Steve Hackett

GUITAR MAGUS, GENESIS ALUMNUS

What music are you currently grooving to?

Dare’s Beneath The Shining Water, from 2004. I’ve been very impressed with that level of romantic, spiritual writing. Also Sam Smith, particularly Writing’s On The Wall, the James Bond track. Both very emotional things. Joe Bonamassa too.

What, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite album? The Beatles’ Revolver. As a 16-yearold, it seemed as if the music had grown up. The lyrics were more evolved, other instruments were creeping in, it was sonically very, very interesting. Another all-time favourite is Highway 61 Revisited.

What was the first record you ever bought? And where did you buy it?

It was The Shadows’ Man Of Mystery from a small record shop in Victoria. Heavy stuff for a nine-yearold. I still think it’s a great melody, very kind of film noir. At the time Woolworths did cheaper copies of what was in the chart on the Embassy label, but in this case, I spent several weeks’ pocket money getting the real thing.

Which musician, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be? Hearing Brian Jones on I Wanna Be Your Man was the first time I really heard a guitar solo that seemed to really rip. There were great guitar solos from both Keith and Brian, so at that time, I probably wanted to be at least one Rolling Stone. But I’m very happy to be me.

What do you sing in the shower?

I sing long notes and practise vibrato. That pleading quality.

What is your favourite Saturday night record?

To go with a swing, A Night At The Opera. The all-out joyous aspect of Queen.

And your Sunday morning record? Art Garfunkel’s Watermark. A beautiful, gentle album and an absolute masterpiece. A great singer, and most of the songs are by Jimmy Webb. Maybe I’ll listen to that over breakfast on a sunny day, out in the garden.