Genesis And Bowie - Roots Run Deep

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

New Look For Positively Genesis and New Forum

I have updated the blog with a new design that is easier on the eyes. Also, I am archiving radio and TV interviews. You can find the links on the right hand side of archived material. Just scroll down closer to the bottom and you will find the interviews in chronological order. Really fun to watch. Her is the earliest archive I found back in 1972.

I will be working on adding more interviews from radio and tv and will be updating the blog frequently. Happy New Year Genesis fans. Like us on FB if you get a chance.

A Christmas Wish For Genesis Fans......

Dark and grey, an English film, the Wednesday Play
We always watch the Queen on Christmas Day
Won't you stay?

Oh Genesis.....Christmas is upon us. Dark and dreary in Upstate New York. Thousands of your fans clamoring for something new, as all of your fans around the world are also wishing and wanting more from our favorite band. We have been loyal fans. We have every box set. We watched every documentary. Even the one Steve told us was unfair towards him. That new clip on YouTube is just not enough anymore. We as the fans, have a Christmas wish for you.

Could we have one more album? Classic lineup, the big four, or the big three, it does not matter. We would love one more album. How excited would we be to hear that announcement on Christmas Day. Do something different. We do not care as long as we have the long keyboard solo, the pounding drums and base, and the guitar sections we have grown accustomed to over the years.

Wouldn't it be nice if everyone collaborated for an album. Something that reflects each era. Pete sings on some songs. Steve Hackett and Anthony Philips appear on songs. Phil and Pete sing together as in days past. Mike and Tony provide the foundation as always. How much effort would it take to spend a few days in the studio for one last album? You are all lucky enough to be alive at this stage of the game. Could we not coordinate something for the fans?

A live tour you say? Of course we would love one. The spirit of Christmas allows us fans to consider the possibilities. What an amazing tour it could be. A cameo by Anthony Philips on guitar. Special guests like Simon Collins on Keep It Dark. The tambourine dance. The flute. Give us hints of each era. A section of the Lamb served with silent slumbers....We can dream a little dream but only you can make it a reality.

What a Christmas gift if only to have a midwinters dream of our favorite band. Merry Christmas to all....and to all a good night.

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.