The Genesis Blog Is Progressing.....

Slowly but surely, I have worked on the Genesis blog over the past 6 months. The FB page is also a work in progress. I have met a couple hundred new Genesis fans over the past few months and it is such a pleasure to share the love of their music with them. I will continue to work on the blog and FB page over the coming months. Thanks so much. Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year. I hope 2016 brings us closer to a reunion, new music, and wonderful stories about Genesis.

What Is Your Greatest Genesis Memory That Your Are Thankful For?

Thanksgiving. A time to reflect and give thanks to all things that have positively impacted our lives. Might sound like a crazy question, however I wondered what are fans of Genesis thankful for regarding their music?

Could it be the concerts, the albums, theatrics, Gabriel v. Phil, solos highlighting their work in key songs? All good reasons for connections. Then I ask, is it the emotional side of Genesis that impacts our thankfulness for their music? Did a song get us through a hard time, touch our inner soul, our mind, or just provided years of connections that happen when we listen to them.

For me, it is simply the music. An emotional connection that has lasted for 40 years. It is what makes them unique regarding the impact of their music. While I enjoy many bands and genres of music, Genesis is like comfort food. There when I need them, I always come back to a particular album or song when it feels emotionally right. There is a resonance that never goes away. Positively Genesis....

One For The Vine - A Timeless Story For Veterans Of War

Veteran's Day 2015. Is there a song from Genesis that reminds you of Veteran's Day? For me, One For The Vine addresses the complexity of service to a King or in modern terms a President, or inspiration leader advocating for leading men and women into combat.

A little more about the song.....

One For The Vine is a Banks masterpiece. While set in a different time period, listeners could easily find relevance today, especially with our polices of replacing governments in the Middle East. The main character in One For The Vine learns that power corrupts. He wishes that he never made the decision to lead the many for the will of one. For many, the recent conflicts have many coming home from war with regrets. They saw the hardships left behind our interventions, and began to doubt the wisdom of the "one."

Why Do Critics Give Pete A Pass When It Comes To A Reunion?

Genesis is in the news. A lot of attention has been given to Phil Collins coming out of retirement. He has said he is open to a reunion. The critics are lining up ready to pounce. Why is that the case? Every time the band reunites, the criticism is on Phil. Why is Peter Gabriel never criticized for never considering a reunion?

When Steve, Mike and Phil toured solo over the past 30 years, they have paid homage to their Genesis roots. Pete did in the beginning, but rarely includes their music in a set. Further evidence he does not want to revisit Genesis, at least musically.

Some argue that money is a motivating factor. I think to CAS tour validates that assumption. That is not Phil's fault. His bandmates are concerned about money and that has nothing to do with Phil. Pete could have easily stepped in at any time, especially when Phil was retired.  Pete's  return  could have made for a financially successful tour. Yet all that time, no criticism or pressure for Pete to return to the band.

The facts are the facts Pete showed no interest while Phil was retired. Lets rally and support a reunion with Phil participating. It is the best chance we have to see the band play again.

Does Phil Collins Deserve The Hate?

Before I begin, I am a big fan of Phil Collins. As with all members of Genesis, I have listened to his music for decades. The big 5 of Genesis have enjoyed long musical careers and success. Phil unfortunately is different than his bandmates, as he absorbs an unfortunate amount of criticism for his contributions to Genesis and his solo career.

Phil recently announced he is coming out of retirement. The hate of Phil almost immediately came out of retirement. Online petitions satirically asked for him to stay retired. Why is there such a reaction to Phil Collins unlike his bandmates in Genesis?

 It stems from his height of popularity. Phil was everywhere back in the 80s and early 90s. Saturated beyond belief. Hardcore Genesis fans especially found this to be disturbing and became very critical of his musical contributions.

Phil Collins does not deserve all the hate. He continued with Genesis for over 30 years. He could have just ended his tenure with the band back in 1975. Over the last 40 years, Phil even brought Genesis into his solo projects, introducing more fans to their music. For example, his Big Band Project included Genesis songs and reinvigorated interest in Genesis.

Phil encourage the band to help Peter Gabriel during his financial crisis due to WOMAD. On many projects, he included his former and current band mates as contributors to music soundtracks. (Check out Against All Odds as an example.) He played on their earlier solo projects to help their careers. Phil was always loyal to his band mates when they needed him.

Phil's solo work often gets the most criticism. Yet he was in such demand. Playing with many of his peers. Sting, Clapton, Crosby to name a few. So why the hate?

Phil has acknowledged he was partly to blame. He looks back and understands where some of the hate comes from. He also understands that the criticisms may never end. Truly sad, for Phil took a path that was always inclusive of his musical roots. Phil was loyal to his fans. Phil stayed with Genesis for over 30 years. Let's give Phil a break, and remember his contributions to music as a whole.

Genesis Reunion - What would it look like?

Phil Collins made a dramatic news announcement this week. He is coming out of retirement. Even hinting a Genesis comeback is possible. Genesis fans while excited, need to understand that a reunion involving Phil will not happen until possibly 2017/2018.

The reason for such a long wait is that Phil will come out with his own album and tour. This is typically a 12-18 month process. Anything involving Phil starts off small, however his popularity will increase with the release of his archived music. An entire new generation will be introduced to his music, and his tour will in this writer's humble opinion be larger and more than he expected.

So, fast forward. What will a Genesis reunion look like if it happens. (The reunion will happen if Phil tours successfully) Most likely, the classic lineup of Phil, Mike, Tony, Chester, and Daryl will tour. However, there is hope that a Gabriel reunion is possible. Even with Steve Hackett. The reason is that Steve has been touring for years playing the early Genesis tunes. Pete would most likely finish his most recent tour and the timing for a Genesis reunion may be aligned perfectly, which has always been a problem in the past.

Some have suggested a split of old and new with Phil and Peter taking turns at the helm. I am not sure that this kind of show would be a possibility. If Pete and Steve rejoin for a reunion, people would prefer 1970-1975 songs. Maybe, a Lamb reunion is also an option.

I have a bolder prediction what will happen. I think Phil, Mike and Tony will hit the studio one more time. I think ending Genesis with Calling All Stations is not how the big 3 want to end the history of Genesis. I believe they will come out with one more album supported by a tour. I think individually, they have written songs over the years and held them for a final album. They would come together one more time, and bring all their ideas for a final album. The music will be one of their finest collaborations over their 40 year career. Reminding fans of the past more than the post Abacab era.

Steve Hackett - Carrying The Torch

Steve Hackett has dedicated the past few years keeping Genesis relevant more than any other band member. Tony is not touring. Mike plays a few songs. However it is Hackett that provides the most attention to the classic 5 era.  Truly, it is his efforts that left many fans feel it was unfair how little the Sum of All Parts documentary paid tribute to Steve's efforts.

Genesis fans are longing for a reunion. Steve has said he is open to it. And why not. He has been playing the music and incorporating it in his live concerts for the past 4 years. He is ready more than any other band member. Hopefully, Steve's efforts will be remembered if a reunion is considered in the future.