Classic Rock Musings, Rants & Raves

When word leaked out that Genesis was reforming in 2007, speculation as to which lineup was slated to come back was rampant all over fan web sites and message boards. Most hoped for a full-scale Genesis reunion with the classic early 70s lineup — Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett. In fact, Collins said during an April 2006 radio interview that the five had met to discuss the possibility of getting back together. However, the actual reunion that took place featured only Rutherford, Banks and Collins, the combination responsible for Genesis’ commercial success of the 80s and early 90s.

I saw this configuration (along with guitarist Darryl Steurmer and drummer Chester Thompson) three times in the 80s. From what I remember, they were great shows, enhanced by spectacular lights and sound. The one thing I wasn’t too happy about was the lack of acknowledgement of the band’s rich legacy. It seemed like they were avoiding the longer, more progressive tracks like “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway” and “Supper’s Ready” in favor of newer, shorter songs like “Mama” and “Illegal Alien.” Even so, I gave some thought about purchasing tickets to see the Genesis 2007 reunion show at the Hollywood Bowl. But high ticket prices drove me away. Besides, in this day and age of ROI and immediate gratification, I knew a live DVD from the tour was inevitable.

Well, I hate to say I told you so, but…a new live Genesis DVD is here, and it’s packed so full of goodies and extras that fans of any of the lineups will feel like they’ve died and gone to heaven. I mean, with a title like When In Rome 2007 and a set spread out over three DVDs, there’s very little not to like and appreciate. For one, you get an entire two and half hour concert filmed before a half-million people in Rome on July 14, 2007 with veteran director David Mallet calling the shots. And while the hits like “Land Of Confusion” and “Turn It On Again” comprise most of the evening’s set list, Banks, Collins and Rutherford also stroll down Memory Lane to revisit classic tracks like “Los Endos” and “Carpet Crawlers.” The stage production for the Turn It On Again tour included the largest screen ever used at a concert, spanning nearly 210 feet. In 2007, Genesis played before 1.4 million fans during 22 European dates before heading to North America in September to play 25 more dates.

Along with the concert, the set also includes photo galleries, deleted scenes and photographic reproductions of tour programs. The third disc contains Come Rain Or Shine, a documentary filmed by Anthony Mathile covering the entire 2007 tour — from the planning stages in 2006 to the show in Rome.

The only catch is that this set can only be had by venturing into your local Wal-Mart or logging onto Walmart.com, samsclub.com or genesis-music.com. Considering what you get, it’s worth the effort. But if you’re still unsure, perhaps the video samples below will help determine your course of action when the DVD comes out on June 10. Don’t let the ‘Anarchy Media Player’ screen scare you — just click “Play” and watch.

When In Rome 2007 Trailer:

3 minute trailer

When In Rome 2007 Performance Clips:
“Turn It On Again”
“Turn It On Again”

“Land Of Confusion”
“Land of Confusion”

“Carpet Crawlers”
“Carpet Crawlers”

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