What if Anthony Philips Stayed In Genesis?

What a great question for Genesis fans to ponder. Imagine if Steve Hackett's contributions never existed and the band had Phillips instead of Hackett.  Consider an alternative universe and what Phillips might have brought to the band. It is a fun question to ponder and provides  a break from the prog debates and Collins/Gabriel discussions. 

Anthony Philips was strong lyricist and composer in his own rights. He influenced the early days of Genesis as credited by Mike Rutherford in his book. After all,  the Musical Box intro was a creation of Phillips. He was an extremely talented guitarist. His work is evident in Trespass. Trespass, provides the transition from their first album to longer songs and deeper tracks of music. We know he brought a creative edge to the music

One question is how strong would have the future albums have been up until Gabriel's departure been if Philips stayed with the band?  Another question, would Phillips have left around the same time of Hackett, or would the timeline have been altered. After all, Phillips was a charter member. Could Phillips have altered the Collins era of Genesis? Steve's estrangement is well documented and he never felt like he truly fit in at times. Maybe Phillips would have been willing to compromise a bit on the creativity front.

Suggesting "No Hackett Required" would be most difficult to imagine. Hackett provided unique signature moments during the Gabriel era. Some would argue this might have changed the success of later albums after Trespass. After all, he has many iconic moments on future albums and live in concert. Hackett along side Banks knew how to navigate the time signatures in live productions to allow for costume changes and Gabriel's transitions during theatrical moments. We never will know how Phillips would have been during this critical time of Genesis. 

For Genesis fans, we can only wonder. There were collaborations with former band members that give us a hint of what future albums may have looked like. For example, The Silver Song gives us a hint of what post Gabriel might look like. A great collaboration with Rutherford and Collins. There was a prog-folk like feel that Phillip brought to early Genesis songs, and it is evident in this song.  

Would Genesis have gone a different path with Phillips staying with the band? It leads to so many additional questions. What about the Lamb? Would the band have made it to the Collins era with the success they achieved. What would have happened to Steve? So many questions can be added to this discussion. What are your thoughts? 

Dreaming While You Sleep

The songs on later studio albums of Genesis sometimes get lost in the discussion of what qualifies to be a great song in the overall Genesis catalog. One of the lost songs that deserves more recognition is Dreaming While You Sleep.

Dreaming While You Sleep is reminiscent of songs like Say It's Alright Joe. A song that has surreal scenarios that take us into a world we may never travel. Yet, we feel what the main character is going through thanks to clever musical time signatures and lyrics.

Dreaming While You Sleep is deceptive in nature. The song has many layers. It allows us in the world of the hit and run driver's mind. First the remorse of hitting someone. Then the visit to the hospital, and the hope that the victim will come out of her coma. And finally, the haunting guilt that the driver feels about leaving the scene of an accident. Certainly, the haunting will never go away, and will imprison the driver for the rest of his life.

There is a feel to this song musically that is uniquely Genesis. Highs and lows are felt throughout the song. Tony, Mike and Phil each contribute to the song with their individual talents. The keyboards are haunting at time. Phil's vocals connects the song emotionally. Mike does some magic with the guitars throughout the song that provides a backdrop for changes in the song. The drums are intense at times, while the background is guided by a synthesized drum pattern that is perfect for the song. You can even hear in the beginning what sounds like a screeching tire, which is replicated by either Mike or Tony. Subtle time changes and you have what is a very dark, surreal song.

Dreaming While You Sleep is deserving of the recognition of a great Genesis song. It is the song that takes the listener to a great place both musically and the lyrics. It is also a great live song. Phil's range of emotions, as with songs in the past, brings the song to life and connects the audience to the studio version.

A Night at the Stanley Theater - "That Jacket" - And Peter Gabriel

By Lenny Giardino and Tim Flihan


Often times, Genesis Fans speak of the spiritual experience of the band. Whether the music, or a chance encounter with a band member, it resonates for a lifetime. One of the best things about Positively Genesis is the people we meet, and the stories we hear to validate how important the band is in music history. Every now and then, a story comes to our Facebook Page or Blog that deserves to be shared with a larger audience.

The Musical Box, Tony Banks and The Preservation Of Genesis

Genesis fans know the gold standard for tribute bands is The Musical Box. Original members of the band have credited them for their tireless efforts to recreate the magic of the early era of Genesis. Originally, The Musical Box focused on their earliest albums, Nursery Cryme, Foxtrot and Selling England by the Pound. Once they found success, they decided to work on a reproduction of the Lamb Lies Down on Broadway tour. A special connection was made in preparation of the tour, as Tony Banks would open of the Farm to the band members so they can learn first hand the subtleties of playing Genesis live for the Lamb. Tony would allow them access to the original 24 track recording of the Lamb, and allow the band to take apart sections that they deemed too difficult to learn. Imagine having the "Maestro" teach each member of the Musical Box the Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. What an experience for the band. Genesis would support their efforts and also give them access to the 1200 slides that were original to the Lamb tour. By providing access to the band's history, The Musical Box provided new fans the opportunity to travel back in to time. This preservation of history can only be appreciated by experiencing the music, along with the theatrics of Peter Gabriel during this time period.  

Tony Banks and Steve Hackett have worked tirelessly to preserve the history of Genesis. Phil, Mike and Peter have also supported the efforts of The Musical Box. Their productions provide new fans the best incite to into the early history of Genesis. Accolades from all the members have been shared at one point about their shows. In a sense, it is the "Broadway" version of Beatlemania. A preservation of the band we love. The Musical Box's success indirectly encouraged other musicians to preserve all eras of Genesis. Thanks to The Musical Box, the preservation of the history of Genesis is in good hands for future generations to learn and enjoy, as did the original fans.