Steve Hackett Takes a Trip Down Memory Lane

Steve Hackett fondly recalls his first visit to Naples in 1972. It was during Genesis’ performance at the Teatro Mediterraneo when he was struck by the city’s charm, describing it as ‘extraordinary.’ The 75-year-old guitarist reflects on the early days of touring in Italy with Genesis, reminiscing about how Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford penned the lyrics to ‘Watcher of the Skies’ from their balcony at the Hotel Domitiana, setting the stage for the iconic track on the ‘Foxtrot’ album. This marked the beginning of a lasting connection with the Campanian audience, with Hackett making appearances at various events like the ‘Afrakà rock festival’ in Afragola in 2009, where he performed alongside artists like Edoardo Bennato and Osanna.

Now, Hackett prepares to return to Naples with a special performance of ‘The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway,’ the final album he recorded with Peter Gabriel before leaving Genesis three years later. Celebrating its fifty-first anniversary, the tour ‘Genesis Greats – Lamb Highlights & Solo’ will make a stop in Campania on September 7th at the Palapartenope. Hackett’s willingness to embrace celebratory tours reflects his dedication to preserving the Genesis legacy, allowing fans to relive the magic of their music.

When asked about his role as the custodian of the Genesis heritage, Hackett remains humble, expressing his love for the band’s music and the joy it brings to audiences. While there are many tribute bands dedicated to Genesis’ music, Hackett takes pride in infusing new energy into the classic songs, ensuring they resonate with both old and new fans. Despite the lineup changes and internal tensions within Genesis during the recording of ‘The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway,’ Hackett emphasizes the dedication and creativity that went into producing the album, showcasing the band’s musical prowess.

As he gears up for his concert in Naples, Hackett highlights the diverse setlist that will include favorites like ‘Supper’s Ready,’ ‘Firth of Fifth,’ and ‘Los Endos,’ along with a mix of solo and non-solo tracks, old and new. Reflecting on his past collaborations with Italian artists and plans for future projects, Hackett’s passion for music shines through. He shares his admiration for contemporary artists like Ed Sheeran and Adele while expressing concerns about the shift towards machine-generated music in the industry.

Despite ruling out a reunion with Genesis for the foreseeable future, Hackett remains open to musical collaborations and exploring new creative avenues. As he continues to enchant audiences with his timeless music and captivating performances, Steve Hackett’s nostalgic journey through Naples serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Genesis and his significant contributions to the world of music.