Since October 3rd in Montreal, Steve Hackett and his band have been touring the US and its neighboring country of Canada.
Photo credit to Lee Millward
For those not in the know, he’s dubbed the current US run ‘Genesis Revisited: Foxtrot and Fifty + Hackett Highlights Tour’ which features Genesis’ heralded 1972 release, ‘Foxtrot,’ in its entirety. And while the tour ends on November 18th in Los Angeles, Bay Area fans will be treated to a show at one of the city’s finest venues, The Palace Of Fine Arts.
Although Hackett’s time with Genesis was short-lived (only six years), his body of work can also be heard on such records as ‘Nursery Cryme’ (1971), ‘Wind And Wuthering’ (1977), and fan favorites ‘The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway’ (1974) and ‘Selling England By The Pound’ (1973).
To say that Rock Hall Of Fame inductee Mr. Hackett has been prolific since his exit from Genesis would be a gross understatement. With over 30 records (studio and live included), his fans are never at a loss for new solo music or newer takes of his former band’s storied catalog.
Drawing from multiple genres including (but not limited to) blues, classical, world music, and jazz, it would seem no music style is off limits. Once more, Hackett benefited from the downtime during COVID to record and release two records, the classical ‘Under A Mediterranean Sky’ (2021) and ‘Surrender of Silence’ (2021).
Capital Chaos TV caught up with Steve during his current tour and got the lowdown on the band’s current tour and more.
Capital Chaos TV: You’ve toured all over the world. Any countries you’ve encountered over-enthusiastic fans? Favorites?
Steve Hackett: Fans all over the world are wonderful! USA crowds at every show so far have been wildly enthusiastic which is phenomenal for both the band and me. It gives us a great buzz and helps the show to totally take off like a rocket!
Capital Chaos TV: The current tour features yet another important Genesis album as well as your solo cuts and other odds and ends. How do you go about making a set list? Does it ever change on tour?
Steve Hackett: I choose the best material in the first place, and I add both solo and Genesis favorites. I also insure there are numbers in there that people haven’t heard for a while, including hidden gems. If we play more than one show at any particular venue, then we change the set a little so those who come twice get something different each time.
Capital Chaos TV: Who are your sponsors and how long have you been with them?
Steve Hackett: The sponsors are the fans and also agents and promoters, many of whom I have known for several years.
Capital Chaos TV: Your band really delivers live. I actually booked the band in Sacramento at the Crest on the 2019 run. How did you come to choosing the line-up we see and hear today?
Steve Hackett: I’m glad you loved the show! I always choose the best musicians. But it’s also important that they work together as a great team. The line up I have now is fantastic in every sense!
Capital Chaos TV: Surrender Of Silence’ was your last record. Do you have songs that didn’t make the record or a batch of new ones for a follow-up?
Steve Hackett: All the songs I recorded at that time did make the record which I was really proud of, but since then I have recorded a whole load of tracks for a new album, which will be released very soon!
Very limited tickets are available for $49.50 with closer tiers topping out at $89.50 and can be purchased at https://palaceoffinearts.com. A small handful of tickets also may be released day of show. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm. All ages are welcome. The Palace Of Fine Arts is located at 3601 Lyon Street in San Francisco.
(Capital Chaos TV)