The history of a rock band
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.
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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 until May 22, 1975, was an unprecedented venture, marked by its innovation, chaos, and lasting legacy. But how did it become one of the most memorable and challenging chapters in Genesis’ history?
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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 1992 tour recordings into two thematic compilations: The Shorts—a collection of their most recent hits—and The Longs, featuring their extended, experimental tracks and a medley from the ’70s.
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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 new phase, both creatively and personally. The group decided to record in a new environment, seeking a place that would inspire their next sonic chapter. They chose Headley Grange, a decaying old eighteenth-century poorhouse in East Hampshire, previously inhabited by artists like Led Zeppelin and Bad Company. But when Genesis arrived, it was in a dilapidated state. The previous occupants had left behind quite a mess, and the house, with its eerie atmosphere, only added to the tension brewing within the band.
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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 loss of his father and complications during his son Harry’s birth, shaped the hiatus that saw Mike successfully releasing The Living Years with Mike + The Mechanics, and Phil Collins achieving massive success with …But Seriously and its accompanying tour. The band reconvened at The Farm, their private studio in Surrey, in March 1991, producing We Can’t Dance over six months. This album would become the final Genesis album with Collins as lead vocalist.
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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 apart from their contemporaries. Recorded at Trident Studios in London under the guidance of producer John Anthony, Trespass was a bold step forward for Genesis, a band on the brink of discovering their iconic sound.
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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 many fans, would become their ‘progressive’ high point.
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On 15 March 2010, Genesis were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks and Steve Hackett were present alongside live members Chester Thompson and Daryl Stuermer. Peter Gabriel did not attend the event. The band was inducted by Phish frontman Trey Anastasio.
By the time Genesis were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they had been in a hiatus for three years. Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks, along with Daryl Stuermer and Chester Thompson, had last been on their ‘Turn It On Again’ in 2007. The tour had been hugely successful.
On this tour, however, Phil Collins had damaged his health. When playing drums, he felt a numbness in his left arm and his fingers. It turned out that he had damaged the nerves in his neck and his back. Years of drumming had taken its toll. With Phil Collins being unable to play the drums, further Genesis live gigs seemed very unlikely.
When it was announced that Genesis would finally be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, rumours started to spread again. Would they all attend? Would Peter Gabriel also join his former bandmates? Would they perform together?
The answer was: no. Peter Gabriel was in preparation for a tour and decided not to take part in the ceremony. Also, he had cut most of his ties with Genesis over the years. He had left the group in 1975 when he was 25 and had started a tremendously successful solo career. Going back to Genesis was not something he wanted. To stop all the rumours right away, he did not attend the ceremony. But the other four ‘classic’ members Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Phil Collins and Steve Hackett did. They were joined by their families and long-time live members Daryl Stuermer and Chester Thompson. The induction speech was held by Trey Anastastio of Phish.
Phish also performed two Genesis songs: ‘Watcher Of The Skies’ and ‘No Reply At All’. One song from each era, but two very odd choices. It was interesting to observe that they struggled much more with the ‘pop’ song ‘No Reply At All’.
Trey Anastasio gave a wonderful speech. Being a musician who is also into complex music, instead of focussing on the obvious stories and tales, he gave a brief insight into the art behind the albums Trespass*, Selling England By the Pound* and Duke. It was a fitting speech for this evening. Genesis were not inducted because they were superstars, but because they were great musicians and performers.
The four ‘classic’ members went onstage and Mike Rutherford, Phil Collins and Steve Hackett said some nice words (Steve’s speech was a bit embarrasing, to be honest) and Mike mentioned that Peter was in preparation for his orchestra tour.
Phil Collins later admitted that he was happy that Peter had not been there, because there would have been questions about a big reunion. Being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame seemed like a cherry on the cake in Genesis’ career. Although it was just a festive occasion, this was to be the last time that Genesis appeared together in public for some years. It was also the last time Chester Thompson appeared with them. Neither the band nor the fans knew at that point.
Trey Anastasio celebrated Genesis in his speech as ‘rebellious, restless and constantly striving for something more.’ This sums up their career perfectly.
Title photo: Genesis on stage during the The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway tour, 1974-75. Source: Wikimedia Commons, Nick Contador/ CC-BY-SA-2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0).
First photo: Genesis live, July 29th, 1992 Kiel, Germany. The Nordmarksportfeld. Source: Wikimedia Commons, Derzsi Elekes Andor/ CC-BY-SA-2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0).
Second Photo: The Way We Walk – The Shorts (Cover).
Third photo: Genesis live, July 29th, 1992 Kiel, Germany. The Nordmarksportfeld. Source: Wikimedia Commons, Derzsi Elekes Andor/ CC-BY-SA-2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0).
Fourth photo: Daryl Stuermer, Chester Thompson and Mike Rutherford, Liverpool Empire, Duke Tour 1980. Source: Wikimedia Commons, Rodhullandemu/ CC-BY-SA-2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0).
Fourth photo: Genesis, Phil Collins, Strasbourg, October 1981. Source: Wikimedia Commons, Philippe Roos from Strasbourg/ CC-BY-SA-2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0).
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