Genesis are unique amongst the bands we grew up with and not just for their sound. Phil Collins left Genesis in 1991 after 20 years. The band broke up calmly and amicably, and have remained the best of friends since, something unheard of from top stadium-rock bands – think Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin et.. Nick Mason (of Pink Floyd) when asked about how bands should break up, said “Genesis. I wish we could have broken up like Genesis”. The break-up announcement issued by Mike Rutherford & Tony Banks on Collins’ leaving:  “For the past 20 years, drummer Phil Collins has been temping as a singer, to great acclaim. Now however he has decided to move on in order to concentrate on his solo projects.” ???

‘That’s All’ and ‘Mama’ were the first Genesis songs I heard. They were regularly on Radio Australia., but for some reason, Genesis’ prog-rock sound was never big in Delhi.  It was only in ‘86 with ‘Invisible Touch’ that India took notice! I clearly remember watching the video in WH common room that year on the Grammy curtain raiser! The song was all over MTV that year as Genesis hit # in the summer…… until ‘Invisible Touch’ was knocked off the #1 spot that summer – by ‘Sledgehammer’ from a certain Peter Gabriel…….Phil Collins’ predecessor as the lead singer of Genesis!

If you think about it, very few bands have members who have fantastic solo careers. All I can come up with are Beatles & McCartney/Lennon/Harrison, Simon & Garfunkel & Paul Simon, Police & Sting, Dire Straits & Mark Knofller….and Genesis & Gabriel/Collins/Rutherford. What’s incredible is that Phil & Mike (he is the Mike from Mike & The Mechanics) had amazing solo careers while they were in Genesis – delivering mega hits as band members and as individuals – something no other band has ever done ?!

Genesis’ last album ‘We Cant Dance’ came out in ’91. The title track was on repeat on MTV and I remember Nidhi & I, newly-weds, watching it a gazillion times through the spring of  ’92 in our first flat. It’s a nice enough bluesy number, with a terrific hook. The video is a hilarious parody of Michael Jackson and is a must-see! (yes I know that’s outside the 70s-80s limit but it’s my blog and I’m allowed to tweak the rules?)

I can’t dance?

Mama