The column online PIAZZA NAVONA has the honour to have with us Steve Hackett: the guitarist of the English progressive rock band Genesis from 1971 to 1977. We need no words to introduce him: he is a legend of rock progressive… In 2010 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis. So enjoy the reading…
Today I am so proud to post this interview to Steve Hackett, the famous guitarist who also is an honorary member of the Cultural Association “PIAZZA NAVONA” founded and run by me. I think no need words to introduce Mr Hackett: his Music is wellkonwn and famous all over the world. He is an English musician, producer and singer and his presence in the progressive rock band Genesis from 1971 to 1977 is a legend. I mean, history of music!
It is a privilege to have with us – in this always more vibrant virtual square – this guitarist and this very kind gentleman. So… let start this interview and… enjoy the Music!
- When did you realize to love Music and to play guitar?
I loved music from early childhood. I began to learn guitar around age twelve.
- What is the first song did you learn to play?
The Shadows’ Guitar Tango
- Could you tell me more about your début and your first meeting to your public? What was your emotion?
With a band Canterbury Glass playing at a cricket ground. Not many people there but good practise and I enjoyed it. Always great to play!
- How did you become a member of Genesis?
Peter Gabriel saw an advertisement I had placed in the music paper Melody Maker. He liked it and called me. We all got on well and I joined the band soon after.
- Could you tell me any memories about your concerts, rehearsals and the birth of your songs? How was work together with your band?
The concerts became gradually more popular everywhere for us in Genesis which was exciting. The Italians responded well to us from early on and they have always been wonderful audiences. I enjoy playing in Italy so much to this day. We worked well together and enjoyed creating innovative songs. Sometimes we would go away to a place in the countryside to release for a few weeks before going into a recording studio. This was a special creative experience.
- What is – if you have one – the song do you love play by guitar?
I love playing guitar for the solo on Genesis’ Firth of Fifth, and with my own solo music, the solo for the song Every Day.
- Today thanks to new Technologies it seems to be simpler to listen and to produce Music. What do you thik about it? I mean, in your opinion, how is changed the Music from 70’s?
The new technologies give more scope with additional sounds and ways to do things. They also make a lot of things easier to achieve and more accurate. However, I loved the mellotron and music was a big exciting adventure for us all in the 70s.
- You was a member of Genenis from 1971 to 1977 then you decided to carry on your career as a solist. Could you tell me why?
I loved the work we did in Genesis, but eventually I needed to have more autonomy. I had a lot of ideas which I could only express as a solo artist.
- What is your meaning and your definition of Music?
Music is for me like a film for the ear… It includes all emotions and events within its huge breadth. For me it is like a constant exploration…
- What about your next projects and engagements? I live in Italy, in Rome… so will you play your guitar for your affectionate Italian public?
I play in Italy every year! I always love to return. The Italians are special to me, the audiences are fantastic and my wife Jo and I have a lot of friends there too.
I am so sorry to tell you that this interview has come to the end. I am so sorry because have the chance to meet and to talk to Mr Hackett is an honour. But before to say goodbay to this very kind man I have to tell him and his sweet wife Jo a big “THANKS” for your gift, your signed photo, your time dedicated to me… for your availability to take part to my Cultural Association “PIAZZA NAVONA”. Thank you wth all my hearth. And I hope very very soon… obviously at “PIAZZA NAVONA”!
