Steve Hackett - Shadow of the Hierophant (Genesis Revisited Band & Orchestra)

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No copyright infringement intended. This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The rights to the song and video belong to the band & the music company.

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The song Shadow of the Hierophant was written by Steve Hackett and Mike Rutherford and was first released by Steve Hackett in 1975. The theme revolves around the spiritual journey, interpreted according to the meaning of the tarot cards, performed by an acolyte in his quest for self-knowledge.

The eighth card is the Hierophant (or High Priest) of the Greater Arcanum. This letter is related to teachings, knowledge, elucidation and instruction. The lyrics, sung by Sally Oldfield, however reveal that the (conscious) sun was eclipsed by the moon (unconscious). In other words, the acolyte's thinking was overshadowed by his feeling.

The cover image from inside the album shows the small spheres (life experience) penetrating a large sphere (protagonist's mind) and on top of this great sphere a worn-looking man is accommodated and inert. The Hierophant, symbol of thought, is in the shadows as the title of the band attests. This is the negative side of the letter, which represents the acolyte's inflexibility, stubbornness, and inertia in changing. In this way the acolyte's journey comes to an end.

According to a critical interpretation, it is reasonable to think that acolytes tend to seek the truth through faith (feeling) over reason (thought). The album's conclusion, however, showed that faith alone does not lead to truth or self-knowledge. This path depends on balance. As long as the acolyte allows the sun (thought, consciousness, reality, reason) to be eclipsed by the moon (feeling, unconscious, dream, faith), he is bound to empty dreams ("Melt in the dream void from which he can never run" ) and lost in thought ("Lost in thought in search of vision"). Thus he will be farther and farther from the path of truth.

Hackett had convinced Genesis to rehearse "Shadow of the Hierophant" as a potential song for Foxtrot, but it fell through.

[nlight]

Oh my God your beautiful voice made my christmas day.. As I cry in my hot tea fighting covid 19. Special Day for ne.. I found a remedy that works and I should be in a deep sleep. It am awake.. Tears if bliss with a surround sound - concert hall.. In my room to hear it all.. Hackett..wow that was freaken amazing.. Im crying more.. I must have died and gone to heaven.. Omg.. The best.. .

[rael]

Gary O'Toole
What an hidden gem.
A talent of his own, phenomenal.

[ogrelord]

I love when an epic prog song gets orchestral backing. It adds layers and depth to a song that deserves the treatment. Stunning!

[Sishelterdogs]

Masterpiece by Steve Hackett. Great production work by the crew. I listen to this nightly. And what a voice on Miss Amanda!

[TheBitterSweetgr]

Best Steve song ever. I was walking past the walls of Constantinople, and, being a Greek, I felt kind of emotional. This song never left my mind and ears all the way through. That's how strong and important it is. Conjures up forgotten images of by-gone glory. Easily.

[marklockey]

I cannot begin to imagine the glory and pride felt by every person on this stage playing this magical work of art.

[edsonpicco]

Terrific song, amazing band.
Amanda's voice is simply wonderfull.

[monkeynuts]

I've seen them play this live - practically blew the roof off the building. PHENOMENAL!

[WalterSobchak]

it should be an automatic standing ovation for this piece of genius

[Dopi-]

Just imagine being in that audience... I actuallly saw Steve Hackett and his band yesterday evening (6-6-2024). They played the second half of this song and made the floor tremble.

[malcolmrothery]

Quite simply the best song I have ever heard performed live. The bass pedals rip your bones out!

[juancarlosromobejar]

Este tema es una soberbia obra de arte del rock progresivo y la ejecución con orquesta es fenomenal, Steve Hackett un gran compositor y maestro en la ejecución de la guitarra. Siempre lo recordaré como el miembro de Génesis más fecundo y fiel al sonido original de la banda, sin tanto protagonismo como Collins y Gabriel, pero más auténtico en su notable labor creativa. Grande Steve Hackett.

[carlosclaptrix]

Right now my favourite by Steve Hackett. The build up and the chord progression are amazing!

[thbroadway]

The bass playing here is stellar, some of the best playing I've heard in all of the Genesis Revisited and other live Hackett concerts. Big props to Jonas Reingold!

[jean-francoispayette]

I SAW Steve Hackett Live in Montreal Forum, a Master Prog Show Ever Historic Show , when Steve play Live !!!

[rorygordon]

Absolutely amazing.
Saw this performed live in Manchester last year .
Brought tears to my eyes

[jean-francoispayette]

Ma mere et mon pere était a Montreal Forum 1975 quand Steve a interprété son Album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway Live ! Hallucinant il a fait son rappel Steve avec sa Composition Watcher Of The Skies

[stevenspence]

I have always been a Hackett fan ...a great performance by all especially Amanda ..she has the voice of an angel

[robertfranklin]

Genesis, both with Hackett, and its other incarnations.... one of the greatest rock acts on Earth! And Phil, Tony, and Mike kept it going for decades. Love their music.

[corbotbijl]

Wow, this is music!! Steve you are fantastic and i'm listening every evening to your music. Thanks to all your team of musicians they all make it fantastic. i hope i can enjoy your music for manny years.