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!

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