Genesis

radio2

Formed 1967.

English rock band

Genesis David Warner Ellis Photography/Redferns

Biography

Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967. The band consist of their three longest-tenured members - Tony Banks (keyboards) and Mike Rutherford (bass, guitar), who were founding members; and Phil Collins (vocals, drums), who first joined in 1970. Past members Peter Gabriel (vocals, flute), Steve Hackett (guitar) and Anthony Phillips (guitar) also played major roles in the band in its early years. Genesis are among the top highest-selling recording artists of all time, with approximately 130 million albums sold worldwide.

In the late 1960s, with the release of their first album, Genesis's music was initially regarded by the band and the fans as a pop experiment, referring to then-popular melodic pop. Then, over the course of a year, (beginning with their second album in mid-1970) they quickly evolved into a progressive rock band with the incorporation of complex song structures and elaborate instrumentation. Their concerts became theatrical experiences with innovative stage design, pyrotechnics, extravagant costumes and on-stage stories. This second phase was characterised by lengthy performances such as the 23-minute "Supper's Ready" and the 1974 concept album, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. In the late '70s and early '80s the band's musical direction changed once again, becoming more pop oriented and commercially accessible. This resulted in their first top 40 single in the US with "Follow You Follow Me", their first number one album in the United Kingdom, Duke, and their only number one single in the United States, "Invisible Touch".

Wikipedia This entry is from Wikipedia, the user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors and is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. If you find the biography content factually incorrect, defamatory or highly offensive you can edit this article at Wikipedia. Find out more about our use of this data.

Links & Information

Members

Latest News Stories

News from the BBC

  1. Genesis honoured at prog awards

    Thu 6 Sep 2012 06:07

    Veteran rock band Genesis are honoured at the first Progressive Music Awards,...
  2. Recession in rock?

    Sun 26 Dec 2010 00:33

    Are audiences for live music cutting back their spending?
  3. Abba receive Hall of Fame honour

    Tue 16 Mar 2010 08:40

    Abba are inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with British band...

BBC Reviews

  1. Live Over Europe 2007

    Review of Live Over Europe

    Reviewed by Chris Jones

    An efficient souvenir of this year's reunion tour by the prog trio...
  2. The Platinum Collection 2004

    Review of The Platinum Collection

    Reviewed by Chris Jones

    From cool to critically reviled. From worthy to wealthy. Genesis' story is an...
  3. The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway 1974

    Review of The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway

    Reviewed by Daryl Easlea

    The band's final album with Gabriel is a conceptual masterpiece...
  4. Selling England By The Pound 1973

    Review of Selling England By The Pound

    Reviewed by Chris Jones

    The band's commercial breakthrough, and the first to contain a hit single!
  5. Foxtrot 1972

    Review of Foxtrot

    Reviewed by Chris Jones

    Featuring their side-long epic, 'Supper's Ready'. Apocalyptic prog!
  6. Nursery Cryme 1971

    Review of Nursery Cryme

    Reviewed by Chris Jones

    The first album with the 'classic' line-up is a masterpiece of Edwardian rock!

BBC © 2013 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.