Steve Hackett Shares Reason Why He Was Not In Final Genesis Show

Genesis, one of the leading figures of progressive rock, wrapped up their tour with three shows in London, ending their career that lasted for over five decades. However, fans seemed disappointed after not seeing on stage the former guitarist Steve Hackett.

Hackett was not the only absent on stage, the former singer Peter Gabriel was also not present throughout the performance, but he was seated in the audience for the whole night. Hackett was asked in a recent interview on why he was absent on the final Genesis tour. The guitarist explained:

“The truth is I had a ton of shows booked, and all the nights when they were working, I was working at the same time. Sometimes we were in the same town the same night.”

And when there was only one night that he could have joined the audience to watch one of Genesis’ farewell shows, “then there was one night which I think was either their last show or close to it. I knew I was about to undertake a two-month tour of the United States and Canada.”

He continued:

“I thought if I catch COVID by going along to this show, sitting there in an audience, I’m responsible for everyone else’s night out, people who’ve bought tickets three years ago, and we are only managing to deliver those shows now. As it happens, one of our members caught COVID, and the Canadian gigs had to be sidelined once again, so they are going to happen at the end of the year, and there are extra American dates to support that, the cost of freight goes up.

“So, we have to travel a long distance with expenses and make things work out financially. So, with those few days, I’m just looking for a break, even rather than trying to make a profit with that. That’s the idea, not to lose your shirt.”