Episode 020 : Steve Hackett Revisits the Classics

Whether solo or in bands, Steve Hackett has had quite the career spanning over four decades in music. His best-known role, however, was as the guitarist for seminal art-rock band Genesis as part of their classic 1970s lineup. During his time working with Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Phil Collins, and Peter Gabriel, Hackett contributed his songwriting talents and distinctive and versatile style to such important works as Selling England by the Pound, Wind and Wuthering, and Foxtrot, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2012. In October of this year, Hackett released Genesis Revisited II, a star-studded double-album featuring tracks from his tenure in the band. A follow-up to 1996’s Genesis Revisited, this work hews closely to the original tracks and yet freshens them with tighter instrumentation, cleaner recordings, and inspired arrangements. Progtopia host Mark Ashby spoke with Hackett about how he handled the re-recording of a sacred track like “Supper’s Ready,” his memories of the writing process for Foxtrot, why he doesn’t tend to play his hit singles in concert, and his involvement with Yes’ upcoming Cruise to the Edge in March 2013. Visit Hackett on the web at www.hackettsongs.com, and learn more about the cruise at www.cruisetotheedge.com.

Featured songs/excerpts:

“A Tower Struck Down”
“The Chamber of 32 Doors”
“Blood on the Rooftops”
“Supper’s Ready (V. Willow Farm)”
“Dancing with the Moonlit Knight”
“Can-Utility and the Coastliners”
“Ripples”
“The Musical Box”

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Originally posted 11 Nov 2012