the later solo material that made up the touring sets pre-2012 – place your bets and cross your fingers.

One thing’s for sure. Any thoughts of retirement or winding down might well be the last thoughts on Steve’s mind. There’s a new album on the way and as he introduces Ace Of Wands from his first solo venture back in 1975 when he was still past of that boy band, he talks over the joys of touring; having things done for you, being driven everywhere (nice job Andy R), having breakfast served, etc. And then there’s the music. Who can blame him?