Genesis English rock band Genesis has enjoyed nearly forty years of success, making them one of the most prolific and best-selling bands in history. Beginning in 1967, the founding members were Peter Gabriel and Tony Banks. They quickly enlisted Anthony Phillips, Chris Stewart, and Mike Rutherford, and they were well on their way to releasing their debut album, From Genesis to Revelation. The band members shifted for the next several years, losing Stewart and gaining John Silver followed by John Mayhew. Although their first album was not a huge commercial success, the band’s following was developed through frequent touring. While this plan worked well for the band, Phillips soon found himself thrust in front of extremely large crowds on a regular basis. He was struck with stage fright and poor health, which ultimately necessitated his leaving the band. The band reeled from the loss but eventually regrouped to continue. By 1972, they released the album Foxtrot, considered by many to be their seminal work. All the while, their stage act continued to draw crowds with its complex costuming and elaborate laser presentation. Many of their albums released in the 70s influenced later rock names such as Eddie Van Halen.
Success was present, but intra-band pressure began to develop as well. Gabriel left in 1975 to pursue a solo career, which shocked many fans. The late 70s were some of the most simultaneously prosperous and tumultuous for the band, culminating in a brief hiatus for 1979. When they returned in the 80s, their sound had altered drastically from progressive to pop. 1986 brought their highest selling album with Invisible Touch. It contained an impressive five singles, all of which broke into the US top 5 at various points. Continuing their pop culture popularity, their single “Tonight, Tonight, Tonight” was played during a frequently aired beer commercial, while “In Too Deep” was featured in the Neil Jordan film Mona Lisa starring Bob Hoskins, Michael Caine, and Robbie Coltrane. Again, success was followed by yet another hiatus, this one lasting until 1991. Their return album, We Can’t Dance, which featured a tribute to Eric Clapton’s son Conor, would prove to be Collins’ last. He left in March 1996. The band’s configuration was yet again shifted, and this time, the resultant album was not quite as popular, failing to reach the US Billboard Top 50. This prompted a hiatus that left some band members feeling snubbed and bitter. It looked to be all over for the band until November 7, 2006 when they announced plans for a tour taking place summer of 2007. Gabriel, however, could not attend.
Minus Gabriel, the band also participated in the charity concert, Live Earth, beside the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Duran Duran, Madonna, and others. Former band members have stated that a reunion or new album in any form is highly unlikely. | 
