Interview with Steve Hackett, 2016

An informal interview with Steve Hackett, formerly of Genesis, now a prolific solo artist.

[@youandwhosearmy6339]

He is such a lovely guy... as well as being a unique guitarist. Top man!

[@KeithRodway]

youandwhosearmy? To use an old fashioned phrase he's a true gentleman

[@robgosnell7899]

I've been listening to Hackett for nearly 40yrs without ever seeing or hearing an interview. Fascinating to learn what a thoughtful fellow he is - too steeped in cultural history to let his ego snatch centre stage.

[@KeithRodway]

I think it's that way with that generation - everyone lives in the spotlight now and it's all about maintaining news feeds blah blah, more than actually having anything to say. I'm glad you liked the interview. Next up - Alan Moore. Watch this space.!

[@jkovert]

Wrong, all he ever talks about is how Genesis didn't like his songs, and you can't hear the guitar on the albums, etc etc

[@enomis10]

Keith Rodway Sorry I'm not english so I don't understand some parts of the interview.Can you put the correct english subtitles

[@KeithRodway]

simfloyd 99 Hi simfloyd99 I'm sorry but I don't have the resources to add full subtitles. You can read more of the interview at www.internationaltimes.it Just search for Steve Hackett via the home page. Happy New Year! KR

[@enomis10]

Keith Rodway thanks anyway

[@ladyblackstardust390]

Don't worry Steve, there will be an audience of your contemporaries and the younger generations to attend your performances in your wheelchair and white long locks! And ours! It always makes me happy to hear Steve interviewed. A spiritual person myself, I recognize those those qualities in him - joy, equanimity, curiosity, openness, respect and genuine human kindness. He's always been so guileless. A fiend and I were fortunate to share an evening with Mr. Hackett in 76, as he prepared to go solo. I asked and he answered all my questions. As he does here. The interconnectedness of his experiences, musicality and interests are now even more delightful. The decades and manifesting his dreams has resulted in such depth. I met him a couple of times backstage after shows this spring. It's just magical! I expressed my gratitude and delight. I can't wait to hear his next album. And he's working on his autobiography. He and his wife, Jo, make a great team and together they are setting the world on fire with their creativity!

[@dea1man]

I've got to say, listening to Steve's Genesis Revisited, is absolutely delightful. Such a pleasure and what a band! They are so full and spot on. Thank you Mr. Hackett and company! You guys are all, quite fabulous.

[@KeithRodway]

Yes they are!

[@nightshift8249]

Banks should get together with Hackett and do a no-holds-barred instrumental record. The conflict/competition would make for something great.

[@jbytuna]

Having met Steve, he is one of the most humble music artists I have ever known.

[@scifiwriter98]

Ignore the negative comments. Steve was fully engaged and offered up insights never broached before. Fascinating man and the heart of the great Genesis era that sadly ended when he left.

[@KeithRodway]

There will always be negative comments, but you're right, thank you. And yes, Genesis was a different band after he left.

[@davidgormley7990]

Wonderful guitar player, completely without ego, which is what makes him so good. Plays what the song demands, and nothing more. Also a total gent.

[@robbydobby2213]

I always realize how much I don’t know about music when I listen to guys like Steve.

[@marpergo]

A philosopher ,musician, visionary and time traveler by nature ; otherwise wouldn't be able to be the great composer he is ....

[@JimboUSAF007]

Loved what you've done with Genesis revisited Steve, I can't get enough of listening to the old Genesis songs and I'm pretty sure that I'm not the only one, thanks for bringing them back!

[@geraldmellon740]

Steve always seems like a good guy and humble to boot. His contributions during his time with Genesis were fundamental to what made them a great band. He knows how Genesis worked but is diplomatic about it.

[@Semper_fi_777]

Just a class act. So glad he kept the Genesis spirit going. Genesis Revisited was phenomenal. The Albert Hall performance......just genius. Thank You Steve.

[@MyNameisBritannia]

It's always a pleasure to listen to Steve

[@davidhall8339]

not sure, it was more of a conversation and discussion than an interview

[@2008alde]

Entangled and Blood on the Rooftop - Brilliant songs but then again, Genesis had very brilliant song writers period

[@jerryvivanco4898]

2 of my FAVORITE Genesis tunes!!!!!!

[@rickiehacker8944]

Steve inspires me to play the guitar.

[@bpedroza5340]

Steve Hackett is such a wonderful performer. We love when his band plays in St. Charles, Illinois. Come back, Sir !

[@gary7466]

Very nice interaction between interviewer and interviewee; just the right length; interesting and relaxed talk; well filmed and edited. Great job all around and thanks for posting!

[@KeithRodway]

This is one of the most appreciative comments we've had! Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Steve was a great interviewee. There were aspects of his life it would not have been appropriate to discuss, but he was humble, courteous, and disarmingly honest. A true gentleman.

[@crispyrobot77]

Steve brought something very special to the music of Genesis that was sadly lost when he departed: Mystery and Mayhem. Fortunately, his music today is replete with Mystery, Mayhem, Magic, Monsters, and a few other words that begin with the letter "M" .

[@tylerdodmusic423]

This interview is so wholesome ❤️

[@KeithRodway]

Thanks Tyler!

[@nightshift8249]

There’s so much to learn from Steve Hackett. The master of little licks in the right places, and of being a coloring agent in a group format.

[@KeithRodway]

Nice comment

[@Yanto-Bardic]

Brilliant Guitarist/Musician/Composer - And seems like a genuinely decent chap.

[@KeithRodway]

He is

[@silentrabbit247]

Enjoyed this interview Keith. Your conversational and informal style brought out the best of Steve, who obviously seemed very relaxed in your company. Privileged to have Seen him live quite a few times, even got some of my own concert photos signed which was nice. Great to learn more about him and his career. Interview would have been perfect if you could have held back from interrupting and done a bit less talking, check out Michael Parkinson (Tv Interviewer) who was a master of this craft. All best.

[@ornebatmagoo7128]

Interesting. It seems that the interviewer is a friend and somehow has a more intimate access to Steve Hackett. This is a much deeper interview than usual for Hackett - I wish I could hear more on this level. As he gets older, he seems more willing to open the vault and he does have a lot of deep feelings and ideas. Good interview!

[@KeithRodway]

+Orne Batmagoo Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. There's more of the interview here, as written text internationaltimes.it/interview-with-steve-hackett-2016/ If you like it, please share it if you think others might be interested. We're hoping to do another interview with Steve at some point. Watch this space.

[@ornebatmagoo7128]

Thanks - he mentions something about Mike Rutherford's comment regarding his being the last man standing - I hope that full section is in there. You pulled off a great interview; you managed to drag him onto some interesting territory, about culture, ethnicity, and some subtle stuff about the stagnation of modern Prog - very candid answers - I have followed Steve's career for 35 years - I have never quite seen him like this except in small private settings, aftershow, etc. His mainstream interviews could use this level of depth. He could teach us all a lot, I expect, if he'd open up more. Good job!

[@KeithRodway]

+Orne Batmagoo Thank you again. All of David's interview with Steve is in the International Times article. If you want to talk to talk to David about it, you can leave a comment on the IT site, beneath his article.

[@TheGenesisArchive]

Other interviews are available - we didn't film him last time because he had a very heavy cold - from both of our websites: thegenesisarchive.co.uk/steve-hackett-gibson-les-paul-goldtop-late-1957-model/ theeviljam.co.uk/2016/03/09/steve-hackett-interview-2016/ theeviljam.co.uk/2012/10/28/hackett-talks-revisited-ii-touring-and-life-september-3rd-2012/ theeviljam.co.uk/2011/09/25/steve-hackett-discusses-beyond-the-shrouded-horizon-september-10th-2011/ theeviljam.co.uk/2011/08/24/steve-hackett-may-2010-interview/ theeviljam.co.uk/2011/08/23/the-big-steve-hackett-interview/ theeviljam.co.uk/2011/08/18/steve-hackett-2009-interview/

[@alanbrooke-feather7567]

great interview, very illuminating..Many thanks for sharing. I have followed Genesis, Steve and g=Genesis revisited since my university days in the 70s. Am hoping to see Steve in Birmingham this September if Covid allows!!!

[@KeithRodway]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@joelestes2257]

That sconce in the background has the most extrodinary butterfly effect.

[@LeeLucas]

Really enjoyed this interview and it was very much down to a Down To Earth Level.

[@shea086]

This is a good, interesting and teasing conversation. Enjoyed it very much.

[@davidgibbings6085]

It’s all about what we were brought up with in our day , I loved genisis and saw them several times before I knew steve was so important in the song writing , knowing now ,Love Hackett I’ve now seen steve Hackett more than genesis because , well better and last week I was ten ft from the. Guy in Torquay , the best concert fr years , well done steve and his so taelted guys ❤️👍

[@geraldmellon740]

The interviewer is far too keen on the sound of his own voice instead of letting Steve talk.

[@67Parsifal]

This is an excellent interview: the interviewer assumes that Hackett will get his own cultural reference points (and he's right). Very illuminating about S.H.'s background, influences and opinions. I'm not surprised he's a Jimmy Webb fan - a mark of taste!

[@kevcatnip7589]

quite funny seeing steve politely trying to get back into his own interview,,,but very sharp interviewing ,,, very impressive

[@dereckvon]

Just a fine human being.

[@iancunliffe8380]

genius many happy memories 70's

[@TheDavidtk240]

Any rock guitarist that can write a song about the Scottish rising of 1715 is OK by me. Wind and Wuthering is the last very good Genesis record. He's a very accomplished guitarist. Sadly or lucky for him I could not see him playing on Abacab or Invisible Touch. He alludes to an interesting point that Banks, Rutherford and Collins were determined to be commercially successful.

[@josemorales-mx6sx]

Yes top man

[@SirCamera]

Never thought I'd hear my favorite Wallace Shawn play referenced while doing research on my favorite prog rock band. Them odds.

[@eyestick8012]

Thanks for posting this interview, KR. Interesting and insightful. Can't wait to see Steve here in Phoenix, Az in early 2018!

[@KeithRodway]

Vaper Shark No worries, glad you enjoyed it. Enjoy the gig too!

[@bandfromtheband9445]

This is a fascinating interview! Steve is so cool, about virtually everything. He's most vocal about being in the original 5 piece, and the 4 piece group called Genesis! I cannot wait to read his book!

[@salchillemi2606]

I think Steve hackett is one of the best singer, song writer of our generation!

[@marcoc.s.2372]

hahaha

[@markviereck4547]

sal chillemi singer???? I’ve seen him live over thirty time and never saw him sing a song. Backup vocals ,yes..

[@zeandiaz1791]

He sings on his track "The Ballad Of The Decomposing Man"

[@jean-francoispayette92]

and guitarist ( acoustic and electric and classic guitarist, genius guitarist )

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

Not a singer though.

[@TonyTutorio]

thanks for life.

[@dbsound882]

Yes 40 years he is a great Player, Artist and more.

[@erickleefeld4883]

I've come to the view that in a band with multiple active songwriters, the most you can have for a stable lineup is three of them. Beyond that, there won't be enough room for each of them to function. Genesis began with FIVE songwriters - all great minds - but it could only last for so long. Some attrition had to happen, until they ended up with a continuous lineup after "…And Then There Were Three…"

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

In among the 5 was a certain Tony Banks as well though. Tony was a bit of a foot stomper if his ideas weren’t seen through to finality lol. He was likely the main reason why 5 became 4 then 3.

[@erickleefeld4883]

@@Eleventhearlofmars Well, that’s part of the process of attrition. My point is that it has to happen, because there just isn’t enough room for five songwriters on every album.

[@cjo2012]

This interviewer loves the sound of his own voice way too much. It's not a forum for you to go on about these ideas. Ask the Maestro and let him speak you obnoxious prat. And yet Steve's patience and gentility suffers the fool with such grace. God Love Ya Maestro.

[@markdarnell614]

Thank you for that observation. You nailed it! ..the kind of guy that makes Jews look obnoxious!

[@bluevictory1010]

@@markdarnell614 There are many interviewers who are not Jewish who are just as annoying, buddy.

[@kevcatnip7589]

typical prog fan ,,but he has taste

[@davidgormley7990]

@@markdarnell614 Fucking asshole comment.

[@paulbrocklehurst7253]

You took the words out of my mouth. Steve is half way through some anecdote & this twit butts in & knocks his train of through off track! We all have one mouth & two ears so we should listen twice as much as we speak in situations like this!

[@cmstetch]

fantastic interview

[@andyfrizell2158]

Just seen this. Well done, Dave. Good stuff!

[@frodegroven]

He interviened when Steve talked about Iceland.... strange

[@entangledbandaustralia6671]

A beautiful interview for sure. Steve is wonderful. Just saw him in Melbourne. Can't wait to play Entangled again....I'm listening to it and deciphering it and playing it, over 30 years on from when I first heard it. Does it get any better than that?

[@jeddak]

SH is a treasure

[@honeybozo]

Anthony Newley….. 25:20 Obviously Hackett doesn’t know about his influence on Bowie and neither did I. I thought this interview challenged Hackett and is all the better for it, even if it drifts off a bit. I never heard him speak and am still surprised how Voyage of an Acolyte still resonates. So what if Genesis lost their singer and their drummer; and what if their final tour was embarking? Hackett’s quote about going into Crimea sounds more pertinent these days. Hope he continues to explore what his genius suggests. Peter Gabriel’s current output sounds good.

[@johnreese3797]

Steve has awesome hair for a guy his age.

[@TherealShabbadang]

Just a small correction: Akureyri can't of course be 50 miles from the North pole but 50 miles från the polar circle.

[@KeithRodway]

@@TherealShabbadang thank you for that, I was unaware of the distinction

[@rufus2369]

Genio ! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@GriefTourist]

Great interview. More like a conversation really. I always assumed Steve was very middle class from birth!

[@permaveg]

Saw Steve on his first UK tour about 78 and have seen him many times since, not too impressed with his newer material though I must say but his back catalogue of solo material and his work with Genesis is incredibly good , his acoustic album's, Momentum and Bay of Kings and his more classical music work's like Midsummer Night's Dream and Metamorpheus were sublime, he's a unique British talent that's for sure. Sketch's with Satie album with Steve's flautist brother John was brilliant as well.

[@pumbar]

His acoustic album's what? Eh?

[@permaveg]

What's the confusion about ? Steve has been making the occasional acoustic album's since 1983.

[@pumbar]

permaveg Acoustic album's what? What belongs to his acoustic albums or what have they been doing?

[@permaveg]

Wtf does "What belongs to his acoustic albums or what have they been doing" mean, wtf does an album do, is that your question ?

[@pumbar]

permaveg It is. You said album's.

[@floorticket]

Subtitles would be nice where the interviewer talks over Steve's response(s).

[@123ubuntu666]

The more I get to know Steve, the more I like him. I even quite like Phil Collins as well. Peter Gabriel is a law unto himself, but even he seems ok. I'm a silly stupid massive Peter Gabriel fan. But I don't mind Phil at all, he seems a real good bloke - friends with John Martyn. Tony and Mike come across as a bit pompous. Steve seems probably the most well balanced of the lot. I must check out his solo stuff some day.

[@TonyTutorio]

"How about the Upton Folk Fez in May! Horizons."

[@gatekeeper65]

A good interview overall, but the interviewer really needs to shut up after asking a question, and let him answer it, instead of asking the question and then answering it himself. He really likes the sound of his own voice I guess.

[@campagnol1]

Was the interviewer female? That's rocked me a little

[@moderoy]

It's called a guy who can't shut the fuck up.

[@macker8017]

This interviewer works as a fast food delivery man

[@supernovaa11]

What a nice interview. Much more like a conversation between pals, really. Is it featured in a certain DVD edition or where did you get it from? Thanks for sharing.

[@KeithRodway]

Thank you, I'm glad you like it. I filmed it for International Times. It's one in an occasional series. I'll be uploading the next, with Alan Moore, in about a week's time.

[@sebastiangarcia4243]

My god! This interviewer does not let you talk

[@josephguitarist925]

interview STEVE ROTHERY PLEASE

[@nigelfarage4119]

David Lee rothery please

[@neoseyes]

He is the tormented sjaman that is humbe, gentil and kind and dark

[@PeterMayer]

I wish you would have stayed and done his solo stuff. He could have made and then there were three, duke and even abacab that much better

[@giorgiorinaldi3535]

Peter Mayer And then there were three with Hackett ... would have been magical!

[@kevcatnip7589]

dont agree ,,,he was unhappy and you cant prolong trauma

[@nectarinedreams7208]

They weren't letting him do his solo stuff - that was the problem

[@macker8017]

Nice person

[@philluanastiemke6770]

I'm sorry. This interviewer is terrible. I want to hear what Steve has to say, not this other guy.

[@AD65]

Can you imagine an equivalent interview with Tony Banks ? No, me neither.

[@edscott945]

Yajnaji : I've been thinking of a way to say what you have... You've said it perfectly!

[@cheiney]

I don't think Tony's embarrassed by the earlier stuff. I've seen countless interviews where he mentions "Apocalypse in 9/8" and "Fly on the Windshield" as some of the most poignant moments the band ever had. His work on A Trick of the Tail up through Duke was pretty substantial. It's unfortunate that Steve was unable to have more room for a more central position within the band, but I can imagine having Peter and Tony there with their seemingly dominant personalities would have been rather intimidating. Besides, Genesis music has always been driven a lot by the work of Tony Banks. I love Steve Hackett; he and Steve Howe are two of my favorite guitar players period. But you can't discredit Tony Banks because he more so than any other member of the band was the driving force of Genesis.

[@ripplesguy1036]

Very well said Christian. It would seem that taking sides like this has just become a thing of the last couple of years or so. I would suggest that all those who accuse Banks of divisiveness are just as determined in their pov as they recognise Banks is with his 'defence' of Genesis. I guess we all need something to live for, but if I reached a point where my raison d'etre was linked more to the spreading of hate, then I like to think I would question that in myself.

[@newforestpixie5297]

Richard Mills Well said Sir. And few rock musicians are as posh as Prince Charles as Mr Banks is . Us ancient Genesis supporters need to resist the current world trend of Tribalism . Love from Wessexshire

[@MusicOnTV_Official]

Steve Hackett (chitarrista dei Genesis) @ FIM 2016 (con Jocelyn) kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5WqeH6PgbajndE

[@robburfy1888]

Phil Hackett is a rock godess

[@aaron111859]

Steve any chance you will play in the near future some GTR music ????

[@jims7501]

Just when I thought I was the only GTR fan here.

[@davidwatkins204]

Read the reply by the bloke who said that Steve had inspired him, I've been working professionally as a guitarist for 40 + years now and absorbed Steve Hacketts playing and compositional skills, he really inspired me too, now I feel re-inspired by the fact that he's still doing it and still doing it so well. Thank you Steve. Guitar Dave.

[@reklovjj]

Indeed the interviewer ruins Steve’s given time to express himself… Steve brains and mind seem to go on to very profound thoughts but unfortunately gets interrupted continuously. Oh well probably Steve’s life story anyway…

[@SRNF]

Interviewer is desperately leaping on any chance to speak instead of listening. No one cares about your stories or anecdotes, get over yourself and pay attention. Ruined a lot of valuable info Steve was trying to expand on.

[@bobbrown8155]

The full Genesis cast (9including Gabriel and Hackett) was amazing. When you take our Gabriel’s unique voice and Hackett’s magical guitar, it’s not as good. On the other hand Peter’s and Steve’s solo efforts aren’t as good either. Phil Collins sold a lot of records, but I’m not fond of his pop music. There is nothing that compares to the music they made when five of them were together.

[@waveoflight]

So this guy wants to separate the jewish out form everyone else. Why?

[@thescousepicker3029]

if not hackett who would of took genesis to the heights they attained

[@mantra3000]

I wonder if he still needs to work for a living.

[@andrewwillan3372]

Bands break up. Personality differences are rife. It didn't need to happe to Genesis but Steve had released his own solo album and wasn't part of tbe Charterhouse set up. PS I never knew Steve was Jewish!! But who cares?

[@AK99581]

Hackett's half-Jew?

[@kevcatnip7589]

is that a problem??