by Elisa Zuckerberg, Founder of HearItThere.com published on January 6 

I should preface this blog by saying I’m not one that seeks out music events presented by tribute bands. I know there are so many of them out there that everyone loves and adores: The Dead, Petty, Allman Bros, Billy Joel, Rush, the list goes on. I’ve seen some and have certainly been entertained. I’ve also come to realize that bands that do covers of our favorite pop and rock tunes are some of the most popular live music events among audiences. My hesitation, I’m afraid to be disappointed if the music doesn’t sound exactly how I remember or doesn’t do it justice. For the most part, those who cover famous artists, do so because they are mega-fans themselves. I get that. They also make audiences very very happy. As an old friend of mine said, “I like tribute bands because I get to see bands I never had the chance to.”

In a nostalgic spirit I decided to see a Genesis tribute band called “The Genesis Show” on Saturday at The Ridgefield Playhouse and truly had a great time! This concert was a recreation of the 1981 “Abacab” Tour. They describe themselves as “A tribute to the music of Genesis from 1976-1983 recreating the different tours.”

This isn’t the first time I’ve heard Genesis music live. My first concert was in 1983 and I’ve seen Phil Collins solo and Genesis several times after. I remember vividly what they sounded like live. But Saturday’s show was just a stone’s throw away in Ridgefield, I didn’t have any plans, therefore I bought my (reasonably priced) ticket and went by myself. Fortunately upon arrival, found my seat situated next to a really nice couple. We geeked-out on our Genesis knowledge, memories, and appreciation for the band prior to the show.

To my surprise, the first notes of the band’s opener, “Behind the Lines” sounded genuinely authentic and elicited a surprising jolt of excitement for the rest of the show. Although once revealed, there was a bit of a surprise to see that they didn’t look anything like the band (But that’s another show, The Musical Box* who I’ve seen.). Have no idea why I expected this. The lead singer looked like the guy who plays at the local pub on a Thursday, but ya’ know, he nailed it. PLUS, he can play drums, as does Phil. In fact, the dual drumming throughout the show were my favorite parts and most reminiscent of the Genesis concerts that I had gone to in the past.

The concert continued with a nice mix of songs from “Abacab” and other Phil Collins era Genesis music with the exception of “The Carpet Crawlers” (although Phil did lead vocals on their live album “Seconds Out”.).

 

Here’s the playlist from the night. The Ridgefield Playhouse – Ridgefield, CT, 1/4/2020

Behind the Lines, Duchess, The Lamb, Dodo/Lurker, Abacab, The Carpet Crawlers, Me and Sarah Jane, Misunderstanding, No Reply at All, Firth of Fifth, Man on the Corner, Who Dunnit, In The Cage Medley, Afterglow, Turn it on Again, Dance on a Volcano, Drum Duet, Los Endos, Follow You Follow Me, and I Know What I Like.

The band consists of band members: Jeff Giuliani – Vocals, Drums, Mike Bitts – Bass Guitar, 12 String Guitar, Bass Pedals, Vocals, Stephen McQuaid – Electric Guitar, 12 String Guitar, Classical Guitar, Vocals. Matt Thomas – Keyboards, 12 String Guitar. Vince Corda – Drums, Percussion, Vocals.

Highlights: The drum solo toward the end. “In the Cage” – check out the video! And in my opinion, since I’m a big fan of the Genesis album, “Trick of the Tail,” “Los Endos” and “Dance on a Volcano”.

“The Genesis Show” guys promise to come back to town and if you’re a fan of Genesis, GO SEE THEM! You’ll definitely have a good time! https://www.thegenesisshow.com

*The Musical Box will be coming back to The Ridgefield Playhouse on Wednesday, April 1 featuring the music of classic Genesis albums, including Trespass, Nursery Cryme, Foxtrot, Selling England by the Pound, A Trick of the Tail, Wind & Wuthering and And Then There Were Three.

Elisa Zuckerberg is the Founder of HearItThere.com. She is a music enthusiast, an advocate for the arts, mother of both a musician and illustrator/artist, and wife of a easy going husband who has heard way too much live music this year!

Image courtesy of indiaforums.com