From Solo Works to Genesis Classics: Steve Hackett in Utrecht

2026-06-04

Steve Hackett | TivoliVredenburg | Utrecht, NL |01.06.2026 | Photos by: ©Sylvia Wijnands

Utrecht, Netherlands – It is hard to keep track of how many times progressive rock legend Steve Hackett has performed in the Netherlands. Yet one thing never seems to change: the loyalty of his audience here. Many of his fans have been following him for decades, and sold-out venues have become almost a given. Having already played two shows in Zoetermeer this weekend, Hackett took the stage in Utrecht tonight before yet another packed crowd.

As has become customary at Steve Hackett shows, the evening was divided into two parts. The first half focused on his solo material, while the second would be dedicated to Genesis classics. The set opened with “The Devil’s Cathedral” from the 2021 album Surrender of Silence. Compared to a song like “Every Day”, originally released in 1979 and performed next, it is still relatively recent material. Judging by the audience’s reaction, however, it has already earned its place among Hackett’s live favourites.

Whether the same will happen with “The Sea Inside” remains to be seen. The track is brand new, and Hackett has yet to reveal a release date, but based on this first live impression, I am certainly looking forward to hearing the studio version.
Quite early in the evening, Hackett took the time to introduce the band. This was likely due to the addition of two new members for the current tour: keyboardist Lalle Larsson and drummer Felix Lehrmann.

The connection between the band and the audience was evident throughout the set. Rob Townsend received a particularly enthusiastic response, first for the extended introduction to “The Steppes” and later for his solo spot during “Camino Royale”.
The first half of the show gradually built towards “Shadow of the Hierophant”. As the song grew in intensity, the venue seemed to fill with powerful low frequencies, the bass becoming something that could be felt as much as heard. It provided a powerful conclusion to the solo section of the evening, met with applause accompanied by enthusiastic compliments shouted from various parts of the crowd.

As mentioned earlier, the second half of the evening was devoted to Genesis material. The audience needed little encouragement once vocalist Nad Sylvan launched into the opening lines of “Dancing with the Moonlit Knight”, with many singing along from the very first notes.
Much of the set drew from the classic 1973 album Selling England by the Pound, a record that remains a favourite among Genesis fans and clearly continues to resonate with audiences today. Just as noticeable was the enjoyment the band seemed to take in performing this material. Following “Aisle of Plenty”, keyboardist Lalle Larsson was given the spotlight for an impressive piano solo, one of several moments that highlighted the musicianship on display throughout the set. Unsurprisingly, fan favourite “Firth of Fifth” received one of the evening’s warmest responses, while, with its many twists and turns, “Supper’s Ready” provided a fitting conclusion to the main set.

The encore opened with “Dance on a Volcano”, with bursts of smoke shooting upwards behind Nad Sylvan, creating the illusion of a volcanic eruption on stage. From there, the focus shifted to drummer Felix Lehrmann, who was given the spotlight for a solo performance before the evening entered its final stretch. A brief passage from Steve Hackett’s “Slogans” seamlessly gave way to “Los Endos”, bringing the show to an energetic close. By the end, even many of those in the seated sections had risen to their feet. The standing ovation that followed lasted several minutes, providing a fitting conclusion to another memorable evening for Hackett and his band.