Genesis: Song by Song

A track-by-track analysis of Genesis’s entire catalogue, exploring the band’s evolution from progressive rock pioneers to global pop superstars.

Genesis is one of the most successful British rock bands of all time. Their long and diverse career has not only allowed its three principal members—Phil Collins (vocals, drums), Mike Rutherford (guitars, bass) and Tony Banks (keyboards)—to pursue successful solo careers, it has also divided their fanbase. While some celebrate the band’s early years in the 1970s, characterised by epic rock classics like ‘The Musical Box’ and ‘Supper’s Ready’ and singer Peter Gabriel in his strange masks and costumes, others prefer their chart-topping period of the 1980s and early 1990s, when drummer Phil Collins had taken over the microphone and the band produced hits like ‘That’s All’, ‘Invisible Touch’ and ‘I Can’t Dance’. The common perception of this transition, however, that Genesis went from prog to pop, is wrong. Genesis have always been the most progressive of all the ‘progressive rock’ bands. Without losing their identity they survived the loss of Peter Gabriel and guitarist Steve Hackett and went on to become one of the biggest bands on the planet. Genesis: Song by Song shows what Genesis is all about, analysing every track ever made, with additional commentary on music videos, album covers and reviews from across the band’s history.

Philipp Röttgers is a German writer and musician with a master’s in English literature and culture. He is also drummer in the rock band PARIAHLORD and an expert on the band Genesis. His first book about Genesis was published in 2015, and on his website ‘Genesis – The history of a rock band’ he continues writing news, articles and reviews about the band. Philipp is also passionate about London, his favourite place on the planet. His book London and Its Genius Loci: A Journey Beyond Time and Place was published in 2019.