Steve Hackett’s innovative guitar work was a driving force behind Genesis’s rise to progressive rock prominence in the 1970s. His distinctive style, characterized by technical proficiency and melodic inventiveness, left an undeniable mark on the band’s sound during his tenure from 1971 to 1977. Hackett’s influence extends far beyond Genesis, inspiring guitar legends like Eddie Van Halen and Alex Lifeson.
Despite the band’s flourishing success, Hackett made the surprising decision to leave Genesis in 1977. While some fans scratched their heads at the time, Hackett has always maintained that it was the right move for him creatively.
This article delves deeper into Hackett’s reasons for leaving, exploring his desire to pursue his own musical vision and the artistic freedom that a solo career offered.
Steve Hackett Joins Genesis and the Band Ascends
Hailing from London, Steve joined Genesis in 1971, just in time to contribute to their third album, Nursery Cryme. This record also marked the debut of vocalist and drummer Phil Collins. The following year, Foxtrot became the band’s first charting album in the UK, launching a successful period that included gold-selling releases like “Selling England by the Pound” and the theatrical masterpiece “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway”.
As Genesis’ sound evolved, so did the band’s dynamic. In 1975, Hackett released his solo debut, Voyage of the Acolyte, hinting at his creative restlessness within the group. His final album with Genesis was the commercially successful Wind and Wuthering in 1976. The following year, Hackett officially left the band.
Since departing Genesis, Steve Hackett has embarked on a prolific solo career, releasing nearly 30 albums that explore a diverse range of musical styles. He also co-founded the supergroup GTR with former Yes guitarist Steve Howe in 1985.
Hackett Reflects on Genesis and His Departure
In a recent interview with Classic Rock magazine, Hackett revisits his time with Genesis, particularly the band’s “golden era” when he was a member. While performing full albums from this period, he reminisces on the camaraderie and creative spark he shared with his former bandmates.
“There’s no doubt about the camaraderie of a band when everyone is swinging together,” he shared with the publication. “Those moments are irreplaceable and I had that with Genesis. There were certain moments where the music was literally writing itself.”
However, Hackett also acknowledges a growing artistic tension within the band. “here was an aspect of claustrophobia that invaded my time with Genesis,” he explains. “And I had to work outside the band. I think if you’re feeling creative and you’ve got that album or that book or that film inside you, you don’t want to let it fester. You’ve got to get it out there.”
“There’s No Doubt That I Made The Right Decision”
Steve acknowledges the financial sacrifice he made by leaving Genesis. He admits that with their impending global success, staying with the band could have brought him immense wealth. Financially speaking, he believed could have meant owning Buckingham Palace if he stuck with the band.
However, Hackett emphasizes that artistic fulfillment cannot be measured in money. “Music is its own currency,” he explains. He felt stifled by the direction Genesis was taking, and it was impacting his well-being. “Genesis was becoming a little bit too much of a closed shop,” he says, “and it was affecting my ability to sleep.”
Hackett wrestled with the decision for two years, but ultimately knew he needed to follow his creative instincts. “I agonised over leaving the band for a good two years and then I thought, ‘No, I’ve got to make a leap of faith at this point in time.’ And there’s no doubt that I made the right decision.”
Recent Health Scare for Steve Hackett
Fast forward to now, fans of Steve Hackett were relieved to hear a health update from the guitarist last month. This came after he was forced to cancel a performance in Phoenix, Arizona due to a sudden hospitalization.
Hackett explained the situation: “I’d hoped to power through the Phoenix show,” he shared, “but I had a bronchial infection and a last-minute adverse reaction to medication. Consequently, the medics took me to hospital.”
Thankfully, Hackett made a full recovery. “I am now recovering and glad to be feeling OK,” he reassured fans. He also expressed his disappointment at missing the show and promised to reschedule a performance in Phoenix as soon as possible.