Many Genesis tribute bands can be seen all over the world as well as in the Netherlands. One of the best known ones in our country are Genesis Project. A tribute act which I saw perform in 2012 at Plato in Helmond (see review). At the time they did the Genesis Project Play Seconds Out-shows. Strangely enough they are doing the same show nowadays. Of course I was very curious how they would copy the famous Genesis live double album, originally released in 1977, five years later on. Well on Friday May 17th I had the chance to see them at the Parkvilla Theater in Alphen aan den Rijn. A performance which wasn't planned originally. But due to personal circumstances the Rush tribute band RUSHians had to cancel their concert. However, despite this late addition, the audience had flocked to this concert and the hall was filled to the brim.
 

The band had planned to perform the original set list that Genesis had used in 1977 for the Wind And Wuthering tour. The recordings for Seconds Out were taken from this tour and recorded in Paris. Everybody who knows

Edwin Roes and Martin Thoolen (r) (►more pics)

this album remembers that the band at time used an extra drummer. Because Phil Collins was of course the bands lead singer and fronting the band during live shows. That's why during concerts you could find Chester Thompson on drums as well. The double drum parts of Phil and Chester were a spectacular part of these Genesis shows. Of course, two drum kits were also set up this evening to make the sound and experience of this show as complete as possible. During two sets and an encore Genesis Project managed to copy the original music rather strongly.

Those who have the original double live album, know that it starts with Squonk taken from A Trick Of The Tail (1976) . Therefore, it was obvious that this tune was also the concert opener. Right from the start

Hein v.d. Broek with Peter Gabriel on screen (►more pics)

it became clear the musicians played with great passion and pleasure the music recorded 42 years ago. Throughout the entire first set keyboard player Ebert Zwart proved he didn't have much problems doing the complex parts Tony Banks originally played. Good examples are songs such as Firth Of Fifth, ...In That Quiet Earth and Cinema Show. Tracks on which guitarist Edwin Roes could shine all the way by copying Steve Hackett in an excellent way. And during the second set both musicians showed their talents on their instruments. Especially on Dance On A Volcano and Los Endos. Compositions on which most of all the rhythm section could shine as well. Bassist Martin Thoolen on his Rickenbecker and Taurus bass pedals. But most of all the two drummers Lex Bekkernens and guest Remco Engels. They showed how many times they must have listened to copy the difficult parts done by the original two drummers in such an excellent way. The first one even played some extra keyboard parts during the intro of the most epic piece Genesis ever recorded. Supper's Ready was of course also a perfect composition to hear if lead singer Hein van den Broek could imitate Peter Gabriel. Not in the way of getting dresed up like this great performer but vocal wise. After all when Phil Collins was fronting the band during live shows he didn't change costumes like his predecessor did. Therefore, it is might be better to compare van den Broek with Collins and judge his vocal performances with the way they were sung on Seconds Out. And I'll have to be honest Hein did very

Lex Bekkernens and Remco Engels (r) (►more pics)

well during the entire concert. So bravo to him!

Maybe for a lot of people it wasn't strange to see during the performances of the Gabriel era compositions, the background projection footage of Genesis with the original vocalist. Because everybody wants to see them. After all there are still fans out there who haven't seen it. But if you try to copy the Seconds Out album it might be more appropriate to show footage of the two drummers and Collins behind the microphone. Right? But as a lover of seeing Gabriel dressed up during the classic Genesis songs, such as during the encores Dancing With The Moonlit Knight and The Knife, I didn't see it as a real crime.

Looking back at the Genesis Project Seconds Out Show I can only be positive. Because the musicians on stage managed to entertain me and the audience all the way. And that's all that counts. The people of Serious Music Alphen, who organised this musical event, did well to book this act and get a full house. But they said that they were hoping for such a large crowd during concerts of less known acts as well. I couldn't agree more!

Henri Strik (edited by Dave Smith)