Customer Reviews

Steve Hackett - Tokyo Tapes (Live in Japan)

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are three DVDs to date form Steve. They are all excellent and they are all different.

It goes like this:

Tokyo:
Progressive rock, less focus on Steve, more vocals, great classic gennesis tunes with vocals intact.

South America:
Progressive jazz/rock/classical, more focus on Steve, and as Steve says and I agree on of the most precise bands he has ever played with.

Hungary:
Classical trio, with just three musicians, it's hard not to focus on Steve who is just as talented classically, if not more, as he is talented with other styles. There is some mind numbing classical technique here.

The fact that these three DVDs are so different allowed me to buy all three without having to see the same concert with different musicians.

Not having been lucky (or old) enough to see Peter Gabriel wearing the bat wings, it is a singular pleasure to hear and watch a virtuoso like Steve Hackett. In performing songs from the 70's, Hackett shows the power and edge that was so lacking in Daryl Stuermer's guitar. In teaming up with former members of Asia, King Crimson and Yes, Hackett has assembled a line-up that kicks some major "old school" butt. It makes one wonder why Genesis didn't snap up John Wetton as a lead vocalist instead of Ray Wilson. The loud THUD of "Calling All Stations" still echoes in the ears of all true Genesis fans. In re-working some classic old tunes, Steve Hackett and Co. shows that great music stands up to the test of time again and again. To me it was worth the price of the tape to see Chester Thompson on drums, doing his best Phil Collins impression (which ain't bad). If you ever once sat transfixed watching Peter, Steve, Tony, Phil and Mike, count your blessings that amazon.com offers this VHS tape, because you will not find it at your local Blockbuster store. Enjoy!

The entire concert: song selection, musicians and camera work were all excellent. The less than sharp video quality and the lack of 5.1 audio were disappointing. Maybe I've been spoiled by the incredible audio and video quality of YesSymphonic DVD, but I was expecting more from this.

If you are a fan of "Classic" Genesis and Steve Hackett, it's a worthwhile purchase, but the DVD seems to have been simply transfered from video tape without taking advantage of the capabilities offered in the DVD format.

5 extremely competent musicians playing selections from the top Progressive catalogues of all time (Genesis, King Crimson, Asia, Steve Hackett solo) equals a viewing experience like no other. Very good sound and video quality to boot. Extra points to Hackett for putting this out in NTSC (since the CD, for now, is only available in Europe).

If you like to hear a compilation of good old prog songs of your favorite bands, this DVD is for you. If you like Genesis,King Crimson and projects from old members of these bands, you got to have this video. It is very well shot and has a beautiful light show. The music is simply great with songs from Hackett's solo stuff, John Wetton, King Crimson and Genesis. And on the extras, you got 20 minutes of rehersal.

I love this DVD! There is no other like it, and that is because there are few bands/musicians out there today on the level of these guys. I saw Hackett with Genesis a couple of times back in the 70s and he is no different here. He still maintains the power and impact he always had. In fact, he is even better! John Wetton sings with such power and passion that he really adds to this performance. Hackett knew what he was doing
when he assembled this band. Chester is also fantastic. There is alot of emotion here, even though they don't jump around the stage. They don't need to. Can't wait to see the concerts he recently recorded on tour in South America for DVD. Hopefully we will see them sometime in 2002! Buy this !

While I loved this concert DVD, I want MORE! Of course, I'm more of a John Wetton fan than a Steve Hackett fan but Hackett is brilliant in this show. I think it would be great if Wetton took a page from Hackett's book and does a show like this one of his own -but revolving around his material.

The only drawback is the fact that "Watcher of the Skies" was the best performance in this concert but was played at the very beginning which is like having dessert first. The way the stage is lit at the beginning is awe-inspiring, though. The stage is shot with a Rembrandt-like golden light and the floor is covered in billowing dry ice clouds. It looks almost like the band is performing on top of a cloud at sunrise!

For those who want great music played by great musicians, this is for you. For those who want a band that prances around the stage, this is NOT for you, but maybe I can recommend something by NSync or Brittney Spears...

Extraordinary performance. Hacket and Wetton at the best. McDonald and Thompson with great performances. I didn't like Julian Colbeck because I think he is not at the level of the rest and the keyboards sound quite basic.

The selection of the songs is a golden sample of the best age of the progressive rock.

You cannot pass the oppotunity of watching this masterpiece.

Excellent musicians, music and program. If you like Genesis, King Crimson, Yes, etc. a MUST!!!!!! Not all musicians do gymnastics in order to catch your attention, these guys do not need that, THEY ARE GREAT musicians, they do it with music!!!!!!!! I really prefer the DVD to the CD, you can see them "at work", which is much, much better.

If you like Hackett you'll love this video. If you like the Genesis era that involved Hackett, then you'll really love this video. This concert is based on Steve's solo interpretations of his old band's work, from which he had a studio CD release titled "Watcher of the Skies: Genesis Revisited", and it brings back the glory of those old days.