GENESIS - HACKETT BLASTS PETER GABRIEL

Original GENESIS guitarist STEVE HACKETT blames PETER GABRIEL for being dropped from the band's reunion tour. PHIL COLLINS, MIKE RUTHERFORD and TONY BANKS confirmed this week (07NOV06) they are to reform as Genesis and will tour Europe and North America in 2007. But Hackett, who left the band in 1976 to go solo, believes original frontman Gabriel's refusal to take part scuppered his chance of performing with the trio. He says, "First of all I would like to congratulate Tony, Mike and Phil for flying the flag once again. Good luck to them and I really hope they have a very successful tour. "I was originally approached to discuss the possibility of a five piece which would have included Peter Gabriel and yours truly, but since Peter's schedule precludes this, it makes sense for the other three to celebrate the band in their 'own special way.'" Genesis' Turn It On Again tour kicks off on 11 June (07).