Live Over Europe (2007)

Live Over Europe (2007)

After a thwarted attempt at reuniting the classic Gabriel-Hackett line-up, the trio version of Genesis set out for a “selection of shows” in 2007, playing setlists that spanned the band’s entire career — from the blistering prog of “In The Cage” to the yacht-pop of “Hold On My Heart.” Despite massive fan turnout — including a free Rome show played to a half-million fans — the jaunt wasn’t without its issues: in addition to storms and technical glitches, the band also struggled to reignite their old musical chemistry. As evidenced by rehearsal footage from the “Rain Or Shine” documentary DVD, Collins was completely disinterested in playing the old material. (At one point, he even whines about having to sing the words “sheets of double-glazing” on the Invisible Touch epic “Domino.”) Perhaps as a result, Live Over Europe feels professional, but also perfunctory. Longtime touring members Daryl Stuermer and Chester Thompson are the MVPs here: see Stuermer’s fusion guitar wizardry on the opening “Duke’s Intro” or the spirited Collins-Thompson drum duet, partly performed on a pair of bar stools. But overall, the lack of spark makes Live Over Europe a tough sell — even for die-hards.