Good things come to those who wait. The age old statement still stands true, and in 2015 North American fans of English Rock band Mike + The Mechanics get the opportunity to see the band live for the first time since 1989. Initially formed back in 1985 by Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford as a new creative outlet, the band went on to achieve a series of chart-topping singles and gold-selling records over a decade’s time. While still keeping extremely active touring about with Genesis, Rutherford has kept Mike + The Mechanics going strong through the years, releasing the band’s seventh record The Road in 2011 and touring about Europe. Having grown an affection for America in his years of performing, Rutherford felt the time was right for the Mechanics, consisting of himself alongside guitarist Anthony Drennan, keyboardist Luke Juby, drummer Gary Wallis, as well as the vocalists duo of Tim Howar and Andrew Roachford, to make a return to the USA.
Scheduled for a 18-date run in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the powerful Living Years album, the band found themselves stuck in a snowstorm up in Tarrytown, NY on Tuesday March 3rd at the historic Tarrytown Music Hall. The historic 843-seat Music Hall was initially built in 1885 by chocolate manufacturer William Wallace, is the oldest theater in Westchester County, and one of 6% of theaters in the United States built before 1900. Certainly creating a warm atmosphere despite the icy conditions outside, fans came from far distances to bare witness to the special performance.
Keeping the bill within the close Genesis family, Rutherford asked fellow bandmate Daryl Stuermer to join him solo on Mike + The Mechanics North American excursion, and the guitarist happily obligated. A member of Genesis for the greater part of thirty-seven years, Stuermer also has worked with Phil Collins through each of the vocalists successful solo albums, and has ranked up a nice independent discography himself. Known for innovative guitar work, Stuermer took to the stage of Tarrytown Music Hall with only himself, a guitar, and a laptop full of his backbeats.
Kicking off with a cool instrumental cover of Peter Gabriel’s “Shock the Monkey,” Stuermer’s guitar work was both clear, relaxing, and colorful in tone. Throwing in his own personal creations like “Wherever You Are,” “Striker,” and “Heavy Heart” from his 2007 album Go!, each tune sounded unique and musically astounding. Stuermer’s instrumental demonstration was not only mood setting, it was intriguing to see the guitarist go to work and handling the spotlight with grace. Proclaiming his affection for Jeff Beck, Stuermer then wound down his brief showcase with a cover of 1975’s “Freeway Jam.” Receiving a standing ovation from the theater, seeing Stuermer was an appreciated added bonus to the night, and the perfect table setter.
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Taking a brief intermission to allow the audience a chance to marvel in the restored Tarrytown Music Hall from the balcony down to the orchestra section, everyone surely was ready to indulge in a set of music from Mike + The Mechanics. For many this was the very first time seeing the band live and curiosity ran wild on what the band would bring in form of song selection. That wonder was answered promptly with Rutherford and The Mechanics coming out like a ball of energy on opening track “A Beggar on a Beach of Gold” which featured a dominating stage presence of Howar. Engaging to the audience, Howar’s Rock style approach was the perfect complement to the soulful textures of Roachford, who joined him on another Word of Mouth (1991) track called “Get Up.” Going right for the upbeat pieces from the start only amplified the lead into the track that started it all for the band back in 1985, “Silent Running.” Still an intense song with progressive under-tones, thirty years later everyone reflected on fond memories as they hummed along to each word. Moving along, they went into 1995’s “Another Cup of Coffee,” followed with Howar powering through “Seeing is Believing” and newer song “Try to Save Me,” featuring Roachford singing with wonderful inflection.
Having already covered a nice selection of music of the band’s catalog early on, Rutherford and his Mechanics offered up his 1980 Genesis hit “Turn It On Again.” Lyrically written by Rutherford, the track is a signature turning point in the history of Genesis, as well as a fan-favorite, and Howar hit all the right notes while displaying vivid emotion. Taking the audience back to present day, “The Road” came before impassioned crooning of Roachford on “Over My Shoulder,” filled the theater with warm, feel-good vibrations. Receiving a roar of applauds for their undeniable enthusiasm and tight musicianship, “Nobody’s Perfect” gave both singers a chance to shine with ear-tingling harmonization. As a prelude of what was to come, “Cuddly Toy” came thereafter with mind-blowing vocalization by Roachford, where the singer grooved about the stage and interacted with the audience.
With plenty of excitement left to come, Genesis ’90s hit “I Can’t Dance” saw Rutherford and Howar feeding off one another and displaying wonderful chemistry. This undeniable comradery was universal with all the members as they joined together to bring “The Living Years” to an audience which understood the true meaning of the song, and many were seen embracing one another. Showered with applauds following the rendition, the set closer “All I Need Is A Miracle” had everyone on their feet dancing and singing along. Stretching out the track to over seven minutes long, Howar enticed the audience to chant along on cue before the final refrain where everyone erupted into even more amplified cheers. Keeping that noise level elevated, an anticipated encore of “Word of Mouth” was the perfect wind-down to an electrifying evening of diverse and uplifting music.
Rutherford was right to say the time was right to bring The Mechanics back to North America. With the current lineup, the band sounds flawless, lively, and inspiring. Always a band that had a delicate balance between an R&B and Rock vocalist, Howar and Roachford are magic together and do each song justice. The blanketed feeling of joy displayed by each member of the band on stage added to the potency and effect of the set. With this special anniversary tour winding down on March 21st, hopes are Mike + The Mechanics will visit the USA again soon, but if not, those who made sure to see them live will have new memories to talk about for years to come.
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