Steve Hackett (born Stephen Richard Hackett on February 12, 1950, in London, England) is a writer and guitarist. He first gained prominence after replacing Anthony Phillips in the British rock group Genesis in 1970. Before joining Genesis as a young 20 year old, he played in a band of little note called "Quiet World". He also composed songs on acoustic guitar and flute with his brother John in their parent's apartment in London. It was in their bedroom where Peter Gabriel and Mike Rutherford auditioned Steve for Genesis. The Hackett brothers are still playing some of the same pieces played at the audition as recently as in 2005 during their acoustic tour.
While a member, Steve helped compose and arrange songs, contributing to the band's success. His unique sound and inventive playing contributed greatly to the Genesis mystique in the 1970s. He remained with Genesis for eight albums before leaving in 1977 to pursue a solo career.
Steve Hackett is best known for his innovative ethereal sounding electric guitar work, and for being a master of a myriad of guitar techniques, including the tapping technique. Though many people often credit Eddie Van Halen for inventing this technique, it was actually Hackett who first mastered it. Songs which showcase Hackett's use of the tapping technique, are "The Musical Box", "Return of the Giant Hogweed", "The Fountain of Salmacis", "Supper's Ready" and "Dancing With the Moonlit Knight". Steve had mentioned that if he knew that the tapping technique was going to become as popular as it did during the 80s, he would have made an entire album dedicated to just tapping.