JOHN HACKETT BAND with special guest Heather Findlay

THE JOHN HACKETT BAND
with Special Guest HEATHER FINDLAY (Ex-Mostly Autumn)

A MAGICAL EVENING OF PROGRESSIVE ROCK, MUSICAL EXPLORATION AND TIMELESS SONGCRAFT

There are certain musicians whose names may not dominate the headlines, yet whose artistry has quietly shaped the sound of progressive rock for over half a century. John Hackett is one such musician.

This autumn, Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre is proud to welcome The John Hackett Band alongside special guest Heather Findlay for what promises to be a spellbinding evening of progressive rock, pastoral beauty, dazzling musicianship and unforgettable songs.

For many fans of classic progressive music, John Hackett's flute is part of the very fabric of the genre itself. His distinctive playing first emerged during one of progressive rock's most creative periods when, as a young musician, he began collaborating with his older brother, Steve Hackett, during the latter's legendary tenure with Genesis. It was John whose soaring flute, atmospheric textures and musical imagination became an essential ingredient on Steve Hackett's landmark solo debut Voyage Of The Acolyte in 1975 — the first solo album released by any member of Genesis and an album now regarded as a cornerstone of progressive rock history. John not only performed on the album but also contributed musical ideas and co-writing credits, beginning a creative partnership that continues to this day.

What followed was an extraordinary career spanning more than five decades. John's unmistakable flute can be heard throughout Steve Hackett classics such as Please Don't Touch, Spectral Mornings, Defector and numerous Genesis Revisited projects. Alongside his work in progressive rock, he has built an impressive reputation within the classical world, performing with ensembles including The English Flute Quartet and Westminster Camerata, while also exploring ambient and contemporary music through the acclaimed group Symbiosis. Few musicians have moved so effortlessly between classical concert halls and progressive rock stages.

Today, The John Hackett Band stands proudly in its own right as one of the UK's finest contemporary progressive rock outfits.

Far from being a nostalgia act, this is a band constantly pushing forward while celebrating the spirit of classic prog. Their music captures everything that made the genre so magical in the first place: soaring melodies, intricate arrangements, breathtaking musicianship and the courage to venture wherever inspiration leads.

At the centre is John's instantly recognisable flute, capable of sounding pastoral and delicate one moment before soaring above the band with breathtaking power the next. Alongside him stands the phenomenal Nick Fletcher, widely regarded as one of Britain's most gifted guitarists, whose fluid, expressive playing effortlessly traverses jazz, rock, classical and fusion. Supported by bassist Jeremy Richardson and drummer Duncan Parsons, the band creates a musical landscape where prog, jazz, classical, funk, folk and rock coexist in perfect harmony.

Expect moments of gentle beauty reminiscent of Camel, early Genesis and Jethro Tull, followed by exhilarating instrumental passages that showcase the sheer virtuosity of the musicians on stage. Every performance becomes a journey through moods, textures and emotions, from reflective ballads to exhilarating progressive epics.

Fresh from the success of their critically acclaimed album Red Institution and extensive tours across the UK and Europe, the band arrives in Barnoldswick in exceptional form, presenting new material alongside beloved selections drawn from John's remarkable musical history. Their concerts have earned a reputation for leaving audiences uplifted, inspired and reminded of just how adventurous and exciting live music can still be.

Adding yet more magic to the evening is special guest Heather Findlay.

To generations of progressive rock fans, Heather's voice is nothing short of iconic. During her thirteen years with Mostly Autumn she became one of the defining vocalists of modern progressive rock, helping the band build a devoted international following through a series of acclaimed albums and tours. Her voice possesses that rare ability to combine immense power with extraordinary intimacy.

Prog Magazine famously praised her "deliciously sultry vocals" while Maverick Magazine described her as possessing a "pure, crystalline voice" capable of gripping listeners from the very first note.

Since leaving Mostly Autumn, Heather has forged a remarkable solo career encompassing progressive rock, folk, acoustic music and singer-songwriter traditions. Her latest album Wildflower reveals an artist at the peak of her creative powers — honest, soulful, emotionally rich and deeply moving. Whether delivering a delicate acoustic ballad or a soaring progressive anthem, Heather remains one of the most captivating performers working in music today.

Together, John Hackett and Heather Findlay represent two of the most respected and enduring voices in progressive music.

For fans of Genesis, Steve Hackett, Mostly Autumn, Camel, Renaissance, Jethro Tull, Anthony Phillips and classic progressive rock, this promises to be one of those rare evenings where musicianship, imagination and emotion combine to create something truly special.

Close your eyes and let the music take you.

A night of soaring flute melodies, spellbinding vocals, progressive grandeur and pure musical magic awaits at Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre.