Steve Hackett reveals why he left Genesis: “I made the right decision”
Steve Hackett, the lead guitarist for Genesis between 1971 and 1977, played a crucial part in their formative creative arc and has since been noted as a vital influence on names such as Eddie Van Halen and Alex Lifeson, but despite their success, he departed the band. A decision he still believes was the right move.
Born in London, Hackett joined Genesis, who had formed in 1968, just in time to make their third album, 1971’s Nursery Cryme, which also happened to mark the debut appearance of vocalist and drummer Phil Collins. It was succeeded by the following year’s Foxtrot, the band’s first opus to chart in the UK, which opened them up to a run of gold-selling albums, including Selling England by the Pound and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.
As the band’s sound started to change, so did its internal complexion, and in 1975, Hackett released his debut solo album, Voyage of the Acolyte, with the writing on the wall regarding his future. His last record with Genesis was 1976’s hit effort Wind and Wuthering, and the guitarist left the following year. He has since released nearly 30 solo records and co-founded the supergroup GTR with former Yes member Steve Howe in 1985.
In a new interview with Classic Rock, Hackett sheds more light on why he left Genesis. The interview follows him performing full albums from what he dubs the “golden era” of the group – when he was a member. The guitarist fondly reflects on his time with the band but is resolute in why he had to leave.
“There’s no doubt about the camaraderie of a band when everyone is swinging together and there’s virtual telepathy going on,” he told the publication. “Those moments are irreplaceable and I had that with Genesis. There were certain moments where the music was literally writing itself.”
“There was an aspect of claustrophobia that invaded my time with Genesis,” he continued, “and I had to work outside the band. I think if you’re feeling creative and you’ve got that album or that book or that film inside you, you don’t want to let it fester. You’ve got to get it out there.”
Hackett noted that if he looked at the situation purely financially, he could have owned Buckingham Palace if he’d stayed with the group, as they were on the verge of immense worldwide success. However, “music is its own currency”, and is what “nourishes you” if you need it, he commented.
“Genesis was becoming a little bit too much of a closed shop and it was affecting my ability to sleep,” he concluded of deciding to depart. “I agonised over leaving the band for a good two years and then I thought, ‘No, I’ve got to make a leap of faith at this point in time.’ And there’s no doubt that I made the right decision.”
Meanwhile, Hackett issued a health update last month after cancelling a performance in Phoenix, Arizona, due to a hospitalisation.
He explained: “I’d hoped to power through the Phoenix show, but I had a bronchial infection and a last-minute adverse reaction to medication. Consequently, the medics took me to hospital. I am now recovering and glad to be feeling OK. I was very sad to miss the show and I will return to play in Phoenix as soon as possible.”
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