There is something special about seeing a band whose music has been part of your life since your teenage years. In September 2021, I stood close to the stage at Utilita Arena Birmingham, watching Genesis perform on The Last Domino Tour. It was a last-minute opportunity to see Genesis: The Last Domino Tour live. And one I was particularly pleased to share with my son, who has since developed a passion for progressive rock.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Genesis. Their intricate compositions, complex arrangements, and theatrical storytelling set them apart from other prog rock groups. I was particularly drawn to the band’s earlier material, before Phil Collins’s solo career and Genesis’ shift towards a more commercial sound in the 1980s. I won’t argue about who makes the best progressive rock, although I might struggle to concede that King Crimson or Pink Floyd are better.
Genesis Live in Concert at Utilita Arena Birmingham
The Last Domino Tour brought together the familiar trio of Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford, alongside longtime touring guitarist Daryl Stuermer and drummer Nic Collins, Phil’s son. Although Phil Collins performed seated throughout the evening, the band delivered a powerful performance, with the audience encouraged to sing along at various points.
The band even performed one of my favourite Genesis songs, Afterglow. I can’t quite explain what makes it so special, but for me, this song, written by Tony Banks, represents the pinnacle of songwriting. It’s difficult to listen to it without feeling something. If you have a soul, it’s almost impossible not to be moved.
The Stage Production of The Last Domino Tour
Visually, the production was every bit as elaborate as I had hoped. Five enormous panels of lights hung above the stage, shifting position and colour as the music changed. Behind the band, giant screens brought the songs to life through surreal imagery, psychedelic patterns and archive footage. The video accompanying Land of Confusion, with its playful take on life during the COVID-19 pandemic, was particularly memorable. Other sequences revisited the band’s earlier years, with familiar album artwork and images from their musical history.
Behind the Camera
I used the concert as an opportunity to capture the atmosphere, the scale of the production and the musicians themselves. More than anything, though, it was my chance to experience a piece of musical history with my son. Some concerts are memorable because of the music. Others because of who you share them with. This one was both.
Project Details
Location: Utilita Arena, Birmingham
Date: September 2021
Camera: Ricoh GR
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