Steve Hackett discusses Watcher Of The Skies

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  • Опубликовано: 19 янв 2025

Комментарии • 143

  • @paulm749
    @paulm749 Год назад +3

    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!

  • @PastelComGini
    @PastelComGini 4 года назад +47

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

  • @jancrabb2365
    @jancrabb2365 4 года назад +45

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

    • @aren2822
      @aren2822 4 года назад +3

      😊👍

    • @jean-francoispayette92
      @jean-francoispayette92 4 года назад

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

  • @tommyk0101
    @tommyk0101 4 года назад +15

    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 Год назад

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

  • @userNULL
    @userNULL 2 года назад +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 :)

  • @teedlebomb1
    @teedlebomb1 4 года назад +26

    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 4 года назад +22

    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 2 года назад +1

      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 4 года назад +17

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

  • @suzannadannaTARDIS
    @suzannadannaTARDIS 4 года назад +9

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

  • @VickersDoorter
    @VickersDoorter 4 года назад +13

    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?

  • @kenhendricks2124
    @kenhendricks2124 4 года назад +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!

  • @MichelBeaudin-yu8xk
    @MichelBeaudin-yu8xk 2 месяца назад

    It is what it is there watching ❤❤❤ fell the love i first heard this song 50 years a go and i Saïd they are sending a message an emotion
    It just save my Life so thank you Genesis

  • @GFitz22
    @GFitz22 6 месяцев назад

    One of my favorite top 5 musical compositions of all time. Thank you for this masterpiece.

  • @stevenbrownlie2095
    @stevenbrownlie2095 4 года назад +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.

  • @hrebolledoc5159
    @hrebolledoc5159 4 года назад +1

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

  • @HerewardinExile
    @HerewardinExile 4 года назад +10

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

  • @MattAttack54
    @MattAttack54 Год назад

    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.

  • @jorhay1
    @jorhay1 4 года назад

    This song changed my life. Thanks guys.

  • @garymonteleone1731
    @garymonteleone1731 4 года назад +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 4 года назад +2

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

  • @alessandroseravalle3807
    @alessandroseravalle3807 4 года назад +2

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

  • @dang.7964
    @dang.7964 4 года назад

    All time faves...you gents are geniuses.

  • @TheLucreziia
    @TheLucreziia 4 года назад

    Love these little videos full of insights thanks Steve.

  • @mrnoisy3851
    @mrnoisy3851 4 года назад +2

    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.

  • @campingelcrucero5537
    @campingelcrucero5537 4 года назад +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 4 года назад +1

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

  • @stephenbarnes9096
    @stephenbarnes9096 4 года назад

    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.

  • @kakare1958
    @kakare1958 4 года назад

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

  • @pauljackson2409
    @pauljackson2409 4 года назад +1

    Opening track on Genesis Live- unforgettable.

  • @pietrodelatosca1709
    @pietrodelatosca1709 4 года назад +3

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

  • @moontan91
    @moontan91 Год назад

    thanks for the music Steve! ☺

  • @rogermann9201
    @rogermann9201 4 года назад

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

  • @jensgross8674
    @jensgross8674 4 года назад +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!

  • @burmesecolourneedles4680
    @burmesecolourneedles4680 4 года назад +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!

  • @fmradio42
    @fmradio42 4 года назад +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.

  • @p.j.mendes
    @p.j.mendes 4 года назад

    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!

  • @garywoolcott4013
    @garywoolcott4013 4 года назад +1

    One of the Best Songs Ever !

  • @TractorCountdown
    @TractorCountdown 4 года назад

    Thank you for these, Steve.

  • @paulmcgloin5966
    @paulmcgloin5966 4 года назад

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

  • @jbytuna
    @jbytuna 4 года назад +1

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

    • @jonovan3316
      @jonovan3316 4 года назад

      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.

  • @luciodellaporta7201
    @luciodellaporta7201 4 года назад +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,

  • @paulwilson1110
    @paulwilson1110 4 года назад

    Loving these little clips Steve Hackett

  • @flimflam4871
    @flimflam4871 4 года назад

    Awesome. Enjoyed it. Thanks Steve

  • @George_Panov_Moscow
    @George_Panov_Moscow 2 года назад

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

  • @andythain3923
    @andythain3923 4 года назад +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 4 года назад

      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

  • @davidgarione2206
    @davidgarione2206 4 года назад +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!

  • @nicko7054
    @nicko7054 4 года назад +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 4 года назад +2

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

  • @alexsamour5248
    @alexsamour5248 4 года назад

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

  • @sanchezwongfamily8153
    @sanchezwongfamily8153 4 года назад

    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!

  • @Claudio08111960
    @Claudio08111960 4 года назад

    Great Steve. You make happy day with your videos.

  • @sandrakece5437
    @sandrakece5437 4 года назад

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

  • @Tellitphoto
    @Tellitphoto 4 года назад

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

  • @AndyPhillipRaphaelHatchett
    @AndyPhillipRaphaelHatchett 4 года назад

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

  • @robertironside3166
    @robertironside3166 4 года назад

    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.

  • @WintersWar
    @WintersWar 4 года назад

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

  • @anastasiapedersen1
    @anastasiapedersen1 4 года назад

    Love the bass on here soo much !!

  • @leonedethebes
    @leonedethebes Месяц назад

    Great classic tune

  • @stevenhaywood6027
    @stevenhaywood6027 4 года назад

    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

  • @umbertoyltp
    @umbertoyltp 4 года назад

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

  • @rickyp73
    @rickyp73 4 года назад

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

  • @donmoore7785
    @donmoore7785 4 года назад

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

  • @davidsigalow7349
    @davidsigalow7349 4 года назад

    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.

  • @NeptuneReturnz
    @NeptuneReturnz 4 года назад

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

  • @anotherone5926
    @anotherone5926 3 года назад

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

  • @Paolo8772
    @Paolo8772 4 года назад

    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!

  • @ingonowack3839
    @ingonowack3839 4 года назад

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

  • @hiridavidfeign
    @hiridavidfeign 2 месяца назад

    Infinite respect.

  • @sm6jesse
    @sm6jesse 4 года назад

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

  • @gordiannot77
    @gordiannot77 4 года назад

    Truly unique music❤️

  • @mmoses5272
    @mmoses5272 4 года назад +1

    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.

  • @Spitzkrieg
    @Spitzkrieg 4 года назад

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

  • @critney_
    @critney_ 2 года назад

    That was great! Thanks a lot!

  • @patsmith9192
    @patsmith9192 4 года назад

    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 4 года назад

    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'.

  • @krugmeister7301
    @krugmeister7301 4 года назад +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..

  • @susannawarger9588
    @susannawarger9588 4 года назад

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

  • @canturgan
    @canturgan 4 года назад

    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.

  • @SigisfredoB
    @SigisfredoB 4 года назад

    Saludos desde IQUIQUE CHILE SOUTHAMERICA

  • @jorhay1
    @jorhay1 4 года назад +1

    One can easily dance to it.

  • @Paddyjack
    @Paddyjack 4 года назад

    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 :)

  • @davidvaness5081
    @davidvaness5081 4 года назад

    Love the information and that 😃

  • @TheSeptemberRose
    @TheSeptemberRose 3 года назад

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

  • @joelestes2257
    @joelestes2257 4 года назад +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 4 года назад +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 4 года назад +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!

  • @rogerschnack
    @rogerschnack 4 года назад

    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.

  • @remygirardi4760
    @remygirardi4760 4 года назад

    Hello Steve are you coming in Monaco for concert.?

  • @brianorakpohit
    @brianorakpohit 4 года назад

    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.

  • @14thedock
    @14thedock 4 года назад

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

  • @HARRY-iq3ww
    @HARRY-iq3ww 4 месяца назад

    Along with Wakeman's mellotron at the beginning of Heart of the Sunrise and much of what Mike Pinder played with the Moodies, Watcher has the greatest mellotron of all time.

  • @jbytuna
    @jbytuna 4 года назад

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

  • @user-se5gg5cy4y
    @user-se5gg5cy4y 4 года назад +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.

  • @dermashy
    @dermashy 4 года назад

    Enjoyed that 👍🏻 cheers Steve

  • @gerardocapone4183
    @gerardocapone4183 4 года назад

    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.....

  • @fastica
    @fastica 4 года назад +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.

  • @monkabrahms7997
    @monkabrahms7997 4 года назад +1

    Saw the musical box do this about six times

    • @joydalton4987
      @joydalton4987 4 года назад +2

      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.

  • @paulomauriciorpinto2334
    @paulomauriciorpinto2334 4 года назад +2

    How about Tell us about the song inside and out.

  • @thisislogout
    @thisislogout 4 года назад

    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.

  • @unstablesun8179
    @unstablesun8179 4 года назад

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

  • @avv.arturobonsignore7423
    @avv.arturobonsignore7423 4 года назад +3

    Mellotron and italian palasport. 💖

  • @EixtremeDrummer
    @EixtremeDrummer 4 года назад

    I know it would be too long as the song is, but...I'd appreciate so much to hear the guitar passages better!

  • @mallorga1965
    @mallorga1965 4 года назад

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

  • @squareeyedgit
    @squareeyedgit 4 года назад

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

  • @npchilds_music
    @npchilds_music 4 года назад

    Classic guitar riff. Sounds like a high voltage current. I don't think there's anyone who played guitar in the 1970's (and probably ever since) who doesn't get goosebumps when that riff starts.