Steve Hackett Reveals How Steve Rothery Changed His Guitar Approach

Steve Hackett Reveals How Steve Rothery Changed His Guitar Approach

Author: Phil Aston August 6, 2026 Duration: 31:27

Steve Hackett joins me for the sixth time on Now Spinning Magazine to discuss The Roaring Waves, his long-awaited instrumental collaboration with Marillion guitarist Steve Rothery.

Steve explains how the album became “a musical conversation between two guitarists,” with no competition and no desire to fill every available space. We discuss the importance of restraint, sustain and atmosphere; the influence of cinematic and film-noir soundtracks; and how the pair created an emotional connection without conventional lyrics.

Steve also takes us inside several of the album’s key compositions, including “The Black Sea,” “Sandsend,” “Red Dragon,” the tragic submarine story behind “K-129” and the joyful Americana of “Pacific Coast Highway,” on which he plays amplified harmonica.

We also discuss the unusual guitar sounds used throughout the record, the immersive Dolby Atmos mix and Steve’s suggestion that the response has been so encouraging that another Hackett and Rothery album may follow.

The Roaring Waves by Steve Hackett and Steve Rothery will be released through InsideOutMusic on 28 August 2026.Please share your thoughts in the comments. Are you looking forward to hearing the complete album—and would you like Steve Hackett and Steve Rothery to make another one?

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine


Phil Aston brings the pages of Now Spinning Music Magazine-Artist Interviews and Music Reviews to life in this audio companion. Here, the focus remains firmly on the music itself and the artists who create it, championing a tangible connection to sound that goes beyond digital streams. Each episode delves into thoughtful conversations with musicians, exploring their creative processes and the stories behind their work. Alongside these interviews, you’ll find candid reviews of new releases and classic albums, all approached with an independent and honest perspective that values every format, from cherished vinyl records and CDs to elaborate box sets. This podcast extends the magazine’s global community, creating a space for enthusiasts of every genre and era. It’s for anyone who appreciates the artistry of an album as a complete physical object, not just a collection of tracks. Tune in for a deeply engaged discussion about music culture, where the passion for the material item and the music it contains is always at the forefront.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 50

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