Genesis Reunion

[gene]

I love the music from both of the Peter and Phil eras. They each offer something unique. Genesis is my favorite band, and just like any band, they can record a few clunkers. But I'll take those odds considering I get to hear things as beautiful yet powerful and yes, ROCKING such as "Mama", "Dreaming While You Sleep", etc... These are songs you never forget.

Another thing I like about them is (even though Tony Banks can be a bit serious/British) they have never taken themselves too seriously. I find that to be quite the redeeming quality. I find it somewhat strange the many of the same people who dismiss Genesis as crap often seem to like bands with substandard musical skill and/or talent. (See: Greatful Dead, Stones). If I have to hear what a great drummer Charlie Watts is again, I think I'll vomit in projectile fashion.

Haha agreed.

Everytime I reflect on my favorite all time rock drum or guitar solos, I almost always come back to Genesis.

Steve Hackett on guitar is a rarity in rock, especially today when the market is flooded with 2 chord rock. Phil/Chester put out incredible drum duets during the instrumental parts of the songs.

Some of my favorite instrumentals of the band (Live of course):
Firth or Fifth
Robbery Assualt and Battery
The Cage
Fading Lights
Abacab (spelling?)
Los Endos

Non Live:
One of the Vine
Burning Rope
Nominue (spelling)

 

[supervij]

A few days ago, I pulled out disc 3 from the Genesis Archive 1967-75 CD set. It's the one with mostly live performances from the 1973 Rainbow concert. And I swear the hairs on my arms were standing on end!

Steve's solo in Firth of Fifth is absolutely gorgeous! There aren't too many performances as good as this (although Steve Rothery's solo in the Marillion song "Easter" comes close for me) when it comes to electric guitar. Usually, you get flashy playing with little technique or talent behind it. But Steve consistently impressed with his playing -- great technique, but very emotional and atmospheric.

The track that killed me was of course "Supper's Ready". At the end, I really did feel like Peter was singing for his life amid some apocalyptic battle between good and evil. It always makes me remember seeing The Musical Box perform this song in Montreal some years ago -- at the end of "Supper's Ready", I had tears running down my face (as did many others) and I was hugging complete strangers. The outpouring of emotion simply overwhelmed me that night, and I could feel some of that coming back, just from listening to this live track.

When it comes to instrumental tracks/sections, Genesis is indeed head and shoulders above most everyone else. While Naminanu doesn't really do it for me, I get such a high from "Do the Neurotic", Abacab (live), Second Home by the Sea (live), Firth of Fifth, Los Endos (live) and The Cinema Show.

I would have LOVED to see/hear the "In the Cage" medley from the Invisible Touch Tour DVD. For some reason, I have a hard time picturing a 1986/87 Phil in the leather jacket singing that song. Damn them for cutting it from the DVD!

Phil's "In the Air Tonight" is what inspired me to first pick up a pair of drum sticks, and I still drum along with a lot of Genesis music. "Second Home by the Sea" (live) in particular. And Phil's and Chester's Drum Duet from the Invisible Touch Tour DVD of course. I love the structure, the rhythms, the improvs and the playing on that so much.

If a reunion tour does happen, I wonder who'd play drums during the Phil-era songs? Peter used to be a drummer himself -- and didn't he play drums at the Milton Keyes reunion show in 1982(?) for "Turn It On Again"? Or would Chester come with them? Chester SHOULD come with them. Just wouldn't seem right, somehow.

cheers,
supervij

 

[birdonthebeach]

I would LOVE to see this. Great music from both eras, in my opinion.

 

[gene]

If a reunion tour does happen, I wonder who'd play drums during the Phil-era songs? Peter used to be a drummer himself -- and didn't he play drums at the Milton Keyes reunion show in 1982(?) for "Turn It On Again"? Or would Chester come with them? Chester SHOULD come with them. Just wouldn't seem right, somehow.

I am quite confident if a reunion tour does happen, Chester will be there as always. I don't think Peter will make it though. Thus I think we will see another Second's Out lineup which would be just fine by me. I have a hard time believing Phil would do a full version of Suppers Ready ever again and I am not sure he has the range left in his voice to do it, but I'd love to see what he and Genesis have cooking, assuming they do. I just hope they don't fizzle out again like they did with the CAS CD with Ray Wilson. If you treat that CD as non Genesis, its somewhat listenable, but laughable when compared to the prior Genesis Album - We Can't Dance.

You can have Genesis without Peter but NOT without Phil. LONG LIVE PHIL

 

[audiofox]

Thanks for the walk down memory lane-my family room is littered with all my Genesis CDs and LPs as I work my way through them again. I only have one experience with Genesis live, at the Irvine Meadows Ampitheater in the 80s-it was glorious, at least what of it I remember.

 

[genesis471]

Well let me just add this:

from http://www.emforum.nl/viewtopic.php?id=2826&p=1

Some interesting news, firstly there is some talk that Genesis maybe getting back together, apparently Gabriel is interested.
Secondly, our Synth Technician Adrian at Synthrestore is currently repairing 3 Prophet 5's that belong to Tony Banks and according to the management company there are around 90 other synths and keyboards to repair.
Time will tell I guess but you just never know.
Just love to see a performance with Watcher of the Skies, The Lamb etc.etc
Cheers
Brendan www.rogue-element.uk.com

&

Today I had the pleasure of playing on some Moog Taurus Pedals, 5 in fact, that all belong to Genesis. Each one had their owners identity on them, Phil, Mike, etc.
They are in for repair at Synthrestore so Adrian called us down from the studio to have a looksee and play.
The latest news regarding Genesis is that it may now only be Mike. Phil and Tony as Peter hasn't decided yet. There is a documentary in the planning and apparently a section of the Lamb Lies Down is to be specially performed for this using the original equipment hence the Taurus pedals in for servicing and repairs.
Cheers
Brendan www.rogue-element.uk.com

&

from www.genesis-news.com

Phil Collins: Genesis Reunion as a three-pice band possible
In a recent interview with Chicago Broadway World, Collins once more said that a big reunion is possible in a couple of years. There are five different time schedules to be organised for that. Collins also said that if nothing happens with the 5-piece band, it is also possible that Tony, Mike and Phil will do something. He also revealed that the trio has already sheduled studio time for jam sessions in October, though nothing further is planned at the moment. 2006/05/22

Just figured I'd stir it up a bit!

 

[genesis471]

From www.genesis-movement.co.uk/


Robert Riggio, NYC (NBC Cameraman 06/15/2006)

Today I had the pleasure of spending some extremely enlightening moments with the master himself, Phil Collins. I am a cameraman with NBC News (the Today Show program) and was fortunate to shoot an interview today with Phil and moderator Lester Holt to be broadcast some time in early August.

He had some pretty candid things to say including having a go at the reunion. He actually said it was being discussed and that it "looked good" that they will do it! Hey, at least he said that and not "I don't think it will be possible". I asked him personally about doing the Lamb again after all these years and he said that he will have to relearn all the parts and add some new twists as well. He also said that he would actually assemble the same drum kit he used back then so the sounds would be authentic and true to the music. Sounds to me this thing is a go some time next year.

We spoke about the Musical Box renditions of the Lamb and he even asked me if they were carrying on with drummer Martin Levac. I have had contact with MB management and they have set a new Selling Tour which will probably be their last before Martin taking over the lead singing role and the band doing 76/77 shows. Phil seemed very intrigued and nodded his head in amusement and amazement that people still come out to see this stuff. Maybe some fuel for getting back with the boys. he also said that while playing the Lamb quite well, they lacked the intensity Genesis played with and said he was very disappointed in himself for not being able to play Musical Box in Geneva, the way he originally did it back then. But he was eager to get behind the kit and have another go at it, this time with his own drums.

Phil will be moving to NY, has a brand new apartment and is working on the Tarzan show.

 

[birdonthebeach]

This all sounds cool. It would really be great if both Peter and Phil would do it. At their age, you would have to think that egos may subside a bit, and the $$$ begins to look good. Maybe not the reason you'd hope they'd do it, but....

 

[muncybob]

Thanks to all this chatter about Genesis I ordered the Wembly dvd from Netflix

unfortunately it had a scratch that I couldn't overcome so I missed 2 songs, but all in all I really enjoyed it! Of course the first thing my wife noticed was Phil with hair! LOL! Some of the lfe was room shaking! ...and, Tony actually cracked a smile or 2 in the documentary part!

 

[genesis471]

This all sounds cool. It would really be great if both Peter and Phil would do it. At their age, you would have to think that egos may subside a bit, and the $$$ begins to look good. Maybe not the reason you'd hope they'd do it, but....

Yes you would think so, but I had read somewhere that Peter said he could make more money touring as a solo artist, which makes sense because there wouldn't be a five way split or whatever. Just don't know about that guy sometimes... just doesn't really want to acknowledge the early Genesis years.

Time will tell.

Mike

 

[birdonthebeach]

That's a good point. And who knows, the ego thing may get worse with with age!!! Or maybe there is a "feud" between some of the guys, a la the Floyd. Does anybody know?

 

[genesis471]

No feud between these guys. I think it is a matter of available time, conflicting schedules etc... and maybe a little stubborness!

 

[thirdy14]

No feud between these guys. I think it is a matter of available time, conflicting schedules etc... and maybe a little stubborness!

Unfortunately, with showbiz media around, every story has its own twist...

 

[MikeEckhardt]

Thought I might bring this one back up since Phil Collins, Tony Banks, & Mike Rutherford are said to be in NY somewhere jamming, and then this: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7005221765
We shall see. I have seen them live several times, and they without fail put on a stunning and perfected show each time.

 

[gene]

Odd that they aren't at the Farm doing rehearsals? Doesn't look like Gabriel or Hackett will be involved. I was at least hoping for Hackett but if Chester and Daryl tour with them it will be great as always.

Last time I saw them was at Tampa stadium for 1 song until Collins ended the show b/c he was ill. I believe that was back in 92 or 94.

 

[MikeEckhardt]

Yes to bad no Hackett or Gabriel, but rumours have it that perhaps 2008, that the two of those will join for a classic lineup reunion.

The Farm is said to be possibly not up to date anymore as it doesn't get much use and/or Phil Collins didn't want to go to England but rather meet in NY somewhere for 'Jam' sessions.

I have tried to get on the official Genesis site genesis-music.com but it is log jammed with traffic that it is completely down now.. no surprise really.

On another note, I have seen many news storys but AOL slammed Genesis by saying that with no PG and SH, it's a PC tour! Pretty rude really since his solo work sounds nothing like G music with the exception of Misunderstanding maybe.
Oh Well! Who cares what they think! I would like a well documented tour filmed in HD of course! That would be great.

 

[gene]

Yes to bad no Hackett or Gabriel, but rumours have it that perhaps 2008, that the two of those will join for a classic lineup reunion.

The Farm is said to be possibly not up to date anymore as it doesn't get much use and/or Phil Collins didn't want to go to England but rather meet in NY somewhere for 'Jam' sessions.

I have tried to get on the official Genesis site genesis-music.com but it is log jammed with traffic that it is completely down now.. no surprise really.

On another note, I have seen many news storys but AOL slammed Genesis by saying that with no PG and SH, it's a PC tour! Pretty rude really since his solo work sounds nothing like G music with the exception of Misunderstanding maybe.
Oh Well! Who cares what they think! I would like a well documented tour filmed in HD of course! That would be great.

I heard the same thing about 2008, but I guess it depends on their success next year. Their Ray Wilson CD was a big mistake. It had potential if they didn't bubble gum it too much. The drumming was so simplistic and sterile which I heard is how Rutherford and Banks wanted it. I love those guys but they need Phil for proper balance since I don't particularly care for their solo music. Phils solo career was great IMO until the early 90s.

Their last album together, "We Can't Dance" was IMO their best work since Duke. I hope they can at least keep that level of music up on their new album and hopefully get to more of their root playing on the tour without doing mini jam melodies. I would like to hear the entire Firth or Fifth, Los Endos, The Cage, etc. We shall see...

 

[MikeEckhardt]

I completely agree with what you say Gene. I think CAS was a mis-calculation and should of been avoided. Of course there are fans who will likely flame me for that statement, but fact of the matter is it didn't do anything for the Genesis name.
I think the trio reforming will do very well even in the US. I hate to say it but it's about brand recognition. Genesis had to cancel the US leg of there CAS tour (as you well know), but I have no doubt that they could just tour now with Phil back in the lineup, with no new material, and succeed.

I would like to see Steve Hackett and Peter Gabriel join in 08 and have them wrap it up if you know what I mean... ahhh a rendition of the Lamb tour if you will (now I'm dreaming)!

Mike

PS I was so excited yesterday evening I damn near took Los Endos (on the Wembley DVD) full volume, my hearing though.......huh?

 

[gene]

Some new news on the Genesis Reunion:

Gabriel
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6067646.stm

Collins
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6064022.stm


An official press release will happen on Nov 7th on the Genesis website that will discuss tour dates and possible new material.

 

[supervij]

No pg in the reunion? That's a shame. Although I'm happy enough with Tony, Phil & Mike. I assume Darryl and Chester will be joining them.

It's funny -- looking at the pic of Phil in gene's second link (and by the way, gene, thanks for providing them!) I get that "old dinosaur supergroup reunion" feeling. Like Crosby, Stills & Nash or some band like that. Too me, Genesis ain't old, but then I realize these guys are in their mid-fifties!

Tour dates . . . it's probably too much to ask that they'll come to my town, cos it's unlikely I'd be able to afford tickets to anywhere else, especially with me saving up for an HDTV. Sigh.

I still can't believe this seems to be happening . . . finally!!!

cheers,
supervij