Steve Hackett is renowned as an immensely talented and innovative rock musician. As lead guitarist with the star-strewn line-up of 1970s Genesis he made an indelible impression on the fabric of classic rock, demonstrating an unparalleled emotional and technical range that spanned the delicacy of Horizons and the masterful solo of Firth Of Fifth. Parting company with Genesis in 1977, Steve embarked on a solo career that has spawned literally dozens of albums, drawing on influences from blues, jazz, classical and ethnic music.
Along the way he has collaborated with many of the music world’s leading lights, Steve Howe, Brian May, John Wetton and Paul Carrack chief amongst them, and has been cited by countless guitarists as a major influence. 1997’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, was much admired by Yehudi Menuhin and along with Tribute, a dazzlingly virtuosic recording of Bach repertoire, helped to cement Steve’s position as a leading exponent of the classical guitar. In March 2010, Steve was inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in New York, a fitting testimony to a world class musician and public recognition of his stature as both performer and composer.
After forty prolific years in the business Steve might be forgiven for taking things easy but the last couple of years have been the busiest and most productive for a long while. 2009’s studio album Out Of The Tunnel’s Mouth was released to an overwhelmingly positive response from fans and reviewers alike, and has conspicuously bucked the trend of a diminishing CD market. September 2011 will see the release of an eagerly awaited successor, Beyond The Blue Horizon, bearing all the nuance and majesty that fans have come to expect.
Drawn from a hectic touring schedule, April 2011’s Live Rails, recorded across three continents, showcases the rich musical heritage from which the current live electric band set is drawn. Perennial Genesis favourites such as the mighty Firth Of Fifth sit alongside solo classics, while more recent material, with much of Out Of The Tunnel’s Mouth now included, demonstrate that Steve is an artist still at the very top of his game. Supported by some of the best musicians on the planet, Steve’s unique guitar work remains the fulcrum on which this challenging and exhilarating show is balanced.
