Steve Hackett Reveals How Steve Rothery Changed His Guitar Approach

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