Steve Hackett has no regrets about leaving Genesis, even though staying might have brought him even more fame. During his time with the band, Genesis was known for its progressive rock sound, a genre Hackett helped shape over six albums.
But as the band moved toward a more mainstream, pop-rock direction in the late ’70s, Hackett felt increasingly stifled.
In an interview with Guitarist magazine, Hackett reflected on his decision to leave, saying he felt a growing “claustrophobia” as the band’s creative direction shifted. “There was hardly any room for individual expression,” he explained.
As Genesis began to prioritize commercial success, Hackett realized the band’s ambitions no longer aligned with his need for creative freedom.
Hackett’s recent solo album, The Circus and the Nightwhale, has reignited conversations about his journey post-Genesis. He acknowledged the difficulty of leaving a successful band but emphasized the importance of pursuing his own artistic vision.
“I don’t want to blame anyone,” he shared, “but I was in a bad state of mind at times. I had to break free and work on my own.”
For Hackett, leaving wasn’t just about walking away from a big band—it was about unlocking his creativity. “When you’ve got something inside you—whether it’s an album, a book, or a film—you can’t let it sit there. You have to bring it to life.”
His departure from Genesis allowed him to explore music on his own terms, giving him the space to create the kind of art he felt passionate about. Hackett’s decision, while tough, ultimately gave him the freedom to pursue a path that felt true to his creative spirit.
