Genesis is a British rock band formed in 1967, known for its evolution from progressive rock in the 1970s to pop-rock success in the 1980s and beyond. To say they were just a ‘prog rock’ band would be doing them a disservice, they were an elite and intelligent bunch of musicians. They were very successful commercially, the band has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and has influenced numerous artists across different genres.
1967 Genesis is formed at Charterhouse School by Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Peter Gabriel, Anthony Phillips, and Chris Stewart.
1970 Release their first album "From Genesis to Revelation” which goes largely unnoticed.
1971 Release "Nursery Cryme” marking the beginning of their progressive rock era.
1973 Achieve critical acclaim with "Selling England by the Pound” featuring the hit "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)."
1974 Release "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” a double concept album considered a masterpiece of progressive rock.
1975 Peter Gabriel leaves the band; Phil Collins steps up as the lead vocalist.
1976 Release "A Trick of the Tail” their first album without Gabriel, which is well-received.
1980 Release "Duke” marking a transition towards a more mainstream rock sound.
1983 Achieve massive commercial success with the self-titled album "Genesis” featuring hits like "Mama" and "That's All."
1986 Release "Invisible Touch” which includes the title track, their only U.S. number-one single.
1991 Release "We Can't Dance” featuring hits like "No Son of Mine" and "I Can't Dance."
1996 Phil Collins leaves the band; Ray Wilson takes over as lead vocalist for "Calling All Stations" (1997).
2007 The band reunites for the "Turn It On Again" tour with Collins, Banks, and Rutherford.
2021 Announce "The Last Domino?" tour, marking their final performances.
Current Members
Tony Banks – keyboards
Mike Rutherford – bass guitar, guitar
Phil Collins – drums, vocals (inactive due to health issues, but still considered a member)
Former Members
Peter Gabriel – vocals, flute
Anthony Phillips – guitar
Steve Hackett – guitar – went on to Mike and the Mechanics
Chris Stewart – drums
John Mayhew – drums
Ray Wilson – vocals
1988 Best Concept Music Video for "Land of Confusion."
1. "Invisible Touch” Their most commercially successful song, topping the U.S. charts.
2. "I Can't Dance” A hit from "We Can't Dance” known for its catchy rhythm and memorable music video.
3. "Land of Confusion” Famous for its politically charged lyrics and iconic puppet-filled music video.
Phil Collins
Genesis has always been unpredictable, and we've always been open to change.
Peter Gabriel
Leaving Genesis was the hardest decision of my life, but it was necessary for my growth as an artist.