Mike And The Mechanics - New Theatre, Oxford, 12/3/2019
by Nick Dent-Robinson
published: 24 / 4 / 2019
intro
Mike Rutherford, on tour with his band, Mike and the Mechanics, played a series of Genesis hits at Oxford's New Theater that rekindled fond memories for his enthusiastic fan base.
With his slim, athletic build, distinguished features and patrician tones, Mike Rutherford comes across as more military top brass than rock star. And this is exactly the career his father had mapped out for him before Mike ruined everything by leaving his top, public school and forming Genesis! Yet Mike is the man responsible for many of that band's best tunes and subsequently many other hugely, successful classic rock songs. Currently touring with his present group, Mike and The Mechanics, Mike Rutherford is certainly no unsung hero. Oxford's large New Theatre was totally sold out for the group's recent appearance there. The skillfully chosen two sets took the enthusiastic audience on a definitive meander through the great man's career. The stage was decorated with hot air balloons carrying album sleeve art, and Mike, supported by key Mechanics, Andrew Roachford and Tim Howar, treated fans to a slick and beautifully crafted show which featured just enough new stuff (from soon-to-be-released album, 'Out of the Blue'), while serving up the mega crowd-pleasers many had paid to hear. For example, there was the Genesis hit, 'Land of Confusion' and 'Another Cup of Coffee' and Roachford's own hit, the soulful 'Cuddly Toy'. Roachford's voice is really exceptional - warm, rich, mellow, soothing and full of flavour. The second half opened with a stunning, acoustic version of Genesis gem, 'Follow You, Follow Me,' which many of the crowd found very emotional. Those still dry-eyed were promptly faced with bittersweet anthem, 'The Living Years' in which Roachford's introduction left many in the crowd literally gasping, with fingers discreetly wiping away tears once again. There followed stirring versions of Genesis tune, 'I Can't Dance' and then 'All I Need Is A Miracle' plus 'Over My Shoulder' with sing-along 'Word of Mouth' as a finale. This was a brilliant performance - a textbook lesson in astute showmanship plus musical virtuosity of the very highest calibre. The capacity audience were left roaring for more!
Also at New Theatre, Oxford
Band Links:-
http://www.mikeandthemechanics.comhttps://www.facebook.com/genesis
https://www.facebook.com/mikeandthemechanicsofficial
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Rutherford
Picture Gallery:-
interviews |
Interview (2015) |
Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford talks to Nick Dent-Robinson about his group's lengthy career and touring once more with his other band Mike and The Mechanics |
most viewed articles
current edition
Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies - Sala Apolo, Barcelona, 29/11/2023 and La Paqui, Madrid, 30/11/2023Anthony Phillips - Interview
Difford and Tilbrook - Difford and Tilbrook
Rain Parade - Interview
Oldfield Youth Club - Interview
Autumn 1904 - Interview
Shaw's Trailer Park - Interview
Cafe No. 9, Sheffield and Grass Roots Venues - Comment
Pete Berwick - ‘Too Wild to Tame’: The story of the Boyzz:
Chris Hludzik - Vinyl Stories
previous editions
Microdisney - The Clock Comes Down the StairsWorld Party - Interview
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EP
Michael Lindsay Hogg - Interview
Ain't That Always The Way - Alan Horne After The Sound of Young Scotland 2
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
World Party - Interview with Karl Wallinger
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Prisoners - Interview
Barrie Barlow - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Marika Hackman - Big SighSerious Sam Barrett - A Drop of the Morning Dew
Rod Stewart and Jools Holland - Swing Fever
Ian M Bailey - We Live in Strange Times
Loves - True Love: The Most of The Loves
Paul McCartney and Wings - Band on the Run
Autumn 1904 - Tales of Innocence
Roberta Flack - Lost Takes
Banter - Heroes
Posey Hill - No Clear Place to Fall
related articles |
Mike Rutherford : Interview (2015 |
Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford talks to Nick Dent-Robinson about his group's lengthy career and touring once more with his other band Mike and The Mechanics |
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart