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Digitally recorded at Patriots Theater, Trenton, New Jersey on 30th June 2002 and mixed in Steve Hackett’s own MAP studio. This phenomenal festival-closing performance from NEARfest 2002 provides a stunning 2CD set including solo favorites like Spectral Mornings, The Steppes and Every Day in addition to timeless Genesis classics like Watcher of the Skies, Firth of Fifth and Los Endos. The two-hour performance was a sonic rollercoaster of dynamic musical assault and calmingly beautiful melodies. 
Live Archive NEARfest is Steve Hackett in loud prog rock form, as the maestro sounds ever at ease and brimming with confidence on the 22 songs included in this set. His tone is impeccable, his technique flawless, and his band, including Roger King on keyboards, Rob Townsend on woodwinds, Terry Gregory on bass, and Gary O'Toole on drums, top-notch. They rip through many classic Hackett pieces from throughout his solo career, as well as snipetts of vintage Genesis songs. Chills went up and down my spine as King hits the opening notes to "Watcher of the Skies", and Hackett drops in a perfect note for note "Firth of Fifth" guitar solo that will bring tears to your eyes. Solo gems like "Spectral Mornings", "Camino Royale", and "Riding the Colossus" are all punctuated by Hackett's tasty guitar lines and the tight instrumentation of the rest of the band. New pieces like the rampaging "Mechanical Bride", with its almost prog-metal intensity, and the lush "Serpentine Song", really shine and are sure to be regular additions to the Hackett live set for years to come. 

The only thing really missing from this glorious release are some notes on the festival itself, and perhaps some live photographs. This "bare-bones" packaging might be a bit of a disappointment to those unfamiliar with NEARfest or where not there in attendance. For everyone else though this is prime Steve Hackett fully in his element. Highly recommended



Track List:

CD1: 
The Floating Seventh 
Mechanical Bride 
Medley 
Serpentine Song 
Watcher of the Skies 
Hairless Heart 
Firth of Fifth 
Riding the Colossus 
Pollution 
The Steppes 
Gnossienne no. 1 
Walking Away From Rainbows 
The Wall of Knives 
Vampyre with a Healthy Appetite 

CD2: 
Spectral Mornings 
Lucridus 
Darktown 
Camino Royale 
Every Day 
Horizons 
Los Endos


Musicians: 
- Steve Hackett / guitar & vocals 
- Roger King / keyboards 
- Rob Townsend / saxophone, flute & vocals 
- Terry Gregory / bass & vocals 
- Gary O’Toole / drums & vocals 


Helaas ontbreekt "In Memoriam" in deze spot. Wie um heeft, graag.....