Steve Rothery
“Steve has a way to play with elegant simplicity, which in turn makes his playing unique and hard to copy. Many guitar players can play his parts, but few will achieve the mood and feel he can demonstrate on records and in concert.
“The longevity is also a major factor, with all the great prog music he has created over the years. I mean, when you are impressed by someone’s music and his guitar playing when you are a teenager and 30 years later he is still on the top of your list, he is a legend.
“I first came across his playing with Marillion’s Fugazi in 1984. I remember seeing the album cover at the local record store, and at the same time Punch And Judy was played every day on the rock radio. I bought the album, and unfortunately missed the concert in Montreal, but the album grew on me. But it was when they released
Misplaced Childhood that he became one of my favourite guitar players. It is just a perfect album, and I had the chance to see them opening for Rush on March 4, 1986. I remember the standing ovation they got before the show even started, something you don’t see often for an opening band. Steve blew me away, the whole band did.
“Unfortunately, I have not had the chance to meet and chat with him. Mystery opened for Marillion in Montreal in 2013 and we had a great time, and although I did not have the chance to meet Steve, I spent a while on stage examining his rig before they opened the doors of the venue. That is as close as I came to meeting him. I hope I will have the chance one day.
“My favourite piece of music he has appeared on? Misplaced Childhood is a prog masterpiece, Steve’s guitar work on this album is perfect. This is the album that I really got to notice his playing and tone, and it remains my favourite of his. That is one prog album I would bring to a desert island, but it’s also a guitar album I would bring too. His contribution to prog music is great. Not only he is an outstanding guitar player, he is also an inspiration.”