'70s Rock Legend Announces New Album After 8 Years
After nearly a decade without a new studio album, Steve Hackett is back with a long-awaited new project.
The former Genesis guitarist has announced The Roaring Waves, a collaborative album with Steve Rothery of Marillion. The instrumental record is scheduled for release on Sept. 11, marking Hackett's first new studio album since 2019's At the Edge of Light and his first full collaborative studio effort with Rothery.
Although fans have long hoped the two progressive rock guitarists would record together, the project has been years in the making.
Hackett and Rothery first discussed the idea several years ago after developing a friendship through guest appearances and live performances. Their musical partnership became especially evident when Hackett invited Rothery to join him on stage during performances celebrating Genesis classics, including a memorable rendition of "Fly on a Windshield" at London's Royal Albert Hall.
The Roaring Waves features both guitarists trading melodic leads across an album rooted in atmospheric progressive rock, while also incorporating orchestral textures and cinematic arrangements. Rather than spotlighting flashy solos, the pair focused on creating music that emphasizes emotion, mood and storytelling.
"In winter you could hear the roaring of the of the waves during the stormy weather, Whitby was a very evocative place to live, a very poetic and powerful place to grow up," shared Rothery in a statement.
"It was a bit old school, our approach, like the idea of mates getting together in the garage and playing and hanging out," Hackett added.
STEVE HACKETT And STEVE ROTHERY Announce Long-Awaited Collaborative Album 'The Roaring Waves' https://t.co/i7ucJTkJJbpic.twitter.com/IvKscaiJJY
— BLABBERMOUTH.NET (@BLABBERMOUTHNET) June 16, 2026
The album also features an accomplished supporting cast, including keyboardist Riccardo Romano, whose contributions helped shape the project's expansive sound.
Hackett first rose to prominence after joining Genesis in 1971, helping define the band's classic progressive rock era on landmark albums including Foxtrot, Selling England by the Pound and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. His innovative tapping technique and expressive guitar work have influenced generations of musicians.
Following his departure from Genesis in 1977, Hackett built an acclaimed solo career spanning more than 30 albums while continuing to celebrate the music of his former band through extensive touring.
Rothery has enjoyed a similarly distinguished career with Marillion, joining the group in 1979 and helping shape classics such as Misplaced Childhood and Kayleigh.
For progressive rock fans, The Roaring Waves represents a collaboration decades in the making.
Now, after years of anticipation, two of the genre's most respected guitarists are finally joining forces on a full-length studio album-giving fans plenty to look forward to as Hackett returns with his first new record in nearly eight years.
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This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 7:54 AM.