The John Hackett Band

The John Hackett Band embodies the spirit of progressive rock. From John’s pastoral flute textures, through the funky interplay between drummer Duncan Parsons and bassist Jeremy Richardson to the intricacies of Nick Fletcher’s lead guitar the group embrace pop, rock, jazz, classical, funk and all stops in-between, from the tenderest of ballads to hair-raising instrumental workouts!

Following the release of acclaimed second album, Red Institution in 2025, JHB celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2026. Their tour of the UK, Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands, thrilled audiences with brand new tracks alongside ‘Classic Hackett’ material from the heyday of progressive rock.

John Hackett has been a much-loved and admired figure in the progressive rock scene since the mid-70’s; best-known for his flute work with his brother, former Genesis guitarist, Steve Hackett on albums such as Voyage of The Acolyte, Please Don’t Touch and Spectral Mornings as well as his own solo pieces Checking Out Of London, Another Life and The Piper Plays His Tune.

Described by Steve Hackett as “probably the best jazz-rock guitarist in the country”, Nick Fletcher’s reputation grows and grows. Unforgettable performances with JHB plus a slew of solo albums have seen him ranked in the Top 10 guitarists by Prog Magazine.

The band is known for its sensitive and dynamic collaborations and are delighted to be sharing the stage with such diverse and imaginative talents as Heather Findlay, Olga Dikajee, and EBB.

"John Hackett Band delivered an eclectic, technically accomplished performance that embodied the core spirit of prog rock. It moved from lyrical flute passages to dynamic instrumental flourishes. Together, the band created a sound that was intricate and engaging, fusing elements of rock, jazz, classical, and funk, but never lost cohesion. They revealed a depth of musical understanding that comes not only from skill but from years of collaboration and individual artistry."

Zoe Lett, 14th May 2025, The Courier - Voice of Newcastle Students

“The John Hackett Band has created a harmonious album full of exciting contrasts. Music between prog-rock and quiet, classical-tinged songs, between pop and even folk. As the Canterbury scene was, so is the album: quintessentially British… a successful, timeless album, far removed from all current popular music, which shows the light side of jazz rock and progressive rock.”

Genesis-News.Com

“Then it was time for the band we had all come for, the JHB, and what a performance they delivered! I have seen them many times before and they have never let me down but that night they seemed to have cranked it up to 11 and were not taking any prisoners in their battle to impress and win hearts and minds in the process. The energy level was as if a teenage rock band had just discovered amplifiers and wanted to show the neighbours how good they are. Only in this case they were seasoned veterans and knew how to play with skill and aplomb.”

Darren Walker, The Progressive Aspect

Heather Findlay

Known for her magical, evocative voice and an ability to interpret and inhabit a range of styles with a mix of power and feeling, Heather Findlay is one of the finest vocalists working in music today. Prog magazine lauded her, “Deliciously sultry vocals”, whilst Maverick magazine hailed her, “Pure, crystalline voice. She grabs your heart in an almost vice-like grip”.

At 19 Heather was asked to join up-and-coming rock band Mostly Autumn. In the thirteen extraordinary years that followed, Bryan Josh, Heather and company went on to enjoy creative success, winning the most devoted of fans, writing and recording many albums together. The band toured internationally throughout that time.

In her subsequent solo career Heather has continued to learn and to develop. The boundless depth and dynamism of her stage presence, coupled with the richness, power and beauty of that instantly identifiable voice continues to captivate listeners. Her latest album, Wildflower, released in 2025, steps into a stripped-back, authentic, soul-led era of writing with songs she hopes will open hearts and bring awareness to us all.

“Heather Findlay opened the afternoon with an intimate, stripped back set that felt more like a story shared among friends than a typical opener. She is known for her rich, evocative voice, and brought a warmth and sincerity to the stage that instantly drew the audience in. Switching between acoustic guitar, spoken word, and even poetry, she created a gentle but powerful atmosphere. Her vocals were very beautiful, with Prog Magazine describing her voice as “deliciously sultry”. It wasn’t flashy, but it was deeply felt, setting the tone perfectly.”

Zoe Lett, 14th May 2025, The Courier - Voice of Newcastle Students

“This isn't just music. It is a wonderful gift to the world. Heather Findlay’s "Wildflower", is just what we need right now. Burt Bacharach’s song and Jackie DeShannon singing it;

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