Zoetermeer, The Netherlands – The Italian progressive rock band The Watch seems almost unstoppable. For many years they’ve been touring all around Europe and the UK, hardly taking a break. Their performances of classic Genesis material have earned them a strong reputation, allowing them to sell out many of their shows. They have also built up a loyal fanbase here in the Netherlands, and tonight they return once again to Poppodium Boerderij in Zoetermeer with their Tales from 1970–1976 tour.
As soon as the band stepped onto the stage and opened with “White Mountain” from the Trespass album, the audience fell completely silent. It wasn’t until the final notes faded that everyone seemed to breathe again, erupting into loud and heartfelt applause. From the very start, it was clear that this performance would be both passionate and precise. The Watch made more frequent use of the large screen behind them this time, projecting powerful imagery that enhanced the storytelling. During “The Knife,” for example, footage of protests and demonstrations added an extra layer of intensity. The song itself is a sharp commentary on the rise of violence and authoritarianism, and the visuals reinforced that message perfectly without ever feeling overwhelming.
“I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)” was, as always, a fan favourite. The audience sang the chorus so loudly that the singer could barely rise above them. Another highlight was “Firth of Fifth,” a piece filled with so many layers and shifts that there’s always something new to discover. One of the most beautiful things about this song is that every musician gets a moment to shine.
Although the setlist covered songs from several albums, a solid section was dedicated to The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, featuring “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway,” “Fly on a Windshield,” “Broadway Melody of 1974,” and “The Carpet Crawlers.” This block of songs created a mini-journey within the concert, showcasing some of Genesis’s most intricate and beloved work.
After a short break, the band returned and kicked off with “Dance on a Volcano”. Even though The Watch didn’t write the music themselves, every musician seems to understand it instinctively, effortlessly guiding the audience back in time. Their joy in playing was clearly visible, from small onstage interactions to shared smiles — and this energy extended straight to the audience.
Singer Simone Rossetti spoke about the shared love for Genesis music between the band and the audience, creating a sense of connection and mutual understanding that was clearly felt throughout the room. Before the show, I had noticed signs kindly asking the audience not to talk or use their phones, but with this crowd, it wasn’t even necessary. They were silent when it mattered and sang along wholeheartedly whenever the music invited it.
For the encore, Rossetti had even written a short message in Dutch, which he read aloud — surprisingly clearly! — before they launched into the full, twenty-three-minute “Supper’s Ready.” An epic way to close the night, leaving the audience in awe. With more tour dates coming up across Europe and the UK, fans still have plenty of opportunities to witness this passionate celebration of Genesis’s music live. Click here for more information and tour dates.
The Watch
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Setlist:
White Mountain
The Knife
The Musical Box
I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)
Firth of Fifth
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Fly on a Windshield
Broadway Melody of 1974
The Carpet Crawlers
In the Cage/ The Cinema Show
Dance on a Volcano
In That Quiet Earth/ All in a Mouse’s Night (closing section)
One for the Vine
Los Endos
Supper’s Ready
Show date 15/11/2025
