Genesis Biography

Starting out as a progressive rock band, Genesis brought transformations in their sound thus becoming one of the most successful pop-rock bands of the 80s and 90s.

Early Formation

Their beginnings date back to 1965 with the merging of two bands and calling themselves New Anon. Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Michael Rutherford and Anthony Phillips released a demo which was supported by producer Jonathan King. He also changed their name to Genesis.

Career Beginnings and Changes

Their sound at this time was leaning towards lyrical folk-based progressive pop with a psychedelic form that was very popular at the time. From Genesis to Revelation was released as Genesis’ debut album with little regard from the press or public. Discouraged by the lack of feedback, the band re-formed the same year with new drummer John Mayhew. Under the new record label Charisma, they released the second album Trespass in 1970. Drummer Mayhew left and was replaced by Phil Collins and guitarist Phillips was replaced with Steve Hackett. Thanks to these changes the music got more exciting and witty with the arrival of Nursery Cryme. Gabriel’s art performances and the storytelling of the music was turning Genesis into a multimedia event.

Breakthrough

Foxtrot the next LP, proved to be the highpoint of their career. The 1972 project was much more sophisticated with complex lyrics. Supper’s Ready became their first charting song with spot 12 in the UK. Their live performances were unique, introducing theater on the rock scene. Selling England by the Pound, revealed the following year was the band’s biggest selling album peaking at number 3 in the UK. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway was a successful project, selling more than expected. Lead singer Gabriel, however, left the group because of creative differences. Phill Collins took his place as the lead singer. Returning as a quartet, they released Trick of the Tail becoming their best charting album. The 1977 Wind & Wuthering was issued next with the pop-appealing track Your Own Special Way. Hacket left next with no permanent official replacement. The hit single Follow You, Follow Me got the group its first gold record award. Next followed two more pop based albums with Duke in 1980 and Abacab 1981. Both LPs topped the charts in England and entered top 10 in America. After a successful self-titled album, their most successful commercial album to date was issued as Invisible Touch. 

Solo Careers and Hiatus

After a 7 year break as Genesis, the group was back with the number 1 album We Can’t Dance. During that time each member had worked on their own material, with Collins becoming a worldwide name. This was his last album with Genesis. Ray Wilson became the lead vocalist on the 1997 LP Calling All Stations which displeased critics and fans. Wilson left after supporting the album with a tour. Genesis did not release any original material following the next 10 years. In 2007 a tour reunion was made possible with Collins, Banks, and Rutherford. The next years were filled with re-releases and re-mastering of past content making Genesis one of the most documented groups of that generation.

Photo credit: World of Genesis