I have played many concerts in my life from audiences of thousands down to two old ladies in Tooting library (a mix up over the promotion, at least that’s what they told me…). But playing at The Royal Albert Hall last Wednesday with my brother Steve Hackett will always remain with me.
Here we are with our dear mother, June, backstage before the concert – who could believe she’s 94 and still turning up to rock gigs to cheer on her boys. I could have said relaxing backstage but in all honesty, conscious of all the great musicians who have graced that stage over the years, I was apprehensive… But I needn’t have had any worries – I managed to play all the right notes and in the right order! Steve, his band and guests (Steve Rothery and Ray Wilson) were on super top form. Our family and friends were there in support, and the love from the audience for Steve, his music and the Genesis classics made it all a joy to experience.
If you’d like to hear me play that flute solo from Firth of Fifth again, you can catch me with The Book of Genesis this Sunday at The Maltings, Ely riverside or at Lavenham Church, Suffolk, Saturday November 30th.
In between I’ll be at: The Butler, Reading with John Hackett Band plus John Mitchell and Hoopy Frood on Saturday 16thA
nd with the wonderful Beatrix Players at The Lantern Theatre, Sheffield Saturday 23rd.Hope to see you there!