The Backstage is comprised of Steve Hackett’s band members Jonas Reingold (drums), Craig Blundell, and Rob Townsend. The pandemic’s energetic debut album features 70’s-influenced progressive prog/jazz/fusion. It also features ‘royalty” from around the world: Roine Stolt (drums), Luke Machin (drums), Nick Beggs and Marco Minnemann. You can expect music that is influenced by Return To Forever and Mahavishnu Orchestra as well as Brecker Brothers, Billy Cobham, and Brecker Brothers. The idea for the band was born in March 2020, when Steve Hackett’s 2020 World Tour was canceled due to COVID-19. Jonas Reingold stated that the band was formed five months after Steve Hackett’s 2020 World Tour was cancelled due to COVID-19. We all hate COVID-19. We feel sorry for those who have been affected, the families and friends that have lost loved ones, and for all those whose businesses have failed. This recording shows that even in the most difficult times, you can still turn things around. COVID-19 kicked all our asses but we turned it into something creative and hopefully for you, something pleasant to listen to.” from https://jonasreingold.wordpress.com
