Popped to the Butler after a tip-off and what a gig. Stellar set with ultimate crowd pleasers delivered in full glory. Fantastic evening, will follow the band and see what beer comes along the way - A really great performance - well done guys!

Saw the band Saturday night, absolutely fantastic, stacks of brilliant tracks from a good old fashioned rock band played at the right volume. ears slightly ringing ? thanks lads, will definitely recommend

What can I say? Once again Ian and the Hampshire crew played superbly for us, is it any wonder that we don't mind driving out to see one of the best cover bands out there, thanks boys and we'll see you soon. Mark, Richard and the rest of the reading idiots. Ha ha

I'm so pleased I chose to go and listen to this new Genesis tribute band 'Nursery Cryme' at The Butler in Reading last night. Having seen the original Genesis on 3 occasions in the 70s, 80s and 90s and more recently, current tribute bands such as Los Endos and The Book of Genesis, it was with a degree of curiosity that I wanted to hear a new band who were attempting to play Genesis live. In truth I was sceptical and didn't know what to expect. Any misgivings I might have had were quickly dispelled within the first minute when they started with an excellent rendition of Squonk from the Trick of the Tail Album. This had immediate impact and sounded so close to the original is was uncanny. When I closed my eyes it sounded like I was listening to the original record being played over the pub's sound system. Having played in several rock bands in the past myself, I have to say that Nursery Cryme's musicianship was astonishing and their attention to detail to recreate the original Genesis sound was second to none. As the band completed their first track, I realised that everyone at The Butler were in for a treat.

It was great to hear the Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, Fly on the Windshield and Carpet Crawlers and took me back to the days I used to listen to that album. The sound balance was good and I could hear all the instruments and vocals clearly, which isn't easy in a pub environment. The light show was good too. There was even a guest beer aptly named Nursery Cryme. What more could a chap want on a Saturday evening!

These guys played two flawless sets for almost 3 hours and covered a good balance of Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins sung tracks from about 7 Genesis albums. I loved hearing Can Utility and the Coastliners which apparently, Genesis only played live once. Musical Box is a new addition to this group's programme and it transported me back to my childhood to when my older brothers used to play it all the time. It was great listening to audience members singing along and knowing every word. I also enjoyed Get Em Out by Friday and a stinking performance of Return of the Giant Hogweed.

The second set took the group to the next level. Excellent vocals, magical piano playing in Mad Man Moon and virtuoso keys in Robbery Assault and Battery. Firth of Fifth also rocked with excellent guitar, which sounded just like Steve Hackett, solid Rutherford bass lines performed expertly on a dual neck Rickenbacker and superb drumming throughout. My only criticism is that they didn't perform 'Ripples'. Maybe next time!

Nursery Cryme ended their evening with In the Cage and Afterglow medley. As the last note faded into the distance, the spontaneous standing ovation, shouts and cheers indicated that the audience were not going to let these guys finish just yet and as an encore we were treated to the excellent Watcher of the Skies and then The Knife. A great end to a fantastic evening.

Thanks guys for keeping Genesis live and performing so brilliantly. Hopefully you will come back to Reading soon.

Richie Smith

Saw what I can only describe as one of the best tight bands in ages. The lead guitarist was absolutely fantastic. I could have watched for another 3 hours! Every track a classic. The whole band needs to pat themselves on the back. I'm from reading but we will definitely be travelling down to fleet ect to see more gigs, thanks again Mark