Genesis- one of the biggest bands of the 1980s.
In Chapter 9 of Mix Tapes and Stolen Tests, Mix Tape and Boy-Lee talk about how this band with a long and diverse history became Phil Collins’ second back up band. Perhaps not true, but here’s a little history of the band and Phil Collins.
Genesis was formed in 1967 by members Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Anthony Phillips, Mike Rutherford and Chris Stewart. This line up would release two albums that were not successful. I'm being nice by saying "not successful."
They broke up temporarily until 1970 when Phil Collins joins the band.
The 1970 line up was Peter Gabriel, Mike Rutherford, Steve Hackett, Tony Banks and Collins. They would release more albums that didn’t become successful until 1974 when Genesis released “Lamb Lies Down on Broadway." This album hit #10 in the United Kingdom and #41 in the United States. "Lamb" was a concept album about a young boy meeting people in a quest for self-realization. Peter Gabriel became the star of the band due to his stage antics and costumes. This brought him mainstream British attention, as often happens with lead singers. Gabriel loves the attention so much that he spends more time away from the band until he ultimately leaves the band after the "Lamb" tour.
Phil Collins, the drummer, takes over lead vocals. Steven Hackett would leave the band soon after.
At the time, it seems like the band was over just as they were about to hit it big. Their famous lead singer quit to do art movies. Their guitarist quit to form another band. This band Genesis, stuck together and found bigger fame.
In 1977, they release the album "And Then There were Three." It signified that there were three main band members. This album had shorter songs and was more pop flavored than the prior arty albums of before. This album contains the song "Follow You Follow Me." It would his #23 in the United States.
In 1980, the song "Turn It On" hit #14 in the U.S.
The album Abacab in 1981 was huge for them. It hit #7 in the U.S. It was mainstream and got rock and pop airplay.
Phil Collins releases his first solo album. Unlike in the case of Peter Gabriel, Collins didn't use this to propel himself elsewhere.
In 1984 Phil Collins releases his second solo album No Jacket Required after Genesis released another album. He keeps his Genesis music separate from his solo work.
In 1985 Genesis releases Invisible Touch. This landmark album contains “Invisible Touch," "Throwing It All Away," "Land of Confusion," "In Too Deep," "Tonight Tonight Tonight."
Genesis would get into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
The band found mainstream success after it crumbled apart. Actually both times the band was pretty done, they regrouped and found bigger success.
The power of sticking with something until it works.
Next week I'll join the bandwagon of writers that trash Genesis.