Steve Hackett Reflects on Genesis, New Album and Phil Collins’ Struggles

In a humble home amid the London suburbs, Steve Hackett, the former guitarist of the legendary prog-rock band Genesis, reflects on a past that helped define an era of music. Fifty years have passed since Genesis recorded 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway' – a magnum opus that encapsulated an entire generation's musical psyche. Yet for Hackett, the memories are tinted with personal tumult.

Hackett, now 74, confides about the band's evolution during the 1970s – a time when their personal lives, marked by marriages and children, began to bleed into their work. Describing his struggle with alcohol amid the fallout of his first marriage, Hackett reveals the private tribulations behind the album's creation. The story within 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway', featuring a tapestry of mythical beings and dark fables, still mystifies him.

His tenure with Genesis spanned six pivotal years (1971-1977), during which his intricate guitar work threaded through the band's most iconic albums. The unity in Genesis, he reminisces, was akin to an "knockout team", though it was not without its frictions – notably the band's competitive spirit.

Three years post-'Lamb', Hackett pursued his solo endeavors, a decision devoid of regret even as the band soared to commercial heights. His relationship with former bandmates, including Phil Collins, Pete Gabriel, Mike Rutherford, and Tony Banks remains civil, if somewhat distant. The dynamics within Genesis evidently continue to cast a complex shadow over their collective and individual legacies.

Regarding Collins, Hackett holds evident affection, lamenting his compatriot's recent health adversities that have cruelly stripped him of his musical prowess. Hackett celebrates Collins' successes while showing solidarity in his challenges, revealing an enduring bond that transcends the passage of time.

Hackett hasn't allowed nostalgia to cripple his craft; his upcoming 30th solo album 'The Circus and the Nightwhale' bears a conceptual kinship to 'Lamb', though it delves into more autobiographical territory. His narrative, rooted in post-war London's social mosaic, echoes his personal journey from the progressive vistas of Churchill Gardens to the international stages of rock fame.

Live performances remain a significantly cherished aspect of Hackett's musical expression. Unlike the constrained cohesions within Genesis, his solo concerts incorporate a full complement of instruments, allowing him to reimagine the band's classics with a novel flair. The upcoming UK tour is testament to Hackett's sustained relevance and his steadfast homage to Genesis's enduring masterpieces.

Steve Hackett's narrative weaves a tapestry of success, struggle, and reflection – a harmonious affirmation of a life dedicated to the art of music. It's a tale that continues to resonate with fans of Genesis and new listeners who discover the intricate landscapes of progressive rock. In an age where he perceives pop music to have lost its maturity, Hackett stands as a paragon of unwavering artistry and inventive virtues.