Steven Wilson. © Photo by Gili Dailes
Steven Wilson | Hand. Cannot. Erase. Tour @ Brighton Dome | 25/1/2016
I’ve heard the name Steven Wilson quite often in the past few years. Whether with regards to his leading role in Porcupine Tree, his involvement with Blackfield and other projects or his solo career- it was always about what a musical genius this man is.
Let me give you the bottom line first: Not knowing 90% of Steven’s discography did not stop me from enjoying every aspect of this spectacular two-and-a-half-hours show. Supported by fascinating video art installations, truly exquisite musicians and the wonderful Israeli vocalist Ninet Tayeb, Steven was rocking the stage barefoot throughout the night and seemed to have carefully orchestrated every note, kick, lick and strum that were being played.
The first half of the show was a run through Steven’s album- Hand. Cannot. Erase (2015). Steven took us through the wonderful world he’d created, both visually and musically, with pieces that varied from quiet rock ballads to progressive rock and heavy metal instrumental parts.
One song that really stood out was Routine, which has been both recorded and performed as a duet along with Ninet- an amazing singer with a truly remarkable voice and presence. This 9 minute piece which was accompanied by a beautiful, morbid video (watch it here) was touching, powerful and hard to ignore or forget. No one remained seated at the end of this one.
Ninet Tayeb. © Photo by Gili Dailes
After a short break, the second half of the show has started. As promised, it included songs from different stages of Steven’s career: a few Porcupine Tree favourites, a couple from the recently launched mini album 4.5 and a few David Bowie covers played as a personal tribute to this great man.
Right before the encore a silky transparent curtain was dropped down from the ceiling, adding extra layers of light and projections to the overall dazzling display.
Steven Wilson © Photo by Gili Dailes
The night ended with The Raven That Refused to Sing (2013), another beautiful, sad masterpiece with a mind-blowing video accompanying it (have a look).
A big shout out goes to the brilliant musicians who absolutely smashed it with SW tonight: Adam Holzman (keys), Nick Beggs (bass), Dave Kilminster (guitar), Craig Blundell (drums) and Ninet Tayeb (vocals).
To summarize:
I left Brighton Dome thinking that I’ve spent too much of my life not knowing Steven Wilson’s music. I got out of the main concert hall and immediately bought the album (Hand. Cannot. Erase. ), which is probably going to be followed by a few more purchases in the next few days.
No doubt that there’s a huge difference between the well-produced, perfectly neat studio versions of the songs in the album to the energy and vibes you get when you see Steven and the band on stage. Nevertheless – do it. Listen to an album, catch him live. Don’t waste time not knowing Steven Wilson’s music as I did for far too long.
Steven Wilson © Photo by Gili Dailes
Steven Wilson © Photo by Gili Dailes
Steven Wilson and Ninet Tayeb © Photo by Gili Dailes
Steven Wilson © Photo by Gili Dailes
Nick Beggs © Photo by Gili Dailes
Steven Wilson © Photo by Gili Dailes
Nick Beggs © Photo by Gili Dailes
Steven Wilson | Hand. Cannot. Erase. Tour @ Brighton Dome | 25/1/2016
Photos and words by Gili Dailes