“What’s this?” you may ask. Two Hacktrax newsletters within a month? There must be an album and a tour afoot!

And so, dear reader, it is officially one week (give or take a couple days) until the launch of the new eagerly awaited John Hackett Band album ‘Red Institution’. To celebrate this momentous occasion, we are launching the album at The Greystones, Sheffield on Friday the 11th of April – tickets here But if you can’t make it in person don’t fear, you can avoid missing out by having your own private listening party, as advance orders of the album are available here from the Hacktrax website.

As an extra incentive, orders from Hacktrax will also be signed by the band members! So maybe have a look at that highly valuable collection you have and see where room can be made (I’m sure Jimi Hendrix wouldn’t mind scooting over a few places). As proof of concept, please find shots of one band member (10 points if you can guess who it is), with pen in hand, scribbling away. You may also notice, he is sporting one of the new JHB tour t-shirts (also now available online) and gasp at the wide range of colours available (well, three). Unseen are the new hoodies featuring our favourite review, which are currently being enjoyed by people ages 26-70, though I’m reliably informed ages younger and older aren’t prohibited from wearing them.
If you’ve somehow managed to escape the news, the tour also celebrates the 50th year anniversary of ‘Voyage Of The Acolyte’, the Steve Hackett solo album in which I played a major role (yes, I’m very humble I know). We will be performing highlights from Acolyte as well, of course, as tracks from ‘Red Institution’ at the Greystones, before zipping across to Oswestry, and then up and down the country – from as far north as Glasgow and far south as Penzance. Along the way we’ll be joined by a whole host of super talented performers, so even if you aren’t enthused at the thought of having your eardrums blasted by us, maybe some of them will encourage you to come along…
Hope you enjoy the new album!
