Guitarist Steve Hackett, who played with Britain’s pioneering prog band Genesis, has joined forces with Genetics, Argentina’s faithful Genesis cover band, for a six-date tour in Chile, Brazil, Peru and Argentina with their show of the full 1977 album, Seconds Out. 

On Friday night, their tour ends in Buenos Aires’ legendary Luna Park stadium. Ahead of the show, Hackett answered some questions for the Herald.

What was growing up near London’s Kings Road in the 60s like?

It was a fascinating time, when everything was changing so fast. The gray, conventional London was bursting into color with new ideas, fashions and music! Kings Road was at the center of all this. I remember walking past both Mick Jagger and Brian Jones on separate occasions in the street. Jimmy Hendrix stopped his car at a road crossing in King’s Road and lifted his hat to my mother, who was very beautiful. 

Fun shops appeared like Granny Takes a Trip with an apparent car crashing through the window! In the Kings Road Chelsea Antiques Market one day, I found myself walking through fabulous coloured silks and hearing this wonderful Indian style sitar music. It turned out to be George Harrison’s “Within you, Without you” on Sergeant Pepper which had only just been released. 

It was an exciting time with everything moving forwards quickly, and that road was at the center of it all.

Why and how did you become a musician?

I always loved music from early childhood. I inherited musical talent from my father, who introduced me to the harmonica when I was two years old and to the guitar when I was 12. I immediately took to it. I practiced daily and when I bought my first electric guitar at age 14, I already wanted to become a professional musician.

From your first solo album, Voyage Of The Acolyte, to your last one, The Night Siren, what has changed?

I have widened my musical palate over the years. I now love to include all genres of music as well as influences from around the world. I also now have access to the range of orchestral sounds, which gives an additional dimension. 

I have traveled a lot over recent years to many countries including those outside the touring schedule, such as Ethiopia, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, India, Thailand, Cambodia, Borneo, Malaysia and China… All of them add to my musical inspiration.

Most of your album Till We Have Faces was recorded in Brazil. Why?

I wanted to experience immersion in percussion and to involve musicians whose passion was rhythm.  

Can you tell us about your first Genesis concert at London’s City University in 1971?

I was nervous as it was my first gig with Genesis, and also I had equipment problems. But I got through it like a baptism of fire, and they gave me the chance to redeem myself at the next show, which went very well.

How would you define your time at Genesis?

It was a time of learning from each other, which was exciting, as we drove ourselves beyond personal limits and we all grew musically together.

Which are your favorite Genesis albums, and why?

I loved all the Genesis albums I was involved with, but my favorite is “Selling England by the Pound” because it took on a life of its own, developing wonderful ideas, and playing from everyone. It was an album that broke the mold. I really felt the guitar fly in my hands by that time. It was also an album that caught John Lennon’s attention.

What’s it like playing Genesis with Genetics?

It feels good to play with Genetics, as they are lovely guys and great musicians.

Why do you think Genetics fills up theaters in South America?

They are a particularly talented band, and people in South America love Genesis and the interpretation that Genetics have of the music.

Please tell us about your future plans.

I’m about to release a live Blu-Ray/DVD/CD, and I’m also working on a new studio album. In October and November I will be touring North America. There will be more touring and releases next year!