THERE are very few rock guitarists that are cited as influences to the likes of Brian May and Eddie Van Halen — but Steve Hackett is one of them.

The 63-year-old, who formed part of the classic Genesis line up along with Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks, is just about to embark on his second tour playing classic Genesis songs from 1970-1977 — the progressive rock era which came a decade before Invisible Touch was conceived.

Steve is one of the first rock guitarists to experiment with the two-handed tapping technique, which can be heard on Dancing with the Moonlit Knight, which many other big names have adapted today.

The original line up of Genesis was conducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, but although Steve says his “door is always open”, there is still no talk of a reform.

Speaking from a modest Holiday Inn room in Ontario, Canada, Steve is relaxed, chatty and very excited about his tour, entitled Genesis Revisited II, which takes him to Manchester Apollo on Saturday October 26.

He said: “It’s a show that really reflects the classic line up featuring me, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, etc. Although you might think that’s extremely nostalgic, the songs are held so affectionately by the fans it’s like saying ‘hello’ to a family member.”

The tour is off the back of his album of the same name which was released last year as a sequel to his first Revisited release in 1996, but despite re-learning and re-recording his old songs, he says that a reunion is not on the cards — yet.

He said: “My door is always open — that’s how I see it. But the music is the star of the show rather than the team that plays it.

“I do see them from time to time but I have been so busy on the road so there’s not been that much contact with them individually.”

Despite this, a guest appearance from Phil Collins’ son Simon will bring many hardcore fans hope.

Steve said: “Simon’s career is taking off which is great. He’s going to guest with us on tour, alongside Steve Rothery, Nick Kershaw, Bonnie Tyler and Ray Wilson.

“I’m returning favours all the time — I play with them, they play with me. There’s a brotherhood feeling and fellowship about it all. Musicians seem to be controlling their destiny more these days, which is good.”

When asked about his influence to big name artists such as Eddie Van Halen, Queen legend Brian May and Steve Rothery from Marillion, Steve is genuinely flattered and modest.

He said: “It’s an honour to be talked highly of by people I’m a fan of. It’s a bit surreal — but that’s what guitar techniques are all about.

“I’m a friend of Brian. I’ve never met Eddie Van Halen but I know he’s said some really nice things about me, but eventually you do connect at some point, which is a really nice part of the business.”