Book review: On track…STEVE HACKETT (Every album, every song) – Geoffrey Feakes

On track...STEVE HACKETT - every album, every song by Geoffrey Feakes

Sonicbond Publishing [Publication date 30.05.21]

The hallmark of a good rock read has to be when the reader genuinely learns something new about the subject matter.  Geoffrey Feakes is evidently a real fan of Hackett’s work but once again there is a slight inconsistency of approach when compared to other volumes in this series.

In fairness, Feakes has pretty much stuck to the main narrative which is a track by track expose of each of the artist’s solo albums bringing the story right up to date with “Under A Mediterranean Sky”.  But unlike other volumes the author has not assimilated a range of secondary sources to bolster the story and provide more context.  In this respect much is gleaned from sleeve notes.

Perhaps a dedication at the front of the book – easily overlooked – from the guitarist himself provides insight: “Geoffrey Feakes has devoted time to comment on all of my tracks from over the years in this book.  Combing through each album, he expounds his personal view.” It is hardly a resounding endorsement.

Feakes doesn’t mention other books about Hackett which he could have plundered at least as a starting point, notably Alan Hewitt’s biography and there’s no reference or even mention of Steve’s entertaining autobiography published in July 2020.

And whilst there is a section on live recordings and videos, some critical comment to explain the relative merits of a succession of live albums  (i.e. from 2013 onwards) would have been helpful for the novice or the confused.

Another missed opportunity is the omission of a section on recordings for which Hackett contributed sessions.  This helps the completist.

There is the usual photo section of album covers and video grabs, together with a selection of fan photos and memorabilia.  It is a pity the author didn’t source some professional shots of the current band.

So, again repeating the inconsistency of many of the titles in this series, the book does fall short of being anything remotely definitive.  Basically without strong editorial control it seems it is left to the author to supply a comprehensive manuscript, or not, as the case may be.  And perhaps only sitting down with Steve would really illuminate the book’s proposition.

When describing each track Feakes is not too opinionated which makes for a less controversial read.  If you don’t end up shouting at these books for that reason – the subjectivity – at least the author usually reinforces the merits of certain albums.  In this example, plotting Hackett’s fully rounded journey via  several superb acoustic albums that arguably reached their peak with the current release.  ***

Review by David Randall

Search Steve Hackett at GRTR!
Feature: An introduction to:
Album review (Under A Mediterranean Sky, 2021)

On track…Level 42, Aimee Mann
On track…Kate Bush, Renaissance, Dire Straits, Joni Mitchell
On track,,,Roy Wood, Kansas
On track…UFO
On track…Iron Maiden, Thin Lizzy
On track…Mike Oldfield


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Josh Taerk Sunday Sessions 2024

Latest session: Sunday 25 February
Next session: Sunday 14 April

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio



David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 March 2024.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 5 March 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 18 March 2024

GYPSY’S KISS We’ve Come To Play
FM Out Of The Blue (Frontiers)
SHOTGUN MISTRESS Shot Down (indie)
ATTIC THEORY Violent Delight (indie)
FLOYA Yume (FiXT)
SAHAJI Tell Me All Your Feelings (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 18 March 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023
12:00-13:00 LEAVES’ EYES Myths Of Fate (AFM Records)
14:00-16:00 HOLLY LERSKI Sweet Decline (indie)


To see our Tweets you need to be logged in to a Twitter account



Popular (last 10 days)


This entry was posted in ALL POSTS, BOOK REVIEWS and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply