Biography
Two semi-generations of progressive rock royalty unite on a collaborative project: Steve Hackett, whose lush, classical-infused lead work defined classic Genesis, and Steve Rothery, the tone master whose soaring atmospheric solos anchored Marillion and shaped neo-prog.
Steve Hackett: Best known as the guitarist for Genesis during their seminal 1970s era (Foxtrot, Selling England by the Pound, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway), Hackett introduced crucial techniques like two-handed tapping and sweep picking to the rock vocabulary. After leaving Genesis in 1977, he built an expansive solo career encompassing progressive rock, classical guitar, and world music, while remaining one of the genre's most revered innovators.
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Steve Rothery: As the founding guitarist and longest-serving member of Marillion, Rothery helped launch the UK neo-progressive movement in the early 1980s. Celebrated for his expressive vibrato, rich delay-drenched tones, and deeply emotional phrasing (often drawing comparisons to David Gilmour), his work on landmark albums like Script for a Jester's Tear and Misplaced Childhood set the standard for atmospheric rock guitar.
Their Collaboration: Rothery grew up a fan of Hackett’s work in Genesis, and over the years, the two maintained a mutual admiration while sharing festival stages and guest appearances. Ideas for a joint record simmered for over a decade, but recording only occurred periodically between touring schedules. The duo have focussed on organic jamming, complementary textures, and trading melodic leads at Marillion's Racket Club studio and home setups.
Their debut album: The Roaring Waves (2026) is a breathtaking masterclass in melodic progressive guitar, seamlessly blending Hackett's intricate classical textures with Rothery's soaring, atmospheric leads. Richly cinematic and deeply evocative of the sea, it avoids flashy shredding in favour of pure emotion, beauty, and complementary craftsmanship.
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.