Music Gage announces first show in over 20 years: ‘If it is to do, it has to be spectacular’

THE Gene It is officially back. The band’s original lineup announced their first show in over 20 years, scheduled for October 4 at Eventim Apollo in London. The presentation celebrates the 30th anniversary of the debut album, Olympian (1995) and marks the return of Martin Rossiter, Matt James, Steve Mason and Kevin Miles to the stage.

The last time the group performed live was in December 2004 in the extinct London Astoria.

The return of the gene and the influence of Alan McGee

The vocalist Martin Rossiter revealed in an interview with NMEthat the band meeting took place thanks to the insistence of the legendary Alan McGeefounder of Creation Records.

“Alan is like one of those stage hypnotists wearing adidas. You see yourself easily persuaded by him. But in the end, I’m glad he did it.”played Rossiter.

After the initial proposal, the members decided to test chemistry before confirming the show.

“It was amazing how we quickly reconnected – not only musically, but also in the band’s dynamics. It was as if time had not passed”explained the singer.

The band promises a show up to the celebration. “We don’t want anything done in half. If it is to do, it needs to be spectacular”guaranteed Rossiter.

The repertoire will not be limited to the album Olympian and should include other tracks of gene discography. “We have a list of 30 songs and we’ll probably play about 25. It must be a long show, about two hours long.”anticipated the singer.

In addition to the main presentation in London, the band should perform some heating shows before the official date.

Memories of the 90s and Meeting with Keith Flint

Rossiter also recalled remarkable moments of the band in the 90s. “I have amazing memories of that time. I saw someone vomit in Elton John’s pocket, I almost entered a fight with Grace Jones and spent an hour and a half talking about flowers with Keith Flint.”he said.

The vocalist avoided giving details about the meetings with Elton John and Grace Jonesbut revealed that his conversation with Keith Flintfrom The Prodigyit was unexpectedly quiet. “We were in a hotel with a garden and we started talking about how we never learned about botany when we were kids. We ended up inventing funny names for the flowers. It was a very different experience from the Keith Flint that people imagine. He was a kind and very reflective guy.”he said.

More shows in the future?

Regarding the possibility of new presentations besides 2025, Rossiter said the band has not yet made a definitive decision.

“We entered this without knowing exactly what it would be. Musically, I know it will work. We are giving ourselves better than ever, which is great”commented.

The singer left the chance of more shows in the future. “Let’s see how everything happens. We’re not saying. I don’t oppose the idea of ​​taking the stage a few more times in 2026”concluded.