And Then There Were Three.....

Speculation is running high. Fans of Genesis are starting to be hopeful for a reunion. For many fans, they long for the 5 piece reunion of the early Genesis era. For 40 years, fans have been clamoring for the reunion that would include Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett. The closest they ever got was the WOMAD concert. Steve was there for the encores which was the only time the big 5 appeared on stage together after Pete and Steve left the band. Since WOMAD, some fans have increasingly believed in a conspiracy theory that Phil, Mike and Tony are to blame for the lack of reunion of the original lineup from the early 70s.

Conspiracy theories aside, Phil, Mike and Tony will most likely decide on a reunion soon. Logically, the big 3 represent 45 years of Genesis and deserve to decide which lineup will return to the stage. Peter and Steve were in the band roughly 7 years a piece and have little say in the matter.

Financially, Phil, Mike and Tony will fill the larger arenas because they represent the largest part of the music catalog. The same is true for the fan base. The largest part of the fan base is from 1976-1991. The classic lineup from 1970 - 1975 while popular, they would not attract as many fans.

Some fans think that everyone in the band is open to a reunion. The problem is that a reunion is simply is not that easy. Peter has always been resistant to a reunion. Steve is willing to participate in a classic lineup, however the possibility of him playing Invisible Touch one day most likely will not happen. Phil is injured and may have limited percussion capabilities, which means he would have to be out front and sing. Getting them to agree to a set and lineup with 2 lead singers would be extremely difficult and unlikely to make any sense.

From a friendship stand point. Phil, Mike and Tony have been there for each other for 40 years. Priorities changed over time. Once Duke came out, they would work on solo projects and then reunite. Familiar patterns of solo projects and Genesis reunions seem to go hand in hand. With Mike and The Mechanics recently touring, Tony working on repackaging his solo work and Phil possibly releasing new music and touring in 2016. It most likely means that they will reunite in 2017.

Some  fans unfortunately have unrealistic expectations of a reunion. They will bash and blame Phil for a future reunion. Hey, they should have listened to the message sent to fans back in 1978. When the band came out with And Then There Were Three as part of their catalog, the message was clear. Only three remained and that's how it will be.