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. As the second volume of the The Way We Walk live series, The Longs captured the epic and progressive side of Genesis, contrasting with Volume One: The Shorts, which focused on the band’s chart-topping hits.
A Snapshot of the We Can’t Dance Tour
The album draws entirely from performances during the 1992 We Can’t Dance tour. A standout feature is the 19-minute “Old Medley,” seamlessly blending classic tracks from Genesis’ 1970s catalog:
- Dance on a Volcano
- The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
- The Musical Box
- Firth of Fifth
- I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)
This medley is a nostalgic journey for long-time fans, showcasing Genesis’ roots while highlighting the band’s live brilliance. Notably, guitarist Daryl Stuermer shines on the medley, while Mike Rutherford handles all other guitar parts on the album. The guitars’ depth and powerful sound on the release was achieved under the guidance of producer Nick Davis, who also worked on their We Can’t Dance studio album.
Track Highlights and Performances
The album features some of Genesis’ most ambitious live performances, with each track benefiting from the dynamic energy of the band’s live lineup:
- “Driving the Last Spike”: Chester Thompson’s drumming and Daryl Stuermer’s bass work elevate the emotional storytelling of this track to new heights.
- “Domino”: Free from the constraints of studio e-drums, this performance explodes with energy, embodying the grand theatricality that Genesis is known for.
- “Fading Lights”: Performed solely by Tony Banks, Phil Collins, and Mike Rutherford, this track becomes a poignant moment of reflection. With its intricate instrumental section and lyrics contemplating fading memories, it feels almost prophetic as the band approached a turning point.
- “Home by the Sea/Second Home by the Sea”: The haunting narrative and soaring melodies are brought to life with even greater intensity, with Phil’s vocals and Chester’s live drumming providing extra punch.
The album closes with the celebrated “Drum Duet” between Phil Collins and Chester Thompson. This rhythmic showdown became a highlight of Genesis concerts, and as Chester noted, “the power is just so amazing.”1
‘When we came down to the dressing room afterwards the roadies had put down what tonight’s timing was, because it always got a bit longer’, Phil laughs. ‘They put bets on it and see if we were going to break the 10-minute mark tonight. It was definitely the highlight. Tony Banks would debate because he used to go and have a beer, but it was one of the highlights of the show for sure.’2
Reception and Legacy
Critics and fans were divided on the decision to split the The Way We Walk live albums into two volumes. While The Shorts offered a collection of hits, many felt it failed to capture the full concert experience. Conversely, The Longs provided an immersive exploration of Genesis’ more complex and experimental side, appealing to long-time fans of their progressive era.
Entertainment Weekly criticized The Longs as a “dreary compilation of live epics,”3 yet AllMusic praised it as a “fine way to catch up on the group’s post-progressive days for those who do not want to deal with the pop songs.”4
Despite the divided opinions, The Longs showcases Genesis at their live peak. With all five musicians firing on all cylinders, the album serves as a testament to the band’s unparalleled ability to combine technical mastery with emotional resonance.
Tracklist
- Old Medley: Dance on a Volcano/The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway/The Musical Box/Firth of Fifth/I Know What I Like (19:32)
- Driving the Last Spike (10:18)
- Domino: Part I – In the Glow of the Night, Part II – The Last Domino (11:21)
- Fading Lights (10:55)
- Home by the Sea/Second Home by the Sea (12:14)
- Drum Duet (6:06)
A Fitting Farewell
In retrospect, The Longs feels like a bittersweet goodbye. With standout performances and an impeccable live sound, it captures Genesis’ essence as they straddled the line between their progressive roots and mainstream success. For fans of the band’s epic tracks and virtuoso musicianship, this release remains a gem worth revisiting.
Sources
CHESTER THOMPSON: DRUMMING WITH GENESIS & PHIL COLLINS. FULL INTERVIEW.
Orens, Geoff, ‘Genesis Live: The Way We Walk, Vol. 2 (The Longs) – Genesis | AllMusic’, allmusic.com.
PHIL COLLINS: ON CHESTER THOMPSON – DRUMMING FOR GENESIS !
Wyman, Bill, ‘Genesis Live: The Way We Walk Volume Two: The Longs Review’, Entertainment Weekly (12 February 1993).
- CHESTER THOMPSON: DRUMMING WITH GENESIS & PHIL COLLINS. FULL INTERVIEW. ↩︎
- PHIL COLLINS: ON CHESTER THOMPSON – DRUMMING FOR GENESIS ! ↩︎
- Wyman, Bill, ‘Genesis Live: The Way We Walk Volume Two: The Longs Review’, Entertainment Weekly (12 February 1993). ↩︎
- Orens, Geoff, ‘Genesis Live: The Way We Walk, Vol. 2 (The Longs) – Genesis | AllMusic’, allmusic.com. ↩︎
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