March 16th, 2015 By Jim Laugell
I could have very easily chosen a number of other Genesis albums but I decided on this one simply because it features what is perhaps the most significant song in all of progressive rock: “Supper’s Ready.”
My introduction to Genesis occurred 41 years ago and had one of the most profound impacts on my personal musical journey. On that night, in May of 1974, a friend asked if I wanted to see a concert. He had a few extra tickets for a Genesis show and no one to join him. I never heard of the band and for some reason thought they were probably some sort of acoustic act.
As far as I recall, my friend knew little about the band as well. I believe someone just gave him the tickets. With nothing better to do I decided to check it out. When we arrived at the venue and had taken our seats I remember my curiosity ratcheting up when the pre-concert music over the P.A. was Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells. This signaled to me that I was probably going to hear something unexpected.
Sure enough, when the lights went down and the crowd quieted, the opening chords to “Watcher Of The Skies” begins. I immediately leaned forward in my seat totally consumed by the sound of the mellotron.
Few Words from the Author
All started back to 70’s, the time I was student in Montreal, Canada. On Sunday, April 21st, 1974 I was attending a Genesis concert, at the Auditorium Center of Montreal University. I will never forget the intro “Wacher of the skies” and the “illuminated Eyes” on the backdrop stage to open.
As a true admirer of Peter Gabriel and Genesis’ creativity, I have always been wanted in getting as many information as possible about their music.
The records were all there to listen and enjoy, but was that enough? Never!!!
When I decided to add my small contribution on the 50th Anniversary of Genesis’ Album “Foxtrot” to the web, I obviously wanted to talk about Genesis masterpiece “Supper’s Ready”. What I’m offering here is a collection of critically evaluated information about their Foxtrot discography and live performing activity, until the day Peter Gabriel resign from the group, in 1975.
I know this might sound like something for hardcore fans only, but that does not necessarily mean it is useless. My best hope is that this website effort may become a serious reference for the true fan and a nice approach for anyone to the wonderful world of Genesis, beyond the albums. I would like to thank all the fans out there, friends and material contributors for their wonderful work collecting the rarest items from that period.
An unforgettable era. The Peter Gabriel’s Era !