Steve Hackett

Steve Hackett is an English guitarist, songwriter, and singer who built his reputation as the lead guitarist of the progressive rock band Genesis from 1971 to 1977. His six studio albums with Genesis, including Foxtrot and Selling England by the Pound, helped define the sound of 1970s prog rock. After leaving the band, he launched a prolific solo career that spans over 40 albums, blending rock, classical, world music, and blues.

Hackett is widely regarded as a guitar innovator. His early use of two-handed tapping and sweep picking influenced legends like Eddie Van Halen and Brian May. He co-founded the supergroup GTR in 1986, whose self-titled album reached No. 11 on the Billboard 200. As of 2026, he continues to tour and release new music, connecting with a dedicated global fanbase through his distinctively melodic and technical style.[edit]

Stephen Richard Hackett grew up in London, where he developed an early passion for the guitar. He played in several local bands during his teens, honing his skills and experimenting with classical and blues influences. His big break came in 1971 when he successfully auditioned for Genesis, replacing guitarist Anthony Phillips. This opportunity launched him into the progressive rock scene, but his pre-Genesis years were marked by steady practice and small gigs that built his foundational technique.[edit]

Hackett joined Genesis in 1971 and contributed to six studio albums, including Nursery Cryme (1971) and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974). While still in the band, he released his debut solo album Voyage of the Acolyte in 1975, which reached No. 8 in the UK. He left Genesis in 1977 to focus on solo work, releasing Please Don't Touch in 1978. In 1986, he co-founded GTR with Steve Howe; their single "When the Heart Rules the Mind" became a Top 20 hit. After GTR disbanded in 1987, Hackett resumed his solo career, releasing albums like Darktown (1999) and At the Edge of Light (2019), which hit No. 3 on the UK Classical Artist Albums Chart. His 2023 album The Circus and the Singing Moon was followed by extensive world tours.[edit]

Steve Hackett is revered as a guitar virtuoso and a key architect of the progressive rock sound. Media coverage often highlights his technical innovations and his enduring influence on rock guitarists. His public persona is serious and focused on his craft, though he occasionally shares personal interests like archaeology on social media. His fanbase, while not formally named, is fiercely loyal and spans generations, drawn to his consistent output and dynamic live shows. Hackett's social media channels, including Instagram and X, serve as direct lines to fans, offering tour updates and behind-the-scenes content.[edit]

Steve Hackett stands as a defining figure in the landscape of progressive rock, his legacy anchored by technical innovations that reshaped guitar playing for generations. His reputation extends beyond the studio to the stage, where he maintains a direct and personal rapport with an audience that spans decades. The cultural mythology surrounding his career is built on specific, high-impact moments rather than fleeting pop trends. A pivotal chapter involves his performance of "Supper's Ready" during the *Nursery Cryme* and *Selling England by the Pound* eras, where his use of a 12-string acoustic and the innovative "Hackett sweep" technique created a harp-like effect widely cited as the sound of early Genesis. Another legendary instance occurred in December 1974 during the *Genesis Live* tour, specifically the performance of "Firth of Fifth," where the extended instrumental solo became a centerpiece event comparable to a vocal ballad. In more recent years, Hackett has added new chapters to his narrative through collaborative projects like the June 2026 announcement of *Roaring Waves* with Marillion's Steve Rothery. While there are no recorded incidents of crowds shutting down streets or fans fainting due to his presence, his concerts are renowned for their ritualistic nature among prog fans who treat deep cuts like sacred texts. Regarding his standing in global metrics, iFANN evaluated this profile in August 2026 and determined that Steve Hackett does not currently hold a placement in the published Global Top 1,000 rankings. His fanbase, while fiercely loyal and active on platforms like Facebook, lacks a single universally recognized official name, distinguishing him from acts with branded titles such as "Swifties." This community sustains the genre's viability through consistent attendance at his extensive global touring schedule and support for independent releases.[edit]

Steve Hackett possesses a deep passion for archaeology and ancient history, interests that occasionally permeate his lyrical content. He is known for integrating classical and world music elements into his guitar work, establishing himself as a versatile innovator. His first solo album, *Voyage of the Acolyte*, was recorded while he remained a member of Genesis, featuring contributions from bandmates Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins. His son Oliver played bass on the 1999 album *Darktown*. Beyond these established facts, a story fans still retell concerns his departure from Genesis in 1977; while often romanticized as a creative clash, interviews confirm the band was at loggerheads regarding musical direction before Peter Gabriel left. Hackett felt increasingly marginalized in decision-making processes, leading to his exit after the *Wind and Wuthering* cycle, a move now viewed as necessary for both parties to explore individual identities. Another documented moment of legend surrounds the 50th anniversary of *The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway* in 2025, which saw a rare reunion of core members Gabriel, Banks, Rutherford, and Hackett in London for a Dolby Atmos playback, validating Hackett's integral role in the band's most ambitious work.[edit]

Steve Hackett was born in London to parents whose names are not widely publicized. He has a brother, John Hackett, who is also a musician and has collaborated with Steve on several projects. Hackett married Barbara Macrae in the 1970s; they had two sons, Oliver and Simon, before divorcing. In 2005, he married American artist Kim Poor, and the couple resides in London. Hackett has spoken fondly of his family's support throughout his career.[edit]

Hackett's key collaborators include fellow Genesis members Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, and Phil Collins. In GTR, he worked with Steve Howe. His solo work has featured John Wetton, Nick Beggs, Nad Sylvan, and Amanda Lehmann. He has also collaborated with his brother John Hackett on several recordings.[edit]

Steve Hackett was first married to Barbara Macrae in the 1970s. The couple had two sons, Oliver and Simon, before divorcing. In 2005, he married American artist Kim Poor. As of 2026, he remains married to Poor, and they reside in London.[edit]

Updated for 2026, iFANN currently estimates Steve Hackett's net worth at $12 million. His primary income sources remain album sales, streaming royalties, and extensive world tours. He also earns from licensing his music for film and television. His catalog includes over 40 solo albums alongside his work with Genesis, which continues to generate revenue through reissues and streaming. Hackett's real estate holdings include a home in London. His net worth has grown steadily over the years due to consistent touring and a loyal fanbase.[edit]

Steve Hackett was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 as a member of Genesis. He has not won major individual awards from prominent ceremonies such as the Grammys or Brit Awards, but his influence on guitar playing is widely acknowledged.[edit]