Source: Speak Up
Language level: Basic
Standard: British accent
The Genesis Reunion
Genesis are back. The 1970s rock heroes have reunited for the first time in many years and, after successfully touring Europe in the summer, Tony Banks, Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford are now bringing their “Turn It On Again” tour to North America.
The band haven’t released a new album since 1991, and they last toured in 1992. Now, these are set to be Genesis’ final US, concerts: as Collins says, “Basically, it’s the last time we are doing it.”
PROGRESSIVE
Genesis were a progressive rock band in the 1970s, when they enjoyed cult success with albums like Selling England by the Pound. Vocalist Peter Gabriel was a spectacular performer who wore bizarre costumes during their live shows. Yet they had their had their greatest success in the 1980s after drummer Phil Collins replaced Gabriel as vocalist. The band revoluntionised their live shows by introducing hypnotic drums machine and incredible lighting. Although fans acused Genesis of selling out, the group became a worldwide success with the 1983 album Genesis and songs like “Mama.”
OUR FANS
Why have Genesis reunited now? Phill Collins says, “Well, we certainly don’t need the money. It’s rewarding to know that so many people still like us.” Initially, they wanted to re-form the 1970s line-up, with Gabriel and guitarist Steve Hackett, and perform their legendary concept album The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway. Unfortunately, Gabriel had other commitments and Hackett refused. In the end, they decided to tour with Phil Collins as vocalist.
The Old School (no audio)
Genesis were formed in 1967 by Peter Gabriel and keyboard player Tony Banks when they were still schoolboys at the exclusive boarding school, Charterhouse, in Surrey, England. They were discovered by record producer Jonathan King, another former Charterhouse student, who gave the band their name. Phil Collins who came from a more modest background, joined the group in 1970 as their drummer. Gabriel left the group in 1975 because the other member felt insistence on bizarre costumes made it impossible to perform serious music. Ironically, the band then became a commercial success, while Peter Gabriel continued as a cult solo artist. In 1966 phil Collins left Genesis: Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford tried to replace him with new vocalist Roy Wilson, but the band finally broke up in 1998;
Mr. Collins
Phil Collins is the most famous former member of the band, thanks to his solo career and hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “Another day in Paradise.” He worked as an actor. He appeared in the American TV series Miami Vice and played a gangster in the British movie, Buster.today he’s an award-writing songs for Disney films like Tarzan, which he has recently adapted as a Broadway musical. The other band members admit their envy of Collins’s success, but Tony Banks says, “we joke about how short he is: he’s a very short man, you know?” The band still hope to reunite with Peter Gabriel next year.
