Biography
Who is Steve Hackett?
Early life and musical beginnings
Steve Hackett: Stephen Richard Hackett was born on February 12, 1950, in London, United Kingdom. He grew up in central London before his family briefly relocated to Canada during the 1950s due to homesickness. He had access to various musical instruments like the harmonica and recorder during his childhood. At the age of 12, he started playing single notes on the guitar, and by age 14, he was learning chords without any formal training.
His early musical influences included classical composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and opera singer Mario Lanza. He also listened to British blues artists such as Peter Green and Danny Kirwan, alongside Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, and King Crimson. These diverse styles shaped his later approach to playing the guitar and writing music across multiple genres.
Career with Genesis
Steve answered an advertisement in Melody Maker in December 1970 looking for a receptive musician. Peter Gabriel responded to the ad, leading to an audition with Tony Banks and Genesis. Steve joined the band as their lead guitarist and made his recording debut on the 1971 album Nursery Cryme. He contributed to the songwriting on tracks like For Absent Friends and Seven Stones.
During his tenure, Steve played on several studio albums and live releases, including Foxtrot and Selling England by the Pound. He was known for utilizing innovative techniques like two-handed tapping and sweep picking. He left the band in 1977 during the mixing stage of the live album Seconds Out to focus entirely on his solo career, and later entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis in 2010.
Solo career and GTR
Steve released his first solo album, Voyage of the Acolyte, in 1975 while still a member of Genesis. Following his departure from the band, he continued releasing solo records and touring worldwide. His solo work explored pop, blues, world music, and classical music alongside his signature progressive rock style.
In 1986, Steve co-founded the supergroup GTR with guitarist Steve Howe. The band released a self-titled album that reached number eleven on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and featured the hit single When the Heart Rules the Mind. Steve left the group in 1987, which led to the band disbanding, and he resumed his solo output.
Family and personal life
Steve has a younger brother named John Hackett, who is a flutist. John has collaborated and written with Steve throughout his solo career and assisted with early Genesis compositions. Steve was married to Kim Poor, who is noted in his family background.
Education played a role in his early background as he attended Sloane Grammar School in Chelsea and later studied at Morley College. His career has spanned decades, establishing him as a prominent figure in rock music.
Birthday and age
Steve Hackett was born on February 12, 1950, which makes Steve 76 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. Steve shares the date with 35 other famous people.
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