Genesis is Back!

Phil Collins may have hit his peak a few decades ago, but with a new generation discovering his solo hits like "In the Air Tonight" and "You'll be in my Heart" from the Tarzan soundtrack, Collins is suddenly on everyone's playlists once again. But while Collins may be best known today as a solo artist, his former band, Genesis, was once massively popular. What's more is that the band has actually spawned several mega-famous musicians with monster solo careers of their own.

Now, with the announcement of a Genesis reunion tour, it's time to catch up on the band's history and its major music-making players. First, a bit of history on the band itself. Genesis was formed in Surrey, UK back in 1967. It may surprise some to know that Phil Collins was not an original band member, though he would go on to make the band more commercially successful.

Original member Peter Gabriel was once the frontman for Genesis, and if that name sounds familiar, that's because Gabriel had a massive solo career of his own, which produced hits like "Sledgehammer", "Solsbury Hill", and "Shock the Monkey", throughout the 70s and 80s. One of his best known songs, "In Your Eyes", was famously played in the cult classic film Say Anything, making it an instant classic. But back when Gabriel was providing vocals for genesis, his sound wasn't quite so popular.

While Genesis did have some critical acclaim during the Gabriel years, the band's image was not one one of pop celebrity, leading the band to decline an offer to appear on Top of the Pops in 1974. Gabriel's relationship with the band had also become strained around this time, leading him to eventually depart from the band entirely.

After several major changes in the band, both musically and among its members, Phil Collins, who had come onboard as a drummer in 1970, was promoted to frontman in 1975. Collins would then lead the band creatively to popular success through the 80s and early 90s with hits such as "Land of Confusion", "I Can't Dance", and "Follow You Follow Me".

While Collins would depart the band in the 90s for a solo career of his own, his legacy as Genesis frontman arguably eclipsed Gabriel's in terms of commercial and popular success, as well as solidifying Genesis as a mainstay of the prog-rock era.

While many people recognize the importance of Genesis in providing a launchpad for the careers of Peter Gabriel and Phill Collins, the other members of the band are often forgotten. This is especially true of Mike Rutherford, who may be better known as the frontman of the popular English supergroup, Mike and the Mechanics.

Mike and the Mechanics found themselves regularly played on mainstream radio during the late 80s and early 90s with hits such as "All I Need is a Miracle" and "In the Living Years". The band received multiple Grammy nominations, including for record of the year and song of the year.

Now with word that Collins, Rutherford, and third member Tony Banks have reunited to bring Genesis back for a tour, many are wondering if the band will be met with the same acclaim it once was. However, with so many hits to choose from, a musical legacy that spans decades, and a lineup that has withstood multiple changes, it appears that tickets will still be selling out once concert dates are announced. This tour is sure to be the talk of the town, make sure to keep a look out for on-sale dates. You won't want to miss this one!