Steve Hackett recently addressed comparisons between Marillion and Genesis. He shared his perspective on the early similarities between the two bands in an interview with Classic Album Review.
Hackett provided his candid response when asked about Marillion being accused of sounding very much like early Genesis.
‘Well, flattered, of course,’ Hackett said. ‘I didn’t feel irked by it. No point.’
The former Genesis guitarist went on to explain his view on musical influences and artistic development.
‘I think their early style was influenced by Genesis,’ he continued. ‘I think over time they developed their own style as we did. I mean you could say that much of what we did early days, there was an awful lot of King Crimson in there. And gradually that changed but hopefully in a good way.’
Hackett concluded by drawing parallels to other famous musical influences.
‘I think you have to allow people to… like the Beatles had to be Chuck Berry before they could be Lennon-McCartney,’ he said. ‘This has to be done. It’s part of the growth process.’
Hackett’s gracious response reflects the long-standing relationship between the two progressive rock bands. It also reflects the broader context of musical influence within the genre.
The comparisons between Marillion and Genesis have been a constant throughout both bands’ careers. Wikipedia noted that Marillion, especially during the Fish era, was often compared to the Peter Gabriel era of Genesis. Both bands shared a similar progressive rock approach that appealed to fans of the genre. This connection was particularly strong in their early years when both bands featured theatrical frontmen and complex musical arrangements.
The debate over these similarities reached interesting heights in the mid-1980s. Steve Hoffman Music Forums reported that Marillion’s 1985 performances were noted by some fans and critics as capturing a vitality that even surpassed Genesis’s own output at the time. This period marked a fascinating moment when the influenced band was arguably outperforming their influences in terms of creative energy and fan engagement.
The relationship between the bands has remained respectful despite constant comparisons. Ear of Newt revealed that Marillion’s keyboardist Mark Kelly once commented that he and Genesis’ Tony Banks shared an understanding of these comparisons and took them in stride. This highlighted the mutual respect between the two bands despite the frequent parallels drawn by listeners.
These ongoing comparisons have become part of progressive rock history. Both bands acknowledge their shared musical DNA while developing their distinct identities over the decades. The influence has proven beneficial for both acts, creating a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of progressive rock musicians.
