Genesis is often described as a band of two distinct eras: the progressive, theatrical years of the early 1970s and the chart-dominating pop success of the 1980s. This narrative is familiar and convenient. But it is also incomplete.
This website looks at Genesis beyond that simplified division. It approaches the band through their songs, albums, performances and imagery, tracing continuities as well as ruptures across their long career. Rather than treating stylistic change as betrayal or reinvention, it asks how musical ideas, compositional habits and themes evolved — sometimes quietly, sometimes radically.
Written by Philipp Röttgers, writer and musician, the site brings together close readings of individual songs, reflections on live performances, album artwork, music videos, contemporary press reactions and fan reception. The solo careers of the band members are considered where they illuminate the wider Genesis story.
This is not a fan archive or a news feed. It is an ongoing exploration of one of Britain’s most influential rock bands, attentive to detail, context and the music itself.
Genesis Articles and Essays
- Genesis’ First Live Show – A Tale of Two Dates
When did Genesis step on stage for the very first time? The short answer: we’re not entirely sure. Two dates circulate — 23 September 1969 and 26 October 1969 — and both have evidence. Here’s a summary of what we know about the origins of …Continue reading “Genesis’ First Live Show – A Tale of Two Dates”
- Steve Hackett Leaves Genesis – The End of an Era (8 October 1977)
On 8 October 1977, Genesis officially announced that guitarist Steve Hackett had left the band. His departure marked the second major loss in just two years, following Peter Gabriel’s exit in 1975, yet it also opened the door to a new chapter in the group’s …Continue reading “Steve Hackett Leaves Genesis – The End of an Era (8 October 1977)”
- Wind & Wuthering (1976) – Genesis
Released between December 1976 and January 1977, Wind & Wuthering marked the end of an era for Genesis. It was the last album to feature Steve Hackett before his departure, and it stands as one of the band’s most progressive works, balancing complex storytelling, instrumental … - The Genesis of Anon: Their First Live Gig on December 16, 1965
Before Genesis became the iconic progressive rock band we know today, its roots lay in two school bands at Charterhouse School: Garden Wall and Anon. Among these, Anon brought together the talents of Anthony Phillips, Richard Macphail, Rivers Jobe, Rob Tyrrell, and a young Mike …Continue reading “The Genesis of Anon: Their First Live Gig on December 16, 1965”
- Nursery Cryme (1971) – Genesis
In November 1971, Genesis released Nursery Cryme, their third studio album and a turning point in their musical evolution. It marked the arrival of guitarist Steve Hackett and drummer Phil Collins, whose contributions would shape the band’s signature progressive rock sound. - Genesis – The Way We Walk: Live in Concert DVD Review
The Way We Walk – Live in Concert, originally released in 1993 and reissued on DVD in 2001, offers fans an intimate and electrifying glimpse into the band’s We Can’t Dance tour. Filmed over three nights at London’s Earls Court in November 1992, this concert …Continue reading “Genesis – The Way We Walk: Live in Concert DVD Review”
- Phil Collins’ First Solo Concert
![Phil Collins on the cover of Live at Perkins Palace [1982]](https://genesis-band.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Phil-Collins-on-the-cover-of-Live-at-Perkins-Palace-1982-150x150.jpg)
On November 21, 1982, Phil Collins embarked on a bold new chapter in his career: his first-ever solo concert. Held in Den Haag, Netherlands, this performance marked the start of his Hello, I Must Be Going! tour, a tour that defined his journey from Genesis … - The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway Tour: A Theatrical Odyssey (1974–1975)
As Genesis embarked on their ambitious The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway tour, which commenced on November 20, 1974, audiences were drawn into an elaborate fusion of music and visual storytelling that spanned 102 shows across the U.S., Europe, and the UK. The tour, running …Continue reading “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway Tour: A Theatrical Odyssey (1974–1975)”
- The Shorts (1992) – Genesis
In November 1992, Genesis released The Shorts, the first volume of their dual live album project, The Way We Walk. This release marked a departure from the typical live double-album format that encapsulates an entire show. Instead, Genesis took a bold approach by splitting their … - The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974) – Genesis
In June 1974, Genesis found themselves at a pivotal moment in their career. The band, having evolved through various phases, was now at the cusp of creating one of their most ambitious and transformative albums: The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. Genesis had entered a …Continue reading “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974) – Genesis”
- We Can’t Dance (1991) – Genesis
We Can’t Dance marked Genesis’ 1991 return following an intensive period of solo projects and the global success of their previous Invisible Touch tour, which captivated 3.5 million fans across 112 shows but left the band physically and emotionally spent. Personal experiences, including Mike Rutherford’s … - November 7, 2006: Genesis reunite for the ‘Turn It On Again’ Tour 2007
On November 7, 2006, Genesis fans received long-awaited news during a press conference at the May Fair Hotel in London. Tony Banks, Phil Collins, and Mike Rutherford—the trio that had propelled Genesis to global stardom—announced their reunion for the Turn It On Again tour, set …Continue reading “November 7, 2006: Genesis reunite for the ‘Turn It On Again’ Tour 2007”
- Trespass (1970) – Genesis
Genesis’s second album, Trespass, marked a turning point in their musical journey. Released in October 1970 on the Charisma label (and on ABC Records in the US), the album showcased a band finding its identity, blending folk, rock, and soul in ways that set them … - Seconds Out (1977) – Genesis
Genesis released their double live album Seconds Out in October 1977, capturing the band’s performance during the Wind & Wuthering tour. Recorded mainly at the Palais des Sports in Paris in June 1977, with one track from the Pavillon de Paris in June 1976, the … - Foxtrot (1972) – Genesis
It’s the year 1972. Genesis had released Nursery Cryme the year before and had played their first show overseas in Brussels in early 1972. Several shows in Europe followed and after their return to the UK, they began writing their next album Foxtrot, which, for … - Invisible Touch (1986) – Genesis
Phil Collins: ‘The mid-1980s was the biggest we ever got.’1 By the mid-1980s, there were longer gaps between Genesis albums. Phil Collins had launched his solo career at the start of the decade, and after their previous Genesis album, Mike Rutherford formed the hugely successful … - Genesis: The Early Years Through the Eyes of Richard Macphail
Richard Macphail, a beloved and influential figure in Genesis history, passed away unexpectedly on August 27, 2024, at the age of 73. Before they became a household name synonymous with prog rock innovation and some of the most iconic music of the 1970s and 80s, …Continue reading “Genesis: The Early Years Through the Eyes of Richard Macphail”
- Anthony Phillips’s last gig with Genesis
On 18 July 1970, Genesis played their last show with founding member and guitarist Anthony Phillips at Haywards Heath. Charterhouse and ‘The Anon’ Anthony Phillips joined Charterhouse, a public school in Godalming, Surrey, in April 1965. Being a guitarist, he quickly formed a band there … - Genesis (1983) – Genesis
On 3 October 1983, Genesis released their self-titled album Genesis. - Six Of The Best
On October 2, 1982, the legendary ‘Six Of The Best’ reunion show with Peter Gabriel and Genesis took place at Milton Keynes. - Dublin, 28 September 1972: Peter Gabriel steps onstage in a fox head and red dress
On 28 September 1972, Genesis singer Peter Gabriel shocked both his bandmates and the audience in Dublin when he appeared during The Musical Box wearing a fox’s head and a long red dress, the same striking image that would grace the cover of Foxtrot. - Up (2002) – Peter Gabriel
On 23 September 2002, Peter Gabriel’s album Up was released. - Phil Collins’ Last Gig with Genesis at Cowdray Ruins, 18 September 1993
On 18 September 1993, Genesis gave what would turn out to be Phil Collins’ final live performance with the band: an understated charity concert at the historic Cowdray Ruins in Sussex. Genesis in 1993 1993 was a relatively quiet year for Genesis. Following their massive …Continue reading “Phil Collins’ Last Gig with Genesis at Cowdray Ruins, 18 September 1993”
- Peter Gabriel: ‘Why I Quit Genesis’ – Melody Maker 6 September 1975
Peter Gabriel’s press announcement about why he has quit Genesis, published in The Melody Maker on 6 September 1975. Peter Gabriel writes why he left Genesis The news of Peter Gabriel’s departure from Genesis had first leaked in various music magazines from July 1975 onwards. …Continue reading “Peter Gabriel: ‘Why I Quit Genesis’ – Melody Maker 6 September 1975”
- Calling All Stations (1997) – Genesis
After Phil Collins’ departure from Genesis in 1996, the remaining two members Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford kept writing music and hired a new singer: Ray Wilson, born in 1968, known as lead vocalist of the band Stiltskin. - ‘Peter Gabriel Quits Genesis’ – Melody Maker 23th August 1975
A week after The Melody Maker had rumoured about Peter Gabriel’s decision to leave Genesis, the departure was confirmed with the cover story ‘Genesis Seek New Singer’. Chris Welch recalls a great British Band At this point, the band had already moved on and worked …Continue reading “‘Peter Gabriel Quits Genesis’ – Melody Maker 23th August 1975”
- ‘Gabriel Out Of Genesis?’ – Melody Maker 16th August 1975
The Melody Maker rumoured in its edition of 16 August 1975 about Peter Gabriel’s departure from Genesis. Peter Gabriel left the band after the 1975 tour After the The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway tour in 1975, lead singer Peter Gabriel left Genesis. The band …Continue reading “‘Gabriel Out Of Genesis?’ – Melody Maker 16th August 1975”
- How Phil Collins Joined Genesis
On 4 August 1970, Phil Collins officially became the drummer for Genesis. Here’s the story of how he landed the gig, and how it all began with a swim. ‘Looking for someone…’ By the summer of 1970, Genesis had just suffered what they later described … - Live Aid, July 13, 1985: Phil Collins Performs in Both London and Philadelphia
On July 13, 1985, Phil Collins made music history by doing something no one had ever done before (and likely hasn’t done since). He was the only performer to appear live at both Live Aid concerts, in London and Philadelphia, on the very same day. …Continue reading “Live Aid, July 13, 1985: Phil Collins Performs in Both London and Philadelphia”
- The End of the Invisible Touch Tour – Wembley, July 4, 1987
On July 4, 1987, Genesis wrapped up their massive Invisible Touch tour with the fourth consecutive sold-out show at Wembley Stadium. It marked the end of a historic run for the band and a high point in their live career. Invisible Touch: The Album Released …Continue reading “The End of the Invisible Touch Tour – Wembley, July 4, 1987”
- Steve Hackett’s Last Show with Genesis
On July 3, 1977, Genesis played the final show of their Wind & Wuthering tour, unaware that it would also be Steve Hackett’s last performance with the band. Wind & Wuthering and Growing Tensions Released in December 1976, Wind & Wuthering was Genesis’s second album … - Where the Sour Turns to Sweet (1969) – Genesis
In June 1969, Genesis released their third and final single for Decca Records: “Where the Sour Turns to Sweet” backed with “In Hiding.” It was intended to spark interest in their debut LP From Genesis to Revelation, but like its predecessors, it went largely unnoticed. …Continue reading “Where the Sour Turns to Sweet (1969) – Genesis”
- Genesis at Reading Festival 1971
Peter Gabriel performs with a broken ankle – and Genesis gain new fans On 26 June 1971, Genesis performed at the Reading Festival for the very first time. Back then, they were still low on the bill, sharing the lineup with artists such as Lindisfarne, … - Genesis’ First Gig Abroad: Belgium, March 7, 1971
Genesis played their first-ever overseas concert on March 7, 1971, at La Ferme in Woluwe St. Lambert, Belgium. This landmark performance marked a significant step in the band’s journey, as they ventured beyond the UK for the first time. Trespass Had Charted in Belgium At …Continue reading “Genesis’ First Gig Abroad: Belgium, March 7, 1971”
- Peter Gabriel’s First Solo Gig
Peter Gabriel’s first performance as a solo artist took place at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey, on either March 2, 3, or 5, 1977. The Album and the Tour His debut album, Peter Gabriel, had been released in February 1977 and featured the … - The ‘Turn It On Again’ Reunion Tour
On 11 June 2007, Genesis kicked off their long-awaited ‘Turn It On Again’ reunion tour in Helsinki, marking the official return of Phil Collins as lead vocalist. The Reunion Announcement On 7 November 2006, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins held a press conference … - Archive I 1967 – 1975 (1998) – Genesis
In June 1998, Genesis released their first of two ‘Archive’ box sets: Archive 1967 – 1975 covers the era with Peter Gabriel as lead vocalist. The plans to release ‘Archive’ box sets dated back to 1994 After the release of their last studio album Calling … - The Last Show of “The Lamb” Tour – and Peter Gabriel’s Final Genesis Gig
On May 22, 1975, Genesis played the final show of their ambitious The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway tour. It would also mark the last time Peter Gabriel performed with the band as lead vocalist. The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway: A Bold New Chapter …Continue reading “The Last Show of “The Lamb” Tour – and Peter Gabriel’s Final Genesis Gig”
- A Winter’s Tale (1968) – Genesis
On 10 May 1968, Genesis released their second single. Like its predecessor – and its successor – it failed to make an impact. Here’s the story behind A Winter’s Tale. In 1968, Genesis were still schoolboys. The four classmates from Charterhouse were in their late … - Ray Wilson Announced as New Genesis Frontman
On June 6, 1997, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford announced the new lead singer of Genesis following Phil Collins’ departure: 28-year-old Ray Wilson. When Phil Collins revealed in March 1996 that he would be leaving Genesis after 25 years, fans were eager to learn who …Continue reading “Ray Wilson Announced as New Genesis Frontman”
- 3×3 (EP, 1982) – Genesis
In May 1982, Genesis released 3×3, an extended play featuring three songs left over from the Abacab sessions – tracks that did not make it onto the album but were too good to shelve. Three Unreleased Songs from the Abacab Sessions Abacab (1981) marked a … - We Can’t Dance in Tampa – The Story of the 1992 Tour
Tampa, Florida, 17 May 1992. It was only the fourth night of Genesis’ massive We Can’t Dance tour when the band had to leave the stage early after just two songs. Phil Collins was suffering from throat problems, and the show was cancelled after Land …Continue reading “We Can’t Dance in Tampa – The Story of the 1992 Tour”
- Live at the Roundhouse 1970
On March 11, 1970, Genesis played one of the most significant gigs of their early career at the Atomic Sunrise Festival at London’s legendary Roundhouse. The event, sponsored by Yoko Ono, featured artists such as David Bowie and Hawkwind. Just weeks later, Genesis signed their … - Genesis’ Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2010)
On March 15, 2010, Genesis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks, and Steve Hackett attended the ceremony, accompanied by long-time live members Chester Thompson and Daryl Stuermer. Peter Gabriel, however, chose not to attend. The …Continue reading “Genesis’ Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2010)”
- Duke (1980) – Genesis
The Album That Defined a New Era for Genesis On March 28, 1980, Genesis released Duke, an album that marked a return to their roots as a band that thrived on jamming and improvisation. After years of bringing in individually written songs, the trio rediscovered … - Phil Collins’ Departure from Genesis in 1996
On March 28, 1996, Genesis officially announced Phil Collins’ departure in a press release titled: “Genesis end twenty-year experiment, decide to replace Peter Gabriel as vocalist.” It marked the end of an era. But the story of Phil’s (temporary) exit began long before that. Phil …Continue reading “Phil Collins’ Departure from Genesis in 1996”
- Phil Collins’ First Show as Genesis Frontman
In 1975, Peter Gabriel left Genesis, leaving the band without a lead singer. After auditioning several vocalists without success, drummer Phil Collins reluctantly stepped up to take on the role. He sang on A Trick of the Tail (1976), the band’s first album after Gabriel’s …Continue reading “Phil Collins’ First Show as Genesis Frontman”
- The Silent Sun (1968) – Genesis
In February 1968, Genesis released their debut single, The Silent Sun, on Decca Records. At just 17 years old, Peter Gabriel was already making his mark. Let’s take a closer look at the band’s very first single! Genesis at Charterhouse In 1968, Genesis were still … - Face Value (1981) – Phil Collins
In February 1981, Phil Collins unveiled his debut solo album, Face Value, marking a significant departure from his role as Genesis’s frontman. The album not only showcased Collins’s personal and musical evolution but also cemented his status as a prominent solo artist in the 1980s. … - Genesis Kicks Off the Wind & Wuthering Tour at the Rainbow Theatre on 1 January 1977
On January 1, 1977, Genesis began their highly anticipated Wind & Wuthering tour with a series of three sold-out performances at London’s iconic Rainbow Theatre. These shows marked the beginning of a new chapter for the band, being the first with Chester Thompson as their … - Steve Hackett’s First Gig with Genesis: A Nervous Start to a New Era
On January 14, 1971, Genesis played a gig at University College, London, marking the live debut of their new guitarist, Steve Hackett. For Hackett, this night would become a memorable, albeit nerve-wracking, chapter in his career with the band. Joining Genesis: A Classical Touch Steve …Continue reading “Steve Hackett’s First Gig with Genesis: A Nervous Start to a New Era”
- The Longs (1993) – Genesis
Released in January 1993, Live – The Way We Walk, Volume Two: The Longs marked the end of an era for Genesis. Not only was it the band’s last release with Phil Collins before his departure, but it also became their final UK number-one album. …