Renowned former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett has drawn intriguing parallels between his artistry and that of the legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. He expressed his admiration, stating, “I sympathize with Hitchcock’s need to remake a classic film.” This sentiment reflects Hackett’s continuous evolution as he revisits and reinterprets significant moments and entire albums from his illustrious career with Genesis.

Fast forward over a decade, and this philosophy remains vibrant as Hackett presents a curated selection of tracks from the iconic 1974 album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway during his live performances with his solo band. Fans can eagerly anticipate upcoming U.S. tour dates this fall, bolstered by the release of his new live album. The whimsically titled The Lamb Stands Up Live at the Royal Albert Hall, captured at the prestigious venue in October 2024, is set to drop on July 11, offering a taste of the experience.

This current tour not only commemorates the 50th anniversary of The Lamb but also features a well-rounded mix of Hackett’s personal favorites from the album alongside timeless classics from the Genesis catalog and his solo creations. The performance will see Hackett joined by esteemed guests like Steve Rothery from Marillion and former Genesis lead vocalist Ray Wilson, enriching the experience for attendees.

READ MORE: All 180 Genesis Songs, Ranked

Hackett reflects on the passage of time, stating, “I think old material sounds sweeter with the passing of time. I think you forgive its imperfections and try and change those things when you revisit them.” He elaborates on the UCR Podcast, acknowledging that earlier recordings often suffered from rushed timing and tuning issues. “In today’s age, there’s no justification for those mistakes. If you’re going to revisit a piece, it’s essential to refine and polish it. Back then, as young musicians, we had a different set of priorities. Now, we focus on enhancing our performances. I prefer to perform the complete compositions rather than just snippets. If I decide to reinterpret a piece, I usually play the entire song and may even extend it with additional elements. For instance, the conclusion of ‘Supper’s Ready’ often features a special guitar segment that I’m inspired to explore, free from the constraints of others’ expectations. I earned the right to express these moments after years of dedication in my early career.”

Unraveling the Journey Behind ‘The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway’

Now regarded as one of their most cherished albums, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is set to receive a deluxe box set release. However, the journey to creating this masterpiece was anything but straightforward. Hackett recalls, “The Lamb was fraught with complication. By that time, many of us were married or on the brink of fatherhood. We were striving to adhere to our creative philosophy of isolation to conjure new ideas.” He likens the experience to a temporary marriage with his bandmates, noting that the production of The Lamb was particularly challenging due to their choice of recording location—a former workhouse, which was rumored to be haunted and was undeniably unsafe and unsanitary.

“After our time there ran its course, we transitioned to Glaspant Manor in Wales, a site still under construction. This shift was stark; we moved from a place where the ceilings were collapsing to one that had no ceilings at all. It posed a question—were we maturing as artists or simply confronting insurmountable obstacles? It was an incredibly tumultuous period, one filled with uncertainty and difficulty.”

Listen to Steve Hackett on the ‘UCR Podcast’

Watch Steve Hackett Perform ‘The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway’