During Steve Hackett’s recent interview with Ultimate Guitar, he touched on a range of topics, including his thoughts on extreme metal, pioneering two-hand tapping, and his time with Genesis—especially as the band neared Peter Gabriel’s departure in 1975.
Hackett reflected on working with Gabriel, noting that it was easier during Genesis’ earlier days: “We did some wonderful albums together—Foxtrot and Selling England by the Pound. I don’t think there’s a weak track on either.” According to Hackett, these albums highlighted the strength of the band’s collaborative songwriting. However, the dynamic changed by the time they worked on The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, Gabriel’s final album with the group.
“As we approached The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, the band was fragmenting into factions. It was clear Peter wasn’t going to stay,” Hackett said. He explained how there was a growing tension between Gabriel and Tony Banks, both vying for audio space, which made the music crowded. “There was less breathing space for other instruments,” Hackett noted.
While Hackett appreciated the album, he admitted that the initial mix of The Lamb didn’t capture the full detail of the music, which only became apparent in later remixes.
Despite the growing tension within Genesis, Hackett remained close to Gabriel and continued to admire his work. “Peter is very, very creative… inventive and visionary in so many ways. It was a privilege to work with him. I think we were all good for each other in the early days before it fell into factions.”
Hackett also spoke about the lasting influence of early Genesis, expressing his appreciation for artists like John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who once listed The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway as one of his all-time favorite albums. Hackett found it extraordinary how many musicians from entirely different genres have cited Genesis as an influence.
He shared an interesting observation about the music world, stating, “In general, guitarists tend to be complimentary towards each other. They tend not to be competitive, unlike drummers, who often are. Guitarists are happy to acknowledge their influences and be part of the collective consciousness of the instrument.”
Hackett is set to release his 30th solo album, The Circus and the Nightwhale, on February 16, 2024.
