Steve Hackett discusses Watcher Of The Skies

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  • čas přidán 19. 05. 2020
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Komentáře • 138

  • @PastelComGini
    @PastelComGini Před 4 lety +45

    The opening chords are so powerful. Goosebumps every single time.

  • @tommyk0101
    @tommyk0101 Před 4 lety +13

    I love how genuine steve is in these videos. I just love how down to earth he is and how proud he is of this music.

    • @SvenTviking
      @SvenTviking Před rokem

      Saw him in Cambridge back in September, he seems to really enjoy playing.

  • @jancrabb2365
    @jancrabb2365 Před 4 lety +41

    I love the little smiles he gives....☺

    • @aren2822
      @aren2822 Před 4 lety +3

      😊👍

    • @jean-francoispayette92
      @jean-francoispayette92 Před 4 lety

      Steve Hackkett composed 80% of Genesis look first name beside Watcher Of The Skies Composer Steve Hackett czcams.com/video/c2F4mMOyIFE/video.html

  • @teedlebomb1
    @teedlebomb1 Před 4 lety +24

    Tnx Steve. "One of the great Mellotron moments of the 20th century". Yes! And - Heart of the Sunrise, Epitaph, In the Court, Out and In (Moodies), the list goes on! And of course, Fly on a Windshield.

  • @lornestein7248
    @lornestein7248 Před 4 lety +20

    The 1st Genesis song to really grip me for life. Will never tire of Phil's 6/4 time signature - Truly Unique.. Oh and Geddy Lee said this song really had an impact on him..lol

    • @CngDelta757
      @CngDelta757 Před rokem

      First listened to this song when a coming of age was fulfilled. It felt biblical and cryptic, like something important and great happened, an awakening. Truly a legendary song that tells a powerful story and I always think of being that alien watching down on our sad affairs, so much better we could be putting our collective energy towards!

  • @neilfranciseyre9688
    @neilfranciseyre9688 Před 4 lety +16

    Brought foxtrot in 1971 this is still one of my favourite albums and tracks. Steve you are spoiling us . Keep spoiling us .

  • @paulm749
    @paulm749 Před 9 měsíci +1

    I had read Childhood's End only a few months before hearing Watcher of the Skies for the first time. Talk about being primed for the experience! I must have played it a dozen times trying to work out both the chords in the intro and the following lyrics. This is one of Tony's compositions that deserves a full movie treatment. Just a magnificent song!

  • @userNULL
    @userNULL Před rokem +3

    Not sure if you'll ever see this but I'm a teenager just now discovering Genesis and this is one of my favorites, but my favorite version by far is the one off Tokyo Tapes. An amazing performance and an amazing live album featuring so many prog rock gods, I hope you are doing well Steve your work means a lot to me :)

  • @suzannadannaTARDIS
    @suzannadannaTARDIS Před 4 lety +8

    I was in the audience for that show when the ship's engines started as we were leaving Cozumel. It just increased the enjoyment!

  • @kenhendricks2124
    @kenhendricks2124 Před 4 lety +7

    I can pinpoint the moment in time when I first heard these opening chords and my world was changed from that point forward. Thanks Steve!

  • @VickersDoorter
    @VickersDoorter Před 4 lety +14

    Beautiful sounds and chord progressions, with a hint of ecclesiastical. I can't help but feel that Tony Banks' time spent playing the chapel organ at Charterhouse School is woven in there?

  • @stevenbrownlie2095
    @stevenbrownlie2095 Před 4 lety +7

    Been listening to this since I was in my teens. 62 now and I still listen to it regularly. Was due to see Steve in Sydney again in May. Looking forward to your eventual return to Oz Steve.

  • @HerewardinExile
    @HerewardinExile Před 4 lety +10

    I'm always waiting for the "More!" shouted during the closing bars of the Three Sides Live rendition.

  • @hrebolledoc5159
    @hrebolledoc5159 Před 4 lety +1

    Thanks Steve, what else but thanks, almost 50 years listening Genesis and you of course . 🙏🏻👏

  • @TheLucreziia
    @TheLucreziia Před 4 lety

    Love these little videos full of insights thanks Steve.

  • @dang.7964
    @dang.7964 Před 4 lety

    All time faves...you gents are geniuses.

  • @alessandroseravalle3807
    @alessandroseravalle3807 Před 4 lety +2

    Probably one of the best rock songs ever...when you played it in Spilimbergo, Italy...well, I was in tears!!!

  • @moontan91
    @moontan91 Před rokem

    thanks for the music Steve! ☺

  • @kakare1958
    @kakare1958 Před 4 lety

    Thanks, Steve. Saw you and your band live in Carre Amsterdam. The Cured tour. Great memories

  • @garymonteleone1731
    @garymonteleone1731 Před 4 lety +4

    Steve-thank you once again! Now I have to go listen to the entire song!! Another great story that I wish would have lasted longer. RIP Chris Squire , amazing bass player and musician. You and Jo stay healthy and again, thank you ....

    • @yaelrar.4460
      @yaelrar.4460 Před 4 lety +2

      Chris Squire....Rock music's Master bassist.

  • @pietrodelatosca1709
    @pietrodelatosca1709 Před 4 lety +3

    Last 3 notes of this song achieved to bring me joy and sadness in the same time...

  • @jorhay1
    @jorhay1 Před 4 lety

    This song changed my life. Thanks guys.

  • @flimflam4871
    @flimflam4871 Před 4 lety

    Awesome. Enjoyed it. Thanks Steve

  • @fmradio42
    @fmradio42 Před 4 lety +1

    Genesis Live 1974 was the first LP I hear back in 75. I miss the days when a new Genesis LP would come out every year. we use to say the more you listen to them the better it sounded.

  • @campingelcrucero5537
    @campingelcrucero5537 Před 4 lety +4

    Good morning sir Steve A pleasure to meet you and see that you share your knowledge with us, it is appreciated. It is a pleasure to be able to greet you by this means from an island called Chiloé in Chile. Best regards Victor Hugo

    • @luciodellaporta7201
      @luciodellaporta7201 Před 4 lety +1

      Escuchando Genesis en una Isla! Mi sueno de siempre! Saludos de un Argentino en Los Angeles

  • @MattAttack54
    @MattAttack54 Před rokem

    As someone who’s never really listen to Genesis, I will say that this is probably my favorite song by the band. What a masterpiece, Mr. Hackett you are a great guitar player and thank you for your contributions to rock ‘n’ roll and continued contributions.

  • @mrnoisy3851
    @mrnoisy3851 Před 4 lety +1

    Such a grand opening to Foxtrot, with prolific and creative use of the mighty mellotron. I am always reminded of the "Genesis Live" version when I hear it and that wonderful live shot on the cover. Another classic, steve.

  • @jensgross8674
    @jensgross8674 Před 4 lety +1

    These were the very first cords I heard from Genesis back in 1975 (at the age of 12) when a friend told me about an upcoming broadcast on the radio which I recorded on my tape recorder. It was the Wembley Stadion show of the Lamb tour April 1975. For some reason the broadcast started with Watcher (which was the encore in the original show) and in contrast to earlier live and the original version it had the Moog Taurus bass in the intro - killer! I have been a Genesis fan since!

  • @garywoolcott4013
    @garywoolcott4013 Před 4 lety +1

    One of the Best Songs Ever !

  • @TractorCountdown
    @TractorCountdown Před 4 lety

    Thank you for these, Steve.

  • @luciodellaporta7201
    @luciodellaporta7201 Před 4 lety +2

    Masterpiece! Love the mellotron and intricate base lines, guitar and bass guitar job is incredible, my favorite version of this song is from the Genesis live 73 album,

  • @nicko7054
    @nicko7054 Před 4 lety +2

    This intro always reminds me of the album I bought, Genesis Live when first released 1973 . Bought it a while after seeing Genesis support Van Der Graff Generator at Birmingham Town Hall October 1971. 50p. Brilliant Steve!

    • @lornestein7248
      @lornestein7248 Před 4 lety +2

      Nice Nick.. Your really are 1 of the original fans - How impressive! ...'71!!

  • @p.j.mendes
    @p.j.mendes Před 4 lety

    The intro, the rythm divisions, the harmonic modulations..
    Everything in this song is quite impressive . No doubt it is for me one of those Genesis signature songs. Thanks, Steve!

  • @stephenbarnes9096
    @stephenbarnes9096 Před 4 lety

    You tease Steve. I should have been in Perth with you this year alas COVID interrupts. Twice in Melbourne last time you visited us. The small venue the 2nd night was a dream come true. Amazing shows. Stay safe and thanks for all the joy you've brought these 45 years.

  • @rogermann9201
    @rogermann9201 Před 4 lety

    First gig I ever went to Sunday September 3rd 1972 Genesis at Bournemouth Village Bowl. Marvellous!

  • @umbertoyltp
    @umbertoyltp Před 4 lety

    One of the most beautiful vocal melodies in the history of Genesis, supported by a majestic orchestral sound.

  • @paulmcgloin5966
    @paulmcgloin5966 Před 4 lety

    How the hell does he remember every little thing about every song? I love it, Steve you give great insight, cheers!

  • @krugmeister7301
    @krugmeister7301 Před 3 lety +1

    My Favorite Album from GENESIS is.. Selling England By the Pound... Foxtrot Wasn't bad...Also a favorite of mine... Tresspass was Another Fav ..And last But Not least..Is ..The Lambs Die Down on Broadway..

  • @burmesecolourneedles4680
    @burmesecolourneedles4680 Před 4 lety +1

    Thank you so much Steve, for this and all the wonderful revisitings, insights and ambiences you're giving us. This is THE top Mellotron moment of all time for me, although there are many others of course. And you yourself were instrumental (pardon the pun) in the band acquiring one! As others have said, there's something so other-worldly, for me something on the edge of terrifying, in the way the Mellotron mangles the sound slightly in that unmistakeable way. Fabulous. I love so many things about your guitar work in this too - moving from unison notes on the rhythm to fifths/power chords adds so much tension and grandeur. And those amazing pick slides!

  • @davidgarione2206
    @davidgarione2206 Před 4 lety +2

    I just remember playing the vinyl at home for first when was 14. I got completely shocked by that mellotron intro. I was frightening even if I didn't understand a word of English then.
    And besides that insistent rythm of bass and drums, that grasping voice of Peter, those chords with Tony's organ giving to it that strange Victorian atmosphere to the whole stuff.
    I definited engaged my life with Genesis since then.
    Greetings frim Argenrina Steve!

  • @alexsamour5248
    @alexsamour5248 Před 4 lety

    Amazing! Thank you Steve for doing this wonderful series. Much appreciated and valued! All the best from Florida, US

  • @George_Panov_Moscow
    @George_Panov_Moscow Před 2 lety

    Спасибо вам! Вы с ребятами тогда подарили миру невероятную музыку:)

  • @AndyPhillipRaphaelHatchett

    Pure classic masterpiece love the mellotron and bass line thanks Steve 😊

  • @TheSeptemberRose
    @TheSeptemberRose Před 3 lety

    I had an old boyfriend who was a stellar guitarist, and he would perform this song, so I made him the headdress!

  • @rickyp73
    @rickyp73 Před 4 lety

    Amazing song...very epic sounding indeed...infinite kudos..
    Cheers!!!

  • @Spitzkrieg
    @Spitzkrieg Před 4 lety

    Hopefully there can be another Cruise to the Edge in the future. Great stuff.

  • @davidsigalow7349
    @davidsigalow7349 Před 4 lety

    Genesis performed at my college in 1973. The gothic opening chords of "Watcher," combined with the visual of Peter Gabiel's glowing eyes was a life-changing experience for me.

  • @pauljackson2409
    @pauljackson2409 Před 3 lety +1

    Opening track on Genesis Live- unforgettable.

  • @anotherone5926
    @anotherone5926 Před 3 lety

    Very interesting. Thanks! Classical Rock is immensely satisfying to hear... Over and over.
    (No alien craft thoughts, though.)

  • @andythain3923
    @andythain3923 Před 4 lety +3

    I bought Genesis 3 sides live album just for It/Watcher of the Skies. Still sounds wonderful today on vinyl. Always thought Seconds Out should have been a triple live. Thank you for your insights into your wonderful music. Roll on November and Seconds Out Live!!

    • @Vistico93
      @Vistico93 Před 4 lety

      I remember buying the Three Sides Live album some years back (it's still the only record I own) because the CD version didn't include the studio recorded tracks of the fourth side

  • @Tellitphoto
    @Tellitphoto Před 4 lety

    Brilliant always been one of my favourites, Tonys classical moment love it.

  • @jorhay1
    @jorhay1 Před 4 lety +1

    One can easily dance to it.

  • @paulwilson1110
    @paulwilson1110 Před 4 lety

    Loving these little clips Steve Hackett

  • @Claudio08111960
    @Claudio08111960 Před 4 lety

    Great Steve. You make happy day with your videos.

  • @WintersWar
    @WintersWar Před 4 lety

    That Shepperton concert is awesome watching the group work. When the camera sweeps and Collins on the kit.

  • @anastasiapedersen1
    @anastasiapedersen1 Před 4 lety

    Love the bass on here soo much !!

  • @sanchezwongfamily8153
    @sanchezwongfamily8153 Před 4 lety

    Thank you Steve for all your wonderful stories and background music that you helped shape what we call Prog. Your the best! From all the Genesis guys, I would hang out with you the most...you have this kind of artistic intuitive intellect that the rest of the Genesis guys lack. Their great musicians and great song writers but you are the artist in the band...you and Gabriel. Gabriel is more emotional and sensitive but you Steve are the architect of what made Genesis special in the 70’s. Love those Victorian, faraway musical landscapes....I love collecting my Vintage Halloween postcards and listening to classic Genesis. Perfect!

  • @sandrakece5437
    @sandrakece5437 Před 4 lety

    This song was amazing on CTTE! Getting psyched to get back on the ship to hear it again one day soon!!!

  • @stevenhaywood6027
    @stevenhaywood6027 Před 4 lety

    And bravo Steve for your contribution to the original version of this epic song, and a huge thank you for being the member of Genesis who has kept the genius of the bands music going.
    A huge thank you.
    sttgaegoaktd

  • @joelestes2257
    @joelestes2257 Před 4 lety +5

    I was so dispointed when I listened to the Foxtrot remastered interviews and Micheal Rutherford dismissed Watcher as too "busy" the lyric being "suspect" and the chorus being a "hard lick" to swallow.
    I always thought that those were the qualities of this landmark song. Those and the mellotron intro.

    • @manco828
      @manco828 Před 4 lety +1

      The lyrics are not a great fit to the music from a standpoint of how they fit into the beat. You could tell Peter struggling to sing this.

    • @terrypussypower
      @terrypussypower Před 4 lety +3

      @@manco828 I've always thought the lyrics were perfect! Those "Remastered" interviews with the band were strange at times. It was as if Tony and Mike were trying to put down their achievements somewhat. You don't want to come across as arrogant, but I felt they were taking the false modesty a bit too far!

  • @critney_
    @critney_ Před rokem

    That was great! Thanks a lot!

  • @Paolo8772
    @Paolo8772 Před 4 lety

    In the very same year David Gilmour wrote both the music AND lyrics of the song "Childhood's End" from the most underrated Pink Floyd Album "Obscured By Clouds": the ver 1st CD I ever owned for my 18th birthday over 32 years ago. Whilst I love Pink Floyd: Watcher of the Skies is a much better song than Childhood's End by Floyd. This video was extremely tantalizing and gave me an urge to listen to Foxtrot again for the 1st time in awhile immediately. I have other plans right now but Foxtrot is next on my agenda: I've not heard the entire album in years (Except Horizon's and Supper's Ready). Thanks for posting, Maestro Hackett!

  • @gordiannot77
    @gordiannot77 Před 4 lety

    Truly unique music❤️

  • @ingonowack3839
    @ingonowack3839 Před 4 lety

    Great, absolutely great 😎!
    "Watcher of the skies" made me become a Genesis Fan back in 1976 😘🤗!

  • @mmoses5272
    @mmoses5272 Před 4 lety

    i LOVE 'Watcher Of The Skies'. This is first Peter Gabriel-era Genesis song I ever heard. I remember thinking, "Genesis existed in 1972?" & "wow that's a weird song." I like 80's Genesis but I LOVE 70's Genesis more.

  • @jbytuna
    @jbytuna Před 4 lety +1

    This song is wonderful. I love your later rendition of this. It’s huge.

    • @jonovan3316
      @jonovan3316 Před 3 lety

      I agree that this rendition is HUGE. When Genesis performed this live it always felt a bit rushed. This performance is deliberate and paced such that it allows the dynamics to build up an excited anticipation in the music of the song.
      Watcher of The Skies is the very first piece I had heard from Genesis way back when it first came out in '72. What a brilliant way to open an album...and a concert...as I saw them perform it live at the Tower Theater in Philly in '73.

  • @sm6jesse
    @sm6jesse Před 4 lety

    so so good. That is one of the great intros of rock/prog-rock. every time i hear it, i feel the same.

  • @donmoore7785
    @donmoore7785 Před 4 lety

    This is so tantalizing, until it cuts off prior to the climax. Argh! Love these vignettes, Steve. Keep them coming.

  • @NeptuneReturnz
    @NeptuneReturnz Před 4 lety

    I like how you added a lawnmower and pneumatic drill into the mix.

  • @canturgan
    @canturgan Před 4 lety

    I remember this most at The Rainbow in Finsbury Park and also at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane where he took off during Supper's Ready.

  • @jbytuna
    @jbytuna Před 3 lety

    Steve, you killed the remake of this Genesis classic. Your rendition is so much stronger than the original with Genesis

  • @patsmith9192
    @patsmith9192 Před 4 lety

    Haven’t heard this song in a long time. Now I’m going to have to hunt out the whole thing. Forgot how good it was.

  • @CaseyVan
    @CaseyVan Před 4 lety

    It starts off sounding like an insurance commercial then "uh oh what's that in the sky?" It took me a while to get early Genesis because they would take so long to start rocking, but I was still curious enough to get Genesis Live, and I was given some visuals of the stage show, and heard the talk between songs by Peter Gabriel. I was a Yes fan and what I did not get was that the lyrics were usually about something, or even a Rock Opera. Once I understood that I was really stoked (excited) that I could hear a story while hearing a Genesis tune. Also Steve Hacket's guitar solo and Phil's drum playing on 'The Knife' really opened up that song, and the Genesis sound to me. I also was looking for Moog and Mellotron (Thanks to Steve Hackett) sounds in Genesis songs, Trespass was lacking both (although there are some Moog and Mellotron like sounds in the record). Foxtrot had the Mellotron but not the Moog, so when I got Selling England by the Pound I was finally hearing something fulfilling what I was looking for. But they were still starting songs with these acoustic guitars and soft singing so I was not really blown away at first, although it was a good experience. So then I heard Genesis Live and it was like a key that opened the door to Genesis being one of my favorite groups, and I love all the different versions from 'Silent Sun' to 'Congo'.

  • @davidvaness5081
    @davidvaness5081 Před 4 lety

    Love the information and that 😃

  • @terrypussypower
    @terrypussypower Před 4 lety +1

    I LOVE "Watcher Of The You-Know-What"!

  • @rogerschnack
    @rogerschnack Před 4 lety

    Hi, Mr. Hackett. My name is Roger, from Porto Alegre, Brazil. It would be very gratifying to hear a few words about the song "Racing In A", which is formidable in my humble opinion. Thank you.

  • @susannawarger9588
    @susannawarger9588 Před 4 lety

    A piece of great atmosphere, and an excellent interpretation by Nad Sylvan !

  • @SigisfredoB
    @SigisfredoB Před 4 lety

    Saludos desde IQUIQUE CHILE SOUTHAMERICA

  • @robertironside3166
    @robertironside3166 Před 3 lety

    Just fabulous. Fantastic. Thanks for bringing these back to the light of day now Steve :-) Infinite thumbs up! :-) You can chair dance to a lot of it but it MOVES a person at the spirit core I'd say [at least for me]. :-) I know Tony would grumble about the deliberate and unweildy nature to playing a Mellotron but it, by physical nature and design, demands a different creative approach that corners a player into working within said natural confines and draws out fantastic moments such as these chord progressions. Eerie and Surrealistic that makes me think of the animations of Harryhausen and the like... Probably spelled his name incorrectly but... ya... Harryhausen and Bernard Herman [probably spelled his name wrong as well but you all know who I mean]. Stop frame animation and Herman's music... Jason and the Argonaughts. lol Mellotron's have that same magic to them.

  • @dermashy
    @dermashy Před 4 lety

    Enjoyed that 👍🏻 cheers Steve

  • @fastica
    @fastica Před 4 lety +1

    It's curious how the rest of the members resent the first Genesis albums and Steve smile at the first chords of any old Genesis song.

  • @gasgiant7122
    @gasgiant7122 Před 10 měsíci

    Always a firm favourite with us amateur astronomers.

  • @squareeyedgit
    @squareeyedgit Před 4 lety

    Of course you can dance to this! You can dance to anything that has a pulse! Or even without, if you really want.

  • @brianorakpohit
    @brianorakpohit Před 4 lety

    Although England is definitely my fave Genesis album, this track is definitely my favourite Genesis song. Everybody is particularly outstanding in every way on this one.

  • @5qob
    @5qob Před 7 měsíci

    Steve Howe could stand to learn much from Steve Hackett in how he honors his past with Genesis.

  • @gerardocapone4183
    @gerardocapone4183 Před 4 lety

    Many many thanks to : Anthony Phillips , Mike Rutherford , Tony Banks , Peter Gabriel , Steve Hackett and Phil Collins for the great moments you gave us through your music.....

  • @pirated8557
    @pirated8557 Před 4 lety

    Magnifico 👍🏼

  • @Paddyjack
    @Paddyjack Před 4 lety

    Interesting that Childhood End inspired that, I didn't know. Funny because I originally did not like this song. I usually went straight to Timetable, Supper's Ready, Coast Utility etc.... but recently I decided to stop and really listen to it... and I was blown away by it. My son loves it too :)

  • @user-se5gg5cy4y
    @user-se5gg5cy4y Před 4 lety +2

    pharohs pyramids and the triple glass window. spectum spirals. the hypgnosis cover art on the lldob has the mirror prism with the subtle hues.

  • @monkabrahms7997
    @monkabrahms7997 Před 4 lety +1

    Saw the musical box do this about six times

    • @joydalton4987
      @joydalton4987 Před 4 lety +1

      Monk Abrahms They don’t play it like Steve’s band play it though. It’s very dramatic, fantastic show opener, had me on the edge of my seat.

  • @14thedock
    @14thedock Před 4 lety

    Tony Banks chords at the beginning, pure inspiration on the mellotron.......

  • @mallorga1965
    @mallorga1965 Před 4 lety

    Arthur C. Clarke! Didn't know that... Gotta read Childhood's End.

  • @remygirardi4760
    @remygirardi4760 Před 4 lety

    Hello Steve are you coming in Monaco for concert.?

  • @unstablesun8179
    @unstablesun8179 Před 4 lety

    LOL you can dance to it! Just ask Zappa who had people dancing on stage to 8/9, 16/17, etc... :)

  • @thisislogout
    @thisislogout Před 4 lety

    The Mellotron stumped me when i first heard it. It is so unusual. It has an "otherworldly" vibe to it. I wish I had one.

  • @avv.arturobonsignore7423
    @avv.arturobonsignore7423 Před 4 lety +3

    Mellotron and italian palasport. 💖

  • @daveeddy4324
    @daveeddy4324 Před 4 lety

    Maybe the most obscure song I've ever heard.

  • @macsnafu
    @macsnafu Před 4 lety

    Ha! This video went over 3 minutes! ;-)
    But seriously, such a great prog song, with its dramatic chords, odd time signature, and sci-fi lyrics.

  • @paulomauriciorpinto2334
    @paulomauriciorpinto2334 Před 4 lety +2

    How about Tell us about the song inside and out.

  • @philmore4362
    @philmore4362 Před 4 lety

    Mon titre préféré de Genesis!!