Genesis must be the most successful high school band of all time. Formed at England’s exclusive Charterhouse school in 1967, they have come, over the course of some fifty years and numerous personnel changes, to exemplify intelligent adult rock music.
From the very beginning Genesis were different. Founding members Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford and Anthony Phillips had musical ambitions well beyond their age, and their earliest work displayed the influence of classical music as much as pop.
By the time they recruited drummer Phil Collins in 1970, the young group had already established a reputation for elaborate, complex songs and dynamic live shows.
When you think of some of the biggest rock bands in the world, many come to mind – Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Beatles. These revolutionary bands have something in common – they all originated in England.
Another one of the biggest bands to come out of England is Genesis. Since its beginnings back in the late 60’s, Genesis has brought rock fans a consistant stream of music with an inconsistant line-up. In the band’s 40+ year history, eleven band members have played with the group. It all started back in 1967, when members from two seperate bands, The Anon (Rivers Job, Richard MacPhail, Rob Tyrell, Anthony Phillips, Mike Rutherford) and The Garden Wall (Tony Banks, Peter Gabriel, Chris Stewart), joined together to make Genesis.
The first lineup included Anthony Phillips, Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks, Peter Gabriel, and Chris Stewart. They sparked the interests of producer/songwriter Jonathan King, who inspired them to take up the title of Genesis.
Peter Gabriel
He is one of the few artists who has not only changed with the times, but has blazed new trails every step of the way during his over-thirty-year career. His metamorphosis from eccentric, theatrical frontman to astute pop artist to world-music enthusiast marks one of the most impressive evolutions in rock history.
Tony Banks
Tony Banks started his career with Genesis in 1967 as the pianist/keyboardist, after the emergence of the Charterhouse School Bands The Garden Wall, which Tony was a member, and The Anon. Tony, who plays with a Bach style, also tends to introduce many excellent sound effects and reinforcing chords to the band’s music. On occasion, Tony has also been known to pick up the guitar.
Michael Rutherford
Mike Rutherford started his career with Genesis in 1967 as their bassist/rhythm guitarist after the emergence of the Charterhouse School Bands The Anon, which Mike was a member, and The Garden Wall. Mike is the only other original member of Genesis, other than Tony.
Steve Hacket
Formerly a member of various minor bands, including Canterbury Glass, Heel Pier, Sarabande and Quiet World, the latter releasing a solitary album on Dawn Records in 1970, Hackett joined Genesis as guitarist in early 1971.
Phil Collins
Phil Collins is one of those very rare breeds of artists who combine musical accessibility and overwhelming popularity with the respect of their most illustrious peers. One of the world’s best-loved vocalists, Phil has also worked with artists as iconoclastic as Brian Eno, Robert Fripp and John Cale.
PHOTOS FROM 70s
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GENESIS TODAY
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