In a new interview with ClassicRockHistory.com, Steve Hackett reflected on not reuniting with Genesis before retiring.
When asked whether he regrets not performing with Genesis again before they stopped, the guitarist responded:
“No, I don’t regret that. My time with them was invaluable, and I continue to love the music and celebrate it in shows to this day, but I always feel the need to develop my solo work and commune with my own muse.”
Hackett Didn’t Join Genesis’ Final Shows
Genesis ended their The Last Domino? Tour with three final shows in London from March 24-26, 2022. At the last show, original singer Peter Gabriel attended, and fans hoped to see Hackett there as well. He previously talked about why he was absent:
“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. So I couldn’t, and 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.”
The rocker didn’t want to catch COVID:
“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.”
He added:
“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.”
Hackett also spoke about possibly reuniting with Genesis. He felt let down by past attempts to bring the whole band back together but said he’d be open to joining again if it happened.