Steve Hackett Interview And Yorkshire Gigs Preview

Steve Hackett is probably best remembered for being a member of Genesis but he has also had a successful solo career and is currently on a European tour which visits York on Wednesday 14 October and Leeds on Tuesday 20 October.

I caught up with Steve recently to ask him about the tour and what we can expect.

"It's a mixture of things" he offers "It is 40 years since my first solo album, the show is in two sets, the first set is my own solo material with tracks also from the last album, Acolyte to Wolflight whilst the second set is the Genesis revisited material".

When I spoke to Steve he was in Genoa in Italy but was looking forward to the UK gigs, especially the Yorkshire gigs.

"I like York and I always try to get to have a look around the city when I visit. My wife Jo is a historian so the city and its history appeals to both of us. Jo has recently done a book on the Norfolk Rebels which is a very good read."

I asked him whether the audiences differ in each country.

"They are very different, in Italy the audiences are very warm, we played to a sell out crowd in Rome on this tour and they do not always expect an encore like the Germans and Brits do. We have played gigs in Berlin and Munich on this tour and both were sell out gigs with a very appreciative audience."

Steve has been a solo artist for many years but most people always associate him with Genesis although he has worked with many other artists over his career.

"I worked with the Yes guitarist Steve Howe in the mid 80s on a band called GTR and also with the late Yes bassist Chris Squire as well as Richie Havens" he continues.

Asked whether he follows the current music scene he replies.

"I'm always interested in what's going on although the busier you are you only get glimpses of what others are doing. I like artists who mix styles together and give musical surprises. I miss the variety shows of yesteryear like the end of the Pier shows where you used to get various styles of acts. The musical acts I listen to as a musician are artists who have kept going and who keep surprising me."

There are sure to be plenty of musical surprises when Steve plays York Barbican on Wednesday 14 October and also Leeds Town Hall on Tuesday 20 October. Tickets for both gigs are available from www.bookingsdirect.com