This week marks the passing of David Bowie. While musically, Bowie and Genesis may seem miles apart, they did travel similar paths. The earliest footage of both artists were archived at the Atomic Sunrise Festival in 1970. They both shared the stage is this event. (What will it take to get the private owner of the footage to release the tapes btw)Peter Gabriel and David Bowie shared a theatrical approach to music. Early in their careers, they were both known for their make-up and theatrical interpretations live in concert. Both artists scaled down and eventually stopped performing theatrically in the mid 70s. The music and stage presentations would continue to thrive and be less dependent on their theatrical presence.
In the 80s, as Genesis grew in popularity, along with Bowie, there music would achieve musical success. Bowie managed to avoid the "pop" criticism that Genesis would forever be knows as a trio. However, he did cross over to mainstream music. Both artists gave the fans a new and refreshed look at their music.
Sadly, David Bowie's passing is also a reminder of for Genesis fans how precious time is for all of us. Just 3 days before his passing, he released his final album. Bowie, during his 18 month battle with cancer courageously gave his fans one more album to enjoy. Hopefully, Genesis will find inspiration to do the same, and give their fans one more album. It is not about having one more album, it is about adding to a catalog of music that changes over time. It is still Bowie, and what Genesis needs to understand that not matter what direction an album goes, it is still Genesis . Lessons learned?
Time will tell.
Maybe a brief quote from a Bowie song is all the inspiration the band needs.....
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
(turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-changes
Don't want to be a richer man
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
(turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-changes
Just gonna have to be a different man
Time may change me
But I can't trace time
