Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett recently addressed criticism he received for his musical tastes. He discussed his philosophy on genre boundaries in an interview shared on The Rockman Power Hour.
The musician spoke about his approach to music appreciation. He also addressed the backlash he faced from some fans for embracing punk rock alongside progressive music.
“My favorite term to describe my favorite music is inclusive music,” Hackett said. “Music that manages to transcend all those prejudices. And it’s neither one thing nor the other. It shouldn’t be stuff that defies description, suits me down to the ground.”
He then reflected on his experience with the Sex Pistols. He discussed the reaction it generated among certain listeners.
“I remember buying the Sex Pistols’ first album and thinking it was very very entertaining for all sorts of reasons,” he continued. “And there are many who considered that I’ve been a traitor to even say that but at the end of the day, to be a breast of whatever was going, I was less inclined towards the argument for getting rid of all the all the old guys or the old guard the establishment as we were then in favor of what was new.”
Hackett emphasized his belief in musical diversity and open-mindedness.
“I don’t think you have to joust. You can have both things in your collection. Why not?” he said. “Well, to be pan-genre, I think, is perhaps the best way. No one’s going to mind if you’re listening to stuff… Well, in public, there might be those who shoot you down in flames. But, on the other hand, if you choose to like, ‘Oh, I’m going to spend some time listening to Greek,’ for instance, why not? Very very driving and interesting.”
Hackett’s philosophy of musical inclusivity reflects a career-long commitment to breaking down genre barriers. This approach has defined his work both within and beyond Genesis.
Wikipedia reported that his solo career has spanned 30 albums covering a multitude of genres. This showcases his versatility beyond Genesis and his embrace of diverse styles such as pop, blues, world music, and classical influences. This extensive catalog demonstrates his willingness to experiment across musical boundaries. It supports his stance against genre purists who criticized his appreciation for punk rock.
Hackett’s innovations as a guitarist have also contributed to his reputation as a boundary-pushing musician. Bristol Beacon noted that his early explorations of two-handed tapping and sweep picking influenced major guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen and Brian May. These pioneering techniques helped establish him as more than just a progressive rock guitarist. They positioned him as an innovator who shaped guitar playing across multiple genres.
The guitarist’s openness to different musical styles has been evident throughout his tenure with Genesis and his subsequent solo work. The Rocktologist documented that Hackett consistently incorporated elements from classical music, world music, and various rock subgenres into his compositions. This created a distinctive sound that defied easy categorization.
His defense of listening to the Sex Pistols alongside progressive rock represents a broader artistic philosophy. This philosophy has guided his five-decade career. This approach has allowed him to maintain relevance across changing musical landscapes while staying true to his belief that great music transcends artificial genre boundaries.
