Genesis: Did You Know?
Fun Facts & Lesser-Known Stories About Genesis
Genesis is one of the most iconic and successful progressive rock bands to emerge from the 1970s, known for their evolving sound that transitioned from complex, theatrical prog rock to chart-topping pop in the 1980s. Formed by Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Peter Gabriel, and Anthony Phillips, the band’s lineup evolved over the years, most notably with Phil Collins stepping up as lead vocalist after Gabriel’s departure. While many fans are familiar with hits like “Invisible Touch” and “Land of Confusion,” there are several lesser-known stories and fun facts about Genesis that even hardcore fans might not know. Let’s take a closer look at some surprising aspects of the band’s journey.
1. They Were Named by a Future Music Legend
The name Genesis was actually suggested by Jonathan King, the band’s first producer, who also played a key role in helping them get started in the music industry. King, a songwriter and music producer, discovered the band while they were still students at Charterhouse School. At the time, the band had toyed with names like “The Anon” and “The New Anon,” but King suggested “Genesis,” symbolizing the birth of a new sound in progressive rock. Interestingly, King is also known for discovering 10cc and writing the 1965 hit “Everyone’s Gone to the Moon.”
2. Peter Gabriel Once Dressed as a Flower on Stage
Genesis is well-known for its elaborate and theatrical live shows during the Peter Gabriel era, but one of the most memorable moments was when Gabriel dressed as a giant flower. While performing the song “Supper’s Ready” on the band’s 1972 tour, Gabriel donned a large, colorful flower costume, with petals surrounding his face. This bizarre visual became iconic and was part of Gabriel’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of rock performance. His theatrical antics, which also included wearing fox heads, bat wings, and old-man masks, added an element of surrealism to Genesis’ early prog-rock performances.
3. Phil Collins Auditioned for Genesis in Peter Gabriel’s Parents’ House
Phil Collins, who would later become the lead vocalist of Genesis, originally joined the band as a drummer. When Genesis was looking for a new drummer in 1970, they held auditions at Peter Gabriel’s parents’ house. Collins showed up early for his audition, which gave him a chance to listen to the other drummers’ performances from the swimming pool outside. By the time it was his turn, Collins had learned all the songs by ear and nailed the audition, impressing the band with his skills. This moment led to Collins joining Genesis, and the rest is history.
4. Genesis’ First Album Was a Commercial Flop
Before they achieved worldwide success, Genesis struggled to find their footing in the music industry. Their debut album, “From Genesis to Revelation” (1969), produced by Jonathan King, was a commercial failure. The album’s concept was loosely based on the Bible, and its soft, baroque pop sound was very different from the progressive rock style they would later develop. The album was largely ignored due to poor promotion and distribution; many stores mistakenly placed it in the religious music section because of its biblical title. Despite the failure of their first record, Genesis persisted and eventually found their unique sound.
5. Phil Collins Didn’t Want to Be the Lead Singer
After Peter Gabriel left the band in 1975, Genesis faced a major challenge in finding a new lead vocalist. The band auditioned numerous singers but couldn’t find the right fit. During the recording of “A Trick of the Tail” (1976), Phil Collins, who had been contributing backing vocals, was reluctantly asked to try out for the role of lead singer. Despite his initial reluctance, Collins proved to be a perfect fit, and his smooth, soulful voice brought a new dimension to the band’s sound. Collins stepped into the frontman role while still handling drumming duties and led Genesis to even greater success.
6. They Almost Rejected “Invisible Touch”
Genesis’ 1986 hit “Invisible Touch” became one of their biggest songs, topping the charts in the U.S. and catapulting them to global pop success. However, the song almost didn’t make it onto the album. Tony Banks, the band’s keyboardist, initially didn’t think much of the song and felt it wasn’t up to their usual standard. It was only after the band jammed on it during a studio session that they realized its potential. “Invisible Touch” went on to become one of their most recognizable hits and a pop-rock anthem of the 1980s.
7. They Were Originally Schoolmates
Genesis has a unique origin story that sets them apart from other bands. Founding members Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, and Anthony Phillips met while attending Charterhouse School, an elite boarding school in Surrey, England. The group started as a school band before pursuing music more seriously. Their privileged background was unusual in the rock world, and they faced criticism from some circles for their upper-class roots. However, their undeniable talent and innovative approach to music quickly won them respect and a loyal fan base.
8. Their Longest Song is Over 23 Minutes
Known for their progressive rock roots, Genesis has released some incredibly complex and lengthy songs, especially during their early career. One of their most ambitious compositions is “Supper’s Ready,” a 23-minute, multi-part epic from their 1972 album Foxtrot. The song is considered a masterpiece of the prog-rock genre, featuring numerous shifts in time signatures, key changes, and styles. “Supper’s Ready” is a fan favorite and remains a testament to Genesis’ progressive rock era, when the band wasn’t afraid to experiment with long, intricate musical narratives.
9. Their Music Videos Were Groundbreaking
Genesis made a significant impact not just with their music but also with their innovative and often quirky music videos. The video for “Land of Confusion” (1986) was particularly groundbreaking, featuring puppets of the band members alongside famous political figures like Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. The video used puppets from the British TV show Spitting Image to create a satirical commentary on the political climate of the time. The video was a huge success and won numerous awards, becoming one of the most memorable music videos of the 1980s.
10. Genesis’ Farewell Reunion Was a Record-Breaking Tour
In 2007, after years of being apart, Genesis reunited for their Turn It On Again tour, which became one of the highest-grossing tours of the year. The tour sold out venues across North America and Europe and saw the band perform in front of huge crowds. Their concert at Rome’s Circo Massimo attracted a crowd of over 500,000 people, making it one of the largest free concerts in history. This reunion tour proved the lasting appeal of Genesis and their music, solidifying their legacy as one of rock’s greatest bands.
From their humble beginnings at a boarding school to their rise as progressive rock pioneers and pop superstars, Genesishas had one of the most remarkable careers in rock history. Their ability to evolve their sound while maintaining their musical integrity has allowed them to remain relevant across decades and genres. Whether through Peter Gabriel’s theatrical stage performances or Phil Collins’ soulful vocals, Genesis’ impact on music continues to be felt, making them one of the most influential bands of all time.
One of Genesis' most meaningful song lyrics comes from their 1974 track “The Carpet Crawlers”:
"You gotta get in to get out."
This line, repeated throughout the song, captures a profound sense of personal transformation and existential struggle. It's a metaphor for life's journey, implying that in order to escape or move forward, one must first confront inner challenges and immerse oneself in the experience. The lyric resonates with listeners because it reflects the universal struggle for self-discovery and the search for meaning. Its simplicity and depth make it one of Genesis' most impactful lines, embodying the band's lyrical and philosophical complexity.