Genesis (band)

Genesis is a British progressive rock group that was formed in 1967 when founding members Peter Gabriel and Tony Banks were still students at Charterhouse School. Genesis was formed from the merger of two separate school bands — The Garden Wall (Gabriel, Banks) and Anon (Rutherford, Philips). The band was christened and managed by Jonathan King and later by Tony Stratton-Smith then Tony Smith. The band enjoyed considerable success in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Genesis' longevity is only outdone by the likes of the Rolling Stones and The Kinks.

The beginning

Genesis recorded its first album, 1969's From Genesis to Revelation, after striking a deal with Jonathan King, a songwriter and producer who had a hit single at the time called "Everyone's Gone to the Moon". The band recorded a series of songs reflecting the light pop style of the Bee Gees, of whom King was very fond, and King assembled these tracks into a pseudo-concept album, piling string arrangements on top of them. The album flopped terribly, and the band, feeling manipulated by King, told him they had broken up in order to get out of their contract with him. To this day, King is infamous among the band and its fans for bragging that he gave Genesis their name and trying to hawk the rights to the first album's songs for re-recording.

Related Topics:
1969's - From Genesis to Revelation - Jonathan King - Bee Gees - Concept album

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Genesis soldiered on, playing what gigs they could get and eventually landing a new deal with the fledgling Charisma Records. Through live performances the band became known for hypnotic melodies that were often dark, haunting, and medieval sounding. Anthony Philips left the band in 1970 after the release of Trespass primarily for health reasons. However, his increasing bouts with stage fright expedited his departure.

Related Topics:
Charisma Records - Medieval - 1970 - Trespass

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The departure of Philips was traumatic for both Banks and Rutherford, as Philips had been a founding member, and the primary force behind the band becoming "professionals." There was also doubt over whether Genesis could go on without him.

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Eventually, the remaining members rallied and renewed their commitment to Genesis, also deciding to sack drummer John Mayhew in the bargain. Phil Collins joined the band late in August of 1970 and the band played a handful of gigs as a four-piece band before (briefly) hiring Mick Barnard to fill in.

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While the band was becoming aware that Barnard was not up to their caliber of musicianship they continued to seek out his replacement. Late in 1970 Steve Hackett placed an ad in Melody Maker that was answered by Gabriel. After an in-home audition with Hackett's brother John accompanying him, Gabriel hired him on the spot.

Related Topics:
Steve Hackett - Melody Maker

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