“Turned out nicely again!” - An attendee’s thoughts on the recent launch party for Steve Hackett’s Wolflight album. Commentary by Alan Hewitt. Photographs by Alan Hewitt and Stuart Barnes.

The invitation said, “you are cordially invited to…” which was almost like an invitation to a birthday party and you know what, that was what we were celebrating: the birth of yet another album by Mr Hackett!

Meeting up with several other friends and fans before hand we made our way to the rather swank surroundings of Cecil Sharp House where the evening’s launch was to take place. There were gathered most of Steve’s current band and family along with several members of his old band and most of his family although sadly his mother, June and uber Hackett fan Steph Kennedy were not at this gathering this time round.

Settling ourselves in with drinks and nibbles, our host for the evening: Jerry Ewing, got the evening off with a leisurely chat to Steve about several aspects of the new album and at last I got to see the two remarkable promos which had been made for Wolflight itself and Love Song To A Vampire and was mightily impressed by the results! Steve, as usual answered the questions posed to him in his own inimitable fashion resulting in much gentle laughter at times. He was relaxed and evidently happy to be here which was great to see as the promotional slog can get gruelling at times.

Then the floor was opened up to us, the audience and unlike the One Show, yours truly managed to get his question in and Steve answered in his usual way. There was no sense of urgency and everyone who had a question had the opportunity to ask them before the evening was rounded up by a signing session. With nothing to get signed I took the opportunity to have a brief chat with some of the other people gathered there including Steve’s brother John and his good lady Katrin trying to get the low down on the new album from the other Hackett and was delighted to hear that this much anticipated project is nearing completion.

Then it was all over and we left the building to brave the damp and blustery London evening. It only remains for me to say thank you to Jo for organising the invitation, to Lee, Stuart, Petra and Mike for being such good company for the evening and to mein hosts Andrew and Kate for their subsequent lovely hospitality making another evening one which I am sure everyone who attended will remember. My apologies for the quality of the accompanying photos, but as you will see from them, lighting was not at a premium on the night - perhaps the owners of the building were economising?!

Mr Barnes and Mr Rothery	So Stevie boy, when are the Marillos going to play Liverpool again?