FULL CIRCLE.
REVIEW AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY: JIM BUNTINX.
Steve Hackett band at Brussels' Ancienne Belgique show
Photo © Jim Buntinx
Yesterday, October 14th, marked Steve Hackett's 37th year of his first solo appearance in Belgium. It was the same venue where he played ten days ago at the 'Ancienne Belgique' on a mild and sunny Sunday. Friends were brought together, both local and from abroad, prior to the 'Acolyte to Wolflight' event and after. All agreed these were times to be remembered for a very long time. Here's a little 'review' with a twist on his latest Brussels gig.
Photo © Jim Buntinx
Proven that evenings can be quite spectral too, the opening track wasn't a total surprise. A good friend had warned us for the overwhelming effect she'd experienced in Paris upon hearing it. Nevertheless, all were blown away, fully realizing we had to be thankful for whatever the man was going to serve. Even if several favourites didn't see the light of day, everybody seemed to feel alright with that, considering early Genesis greats got expanded airing time. Who knows, he might get 'em out some other time (maybe on a Friday).
An out-of-the-body experience followed when the music happily continued the pace, making me wish the crowd had worn poshy costumes and fanciful wigs, swirling away on a shiny ballroom floor. Until the wolf's howl called out for a dramatic change. In a jiffy, we were all turned into acolytes, taken on a dazzling voyage at sea, in the air and on land, where we encountered some bizarre characters in matching settings. Nobody will likely forget that daredevil named Icarus, a vampire lacking good intentions, the haunting shadow of some imposing stature, a tortured soul for all eternity, and several others that don't spring to mind right now. Probably the oddest thing we've seen was a large fluffy bear hanging on to a big blue heart, drifting along the coastline (near the firth of Fourth - or was it Fifth?). No, wait, maybe the lamb that set its sails across the Atlantic to have a good lie down on the other side (quite an ace, travelling without a compass - simply focusing on the star of Sirius). Still beats me why it was constantly trying to open up a musical box with a can-utility.
As we drew closer to land, storm had overtaken us. Lightning fiercely cracked into the tower of a lighthouse that struck down just a couple of yards away. Close to being shipwrecked and thoroughly soaked, we finally managed to touch soil. After the ordeal, we'd hoped to come at rest in the local spa but it was closed: no jacuzzi for the wicked. Instead, we treated ourselves to a couple of wild spins on the fairground carrousel, having our clothes dried in the process. Still in time for the late night cinema show! It was midnight when our clocks suddenly stopped ticking. Out of nowhere, an angel appeared and whispered 'Time's up!'. The band in the nearby pub called it to a halt and all returned home (well, some of us not straight away) with a pocketful of cherished memories.
PS: live tracks are not necessarily mentioned in correct playing order.
Steve Hackett band at Brussels show
Photo © Jim Buntinx
Jim Buntinx
