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Everyone likes the band Genesis. There are those who won’t listen to anything in the post-Peter Gabriel era and those who prefer the Phil Collins-led Genesis. The band Genesis was, formed in 1967 at Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey. They are a British rock band known for its progressive, art rock style in the early years, transitioning into more pop-oriented music in the 1980s when Phil Collins took center stage. Over the decades, the band underwent several lineup changes and stylistic shifts. They released numerous albums, achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. The band’s members have also achieved significant success in their solo careers. Despite several hiatuses, Genesis has remained influential in the rock genre, known for their intricate compositions, innovative music videos, and elaborate live shows.
Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel was the original lead vocalist, joining Genesis at its inception in 1967 and leaving in 1975. His theatrical stage presence and distinctive voice were crucial in the band’s early progressive rock phase. Gabriel contributed significantly to albums like “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” and “Foxtrot.” After releasing several albums with Genesis, including the critically acclaimed “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” in 1974, Gabriel embarked on a solo career in 1975. His departure marked a significant shift for both him and the band. As a solo artist, Peter Gabriel has released nine studio albums, from his self-titled debut in 1977 to “Up” in 2002. His work is known for its innovative use of technology and exploration of world music influences.
Gabriel’s solo career has been marked by significant chart success and critical acclaim. His 1986 album “So” is often considered his best work, featuring hits like “Sledgehammer” and “In Your Eyes.” “Sledgehammer” was particularly successful, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and winning numerous awards, including a record nine MTV Video Music Awards. Gabriel has also been recognized with six Grammy Awards throughout his career.
Apart from his music, Gabriel has been involved in various humanitarian efforts and is known for co-founding the WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) festival, promoting world music and arts. He’s also been a prominent advocate for human rights, using his platform to bring attention to global issues.
Tony Banks
Tony Banks, a founding member of Genesis, has been the band’s keyboardist since 1967. His classically influenced keyboard playing and songwriting have been central to the Genesis sound across all their albums. Banks has been involved in the composition of much of the band’s material, contributing to their evolving style over the years. Outside of Genesis, Banks has released several solo albums and film scores.
Mike Rutherford
Mike Rutherford, another founding member, has been with Genesis since its formation. He initially played bass and rhythm guitar and later took on lead guitar duties as well. Rutherford’s role in the band has been pivotal, contributing to songwriting and the group’s evolving sound. He played on all Genesis albums.
Beyond Genesis, Rutherford founded Mike + The Mechanics in 1985. This side project allowed him to explore a more pop-rock and adult contemporary style. Mike + The Mechanics released several albums, with their debut self-titled album in 1985 and “Living Years” in 1988 gaining particular acclaim. The single “The Living Years” from their second album became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 in the US and several other countries.
Anthony Phillips
Anthony Phillips was the original lead guitarist of Genesis, playing with the band from 1967 to 1970. He played on their first two albums, “From Genesis to Revelation” and “Trespass.” His departure was partly due to stage fright and a desire to explore different musical avenues. Phillips later pursued a solo career, focusing on instrumental music and film scores.
Steve Hackett
Steve Hackett joined Genesis in 1971, replacing original guitarist Anthony Phillips. The core lineup during Hackett’s tenure included Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, and Phil Collins. Hackett’s arrival marked the beginning of what many fans consider Genesis’ “classic” period. During his time with Genesis, the band released six studio albums with Hackett: “Nursery Cryme” (1971), “Foxtrot” (1972), “Selling England by the Pound” (1973), “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” (1974), “A Trick of the Tail” (1976), and “Wind & Wuthering” (1976). These albums were crucial in establishing Genesis as a leading progressive rock band. “Selling England by the Pound” and “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” are often cited as some of their best work, showcasing Hackett’s innovative guitar techniques.
Hackett left Genesis in 1977 to pursue a solo career, which has been prolific and diverse. He has released over 25 solo studio albums, exploring various genres from progressive rock to classical guitar music. His first solo album, “Voyage of the Acolyte” (1975), was recorded while he was still with Genesis and is highly regarded among progressive rock circles. Albums like “Spectral Mornings” (1979) and “Wolflight” (2015) showcase his skill and versatility as a guitarist and composer.
Apart from his solo career, Hackett has been involved in various collaborations and projects. He has been a part of the supergroup GTR with Steve Howe and has participated in several Genesis reunions and tributes.
Phil Collins
Phil Collins joined Genesis in 1970 as the drummer and became the lead vocalist after Peter Gabriel’s departure in 1975. Genesis, with Collins on drums, released their first album with him, “Trespass,” in 1970. However, it was after the departure of lead singer Peter Gabriel in 1975 that Collins stepped into the role of lead vocalist, beginning with the album “A Trick of the Tail” in 1976. This transition marked a significant shift in Genesis’s sound and popularity.
Under Collins’ lead, Genesis released several successful albums. Their studio album count stands at 15, including notable works like “Duke” (1980) and “Invisible Touch” (1986), the latter becoming their best-selling album. They also have released six live albums, showcasing their dynamic performances. The band’s style evolved over time, shifting from progressive rock in their early years to a more pop-oriented sound in the 1980s.
Genesis achieved considerable chart success, with numerous singles and albums reaching high positions in both the UK and the US. “Invisible Touch” spawned several hit singles, including the title track, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US.
Parallel to his work with Genesis, Phil Collins launched a solo career in the 1980s. His solo discography includes eight studio albums, with “Face Value” (1981) being his debut. His solo work has been characterized by a blend of pop and rock, with a distinctive use of drum machines and atmospheric production.
Collins achieved substantial success as a solo artist, with hits like “In the Air Tonight,” “Against All Odds,” and “Another Day in Paradise.” His solo albums have sold millions worldwide, and he’s known for his emotional and atmospheric songwriting. Collins won an Academy Award for “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Disney’s “Tarzan,”
Ray Wilson
Ray Wilson joined Genesis as the lead vocalist for the 1997 album “Calling All Stations,” following Phil Collins’ departure. His tenure was short-lived, as the band did not release any more studio albums after “Calling All Stations,” and effectively went on hiatus in 1998. Wilson, previously a member of the band Stiltskin, continued his music career with solo projects and collaborations.
GENESIS EARLY BAND MEMBERS
Chris Stewart
Chris Stewart was the original drummer for Genesis, playing with them during the very early days in 1967 and 1968. His time with the band was during their formative period at Charterhouse School in Surrey, England. Stewart’s contributions were during the band’s initial phase when they were developing their sound and identity. He didn’t participate in any recording sessions with the band, as Genesis’s debut album, “From Genesis to Revelation,” was released in 1969, after his departure.
John Silver
John Silver replaced Chris Stewart on drums in 1968. His period with Genesis was still in the early stages of the band’s evolution. Silver was part of the lineup that recorded the band’s first album, “From Genesis to Revelation” (1969). This album marked the beginning of Genesis’s journey in the music industry, though it was quite different in style from the progressive rock sound they would later become known for. Silver’s contribution to this album was significant in setting the groundwork for the band’s future direction.
John Mayhew
John Mayhew joined Genesis following John Silver’s departure, playing drums and providing backing vocals from 1969 to 1970. Mayhew was part of the band for their second album, “Trespass” (1970). This album represented a shift towards the progressive rock genre that Genesis would eventually become synonymous with. Mayhew’s tenure, though short, was crucial as it bridged the early formative sound of the band to their more recognized progressive rock era. Mayhew left the band in 1970 and was replaced by Phil Collins.
Mick Barnard – Guitar
Mick Barnard’s time with Genesis was brief but came at a pivotal moment. He joined the band in 1970 as a guitarist, replacing Anthony Phillips. Barnard’s tenure was a transitional period for Genesis, as they were evolving their sound and seeking a new direction following Phillips’s departure. While Barnard did not record any studio albums with the band, he was involved in their live performances and helped maintain the band’s continuity during this phase of change. His time with Genesis ended when Steve Hackett joined the band in 1971, marking the beginning of what many consider the classic Genesis lineup.
Complete List Of Genesis Band Members article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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