Genesis and Peter Gabriel: The Legacy Continued

In the mid-1970s, when Phil Collins replaced Peter Gabriel as the lead vocalist of Genesis, the band continued to perform several songs originally sung by Gabriel. This article explores the collaborations and transitions that occurred during this period, focusing on the musical legacy and how Genesis adapted to their new lineup.

From Gabriel to Collins: The Transition

When Phil Collins took over as the frontman in the band, Genesis did not abandon the earlier work that featured Gabriel's vocals. They continued to perform and record songs that were originally introduced by Peter Gabriel. This transition was not sudden but rather a gradual process where the band members blended their new dynamics while honoring their musical roots.

Notable Songs and Albums

Some of the standout tracks that were reinterpreted during this period include:

"And the Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" "Supper's Ready" "Watcher of the Skies"

Performances and Recordings

Genesis performed a wide range of songs during this era. Notable performances include:

"With the Mountain" The Knife (Shortened Version) "The Musical Box (Closing Section)" Watcher of the Skies (Intro) The Fountain of Salmacis Supper's Ready Dancing with the Moonlit Knight I Know What I Like Firth of Fifth Cinema Show Back in New York City Carpet Crawlers Lilywithe Lilith The Stagnation and Colony of the Slippermen

Live Performances and Reissues

During live performances, Genesis included many of these songs in their setlists, and they often performed these in the encore sections. A notable example is the performance in Birmingham in 1977:

Eleventh Earl of Mar Carpet Crawlers Robbery Assault and Battery Your Own Special Way Squonk One for the Vine Firth of Fifth All in a Mouse's Night Supper's Ready I Know What I Like In Your Wardrobe Dance on a Volcano Drum Duet Los Endos Encore: The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway Encore: The Musical Box

The Double Live Album

A highlight of this period was the release of a double live album, The Structure of Reality, in 1998. This album captured Genesis' performances and featured the songs that audiences had come to love during Peter Gabriel's tenure with the band.

Conclusion

Phil Collins brought a unique energy and vocal style to Genesis, adapting to the songs originally sung by Peter Gabriel and making them his own. The band's continued performance of these tracks demonstrated their dedication to their musical legacy and the enduring appeal of Genesis' catalog.

Further Reading and Listening

The Structure of Reality (1998) – Double live album including performances of Gabriel-era songs with Phil Collins Concerts from 1975–1976 – Many of the songs mentioned in this article can be found on YouTube or other music platforms YouTube channel (PhilGenesisDB) – Resources for fans interested in the transition period and the performances of these songs “And the Lamb Lies Down on Broadway”

First released in 1974, “And the Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” was a staple of Genesis' live shows and record collection. The song's complex and imaginative narrative made it a favorite among fans and critics alike.

“Supper’s Ready”

This opus, released in 1974, was a multi-part suite from “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.” It showcased the band's ambitious and diverse musical style, making it one of their most celebrated works.

“Watcher of the Skies”

A memorable instrumental piece from the same album, “Watcher of the Skies” introduced a haunting composition that helped establish Genesis' unique sound.

“With the Mountain”

This track, from 1974, features Gabriel's vocals and demonstrates the band's early work with him.

The Knife (Shortened Version)

A shorter, more dynamic version of the song, this track showcases Collins' shift in vocal style and the band's willingness to adapt their earlier material.

The Musical Box (Closing Section)

This piece, originally from “Dog utan K?nd Hylla,” was reimagined by the band with Collins' vocals.

Watcher of the Skies (Intro)

The instrumental introduction to “Watcher of the Skies” provides a foundation for song's atmospheric mood, now performed by Collins.

The Fountain of Salmacis

This track from “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” delves into a dream sequence, showcasing the band's imaginative storytelling and musical prowess.

Supper's Ready

“Supper's Ready” is one of the band's most ambitious works, a progressive rock masterpiece that combines complex lyrics with intricate musicianship.

Dancing with the Moonlit Knight

This track showcases Gabriel's vocal style before Collin's take on the song, offering a comparison of the vocal nuances.

I Know What I Like

Included in A Trick of the Tail, this song's lyrics and melody were adapted for Collins' vocal performance.

Firth of Fifth

This track from the A Trick of the Tail album demonstrates the band's ability to craft intricate and ethereal music.

Cinema Show

Another instrumental piece from “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway,” this track features a unique and atmospheric composition.

Back in New York City

This track reflects on the band's experiences in various cities, including New York, and features Collins' vocals.

Carpet Crawlers

Included in the Dogs album, this track showcases the band's signature complex arrangements and vocal performances.

Lilywithe Lilith

This track, from a collab album with Peter Gabriel, showcases the vocal contrast and style between Gabriel and Collins.

Stagnation and Colony of the Slippermen

Although not performed live during the Gabriel era, a snippet of these tracks can be found in The Structure of Reality, capturing the essence of the band's evolution.